Raymond H. Walkonen

WINCHENDON – Raymond H. Walkonen, 82, of 377 Central Street, Winchendon, died peacefully Thursday, September 27th in Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

He was born in Gardner on September 4, 1930, the son of the late Hjalmari and Helmi (Tikkann) Walkonen.  Ray grew up in Gardner and graduated from Gardner High School.  For many years, Ray was a resident of Winchendon.

Ray worked as a postal carrier in the Town of Winchendon for many years until his retirement.    He proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal.  He was a life member of Eugene M. Connor Post 193 American Legion and was an active member of AARP.

An avid outdoorsman, Ray loved to hunt and fish.  He was a member of Rice Meadow Fly Fishing Club in Westminster and went on many fishing trips, including salmon fishing.  Ray was proud of his Finnish heritage and was a great story teller.

He was predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Rosalie M. (Boucher) Walkonen, who died in 2006 and a son, James Raymond Walkonen, who died in 1961.  He leaves two cousins, Paul Walkonen and his wife Rosalie of Jaffrey, NH and Deborah Dunlap of Antrim, NH, as well as many friends.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 2nd at 10 A.M. in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon.  The Rev. David R. Cote will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will follow in Massachusetts Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery.

Calling hours in the funeral home are Monday, October 1st from 6 to 8 P.M. with a Legion Service at 7 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made the charity of one’s choice.

www.stone-ladeau.com

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