In loving memory of Elton ‘Gerald’ Tikka

Elton Gerald Tikka passed away at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Vancouver, Washington, to Franklin and Eleanor (Foley) Tikka.

He married Judy Molyneux on March 18, 1966. They raised their family in Vancouver, Washington, and moved to Duluth, Minnesota, in 2013.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Franklin, brothers-in-law Steve Wilson and Doyle Shakelton, sisters-in-law Janice Tikka and Jean Tikka and grandson Rodney Tikka.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years; sons Todd and Brian (Julie) of Duluth, Micheal (Sharon), of Kalispell, Montana; daughter Denise (David) Lobbestael, of Brighton, Michigan; siblings Gail (Peter) Tapani, of Battle Ground, Washington, Gordon (Rachel) of Marengo, Wisconsin, Steven (Judy) of Toledo, Washington, Myron (Lori) of Yacolt, Washington, Heidi Wilson of Davenport, Washington, Gwendolyn Shakelton, of Woodland, Washington, Marlene (Steve) Kadow, of Toledo, Washington, Loren, of Harrington, Washington, Rebecca (Thomas) Swafford of Lake Norden, South Dakotah, Norma (John) Moir, of Woodland, Washington, Twila (Timothy) Hendrickson, of Dassel, Minnesota, Della (Roy) Massie, of Battle Ground, Washington, and Vaughn of Vancouver, Washington; 26 grandchildren; 52 great-grandchildren, numerous nephews and nieces, and a host of Christian friends.

Gerald was a lifelong member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church. He enjoyed a simple life.