Dennis Ray Kinnunen

Dennis Kinnunen, 70, of Goldendale, WA, passed away unexpectedly in New Ipswich, NH, on December 3, 2025, of a heart attack, just two days after the funeral of his sister-in-law, Phyllis.

Born in Ironwood, MI, on September 27, 1955, Dennis was the son of Reuben and Martha (Reini) Kinnunen. He graduated from LL Wright High School in Ironwood in 1973.

Dennis married Judith Aho on his 20th birthday, September 27, 1975, in Rindge, NH. With a deep faith in the Lord, he and Judy built a beautiful, faith-filled life full of love and laughter. Together they raised nine children and celebrated 50 years of marriage.

Beginning at age 17, Dennis worked in many areas of construction, including drywall, framing, residential painting, carpentry of all kinds, and even served briefly as a crane operator at Sarkela Homes. He spent many years with TK Karlsen Painting Co. before establishing his own business, DR Kinnunen Construction, which he ran for 10 years. Known fondly as “Doc” throughout paint stores and construction sites, Dennis was later hired by Country Restoration in Battle Ground, WA, where he worked as a jack-of-all-trades for 21 years. He was widely respected for his specialized skills in residential painting, finish carpentry, and cabinet construction. Dennis retired in 2023 to enjoy his 40 acres in Goldendale, WA.

In addition to his construction career, Dennis served at Fire District 3 in Clark County, WA, for 16 years—12 years as a volunteer and 4 years as a full-time firefighter/EMT. Admired by both peers and supervisors, he earned the distinction of “volunteer firefighter of the year” multiple times. After attempting to retire once, he was asked to return due to how beloved and indispensable he was—so in true Dennis fashion, he served an additional two years. His impeccable work ethic, high standards, and steadfast loyalty defined his service. People knew they could trust Dennis with any task.

Dennis was a man of many talents and enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing guitar, singing, skiing, and woodworking in his beloved woodshop. Deeply connected to nature, he spent countless hours calling in deer—many of which he named and even fed from his hand. He loved watching the birds, turkeys, and abundant wildlife from his deck while sharing endless cups of coffee with Judy.

He loved to travel, and he and Judy recently celebrated their golden anniversary with a 37-day adventure through Alaska, spending many joyful hours fishing the Kenai River.

Dennis is predeceased by his granddaughter, Eleni Annalise Chace, infant daughter of Ciarra and Nathanael Chace; and his grandson, Josiah David Berg, the 20-year-old son of Chastidy and David Berg.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Martha; his infant brother, Dale; his eldest sister, Irene Suvanto; seven brothers-in-law—Willy Suvanto, John Jennings, Melvin Somero, Fratt Aho, Kenny Sauvola, Dave Aho, and Larry Sauvola; and two sisters-in-law—June (Rajala) Kinnunen and Phyllis (Aho) Sauvola-Kangas.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Judy (Aho) Kinnunen, and their children:

• Chastidy (David) Berg, Vancouver, WA

• Crystal (Joel) Mattila, Vancouver, WA

• Chanelle (Jim) Laitinen, Barnum, MN

• Carla (Tyler) Hunt, Spring Hill, TN

• Chandra (Josh) Urban, Brush Prairie, WA

• Reuben (Sarina) Kinnunen, Hayti, SD

• Myron (Kristina) Kinnunen, La Center, WA

• Ciarra (Nathanael) Chace, La Center, WA

• Chera-Lee (Austin) Scroggins, Vancouver, WA

He was the proud “Buppa” to 19 grandsons: Josiah & Kieren Berg; Brenden (Anna) Mattila; Roman & Cole Laitinen; Xander & Oliver Hunt; Brydon, Lando, Dominic & Remington Urban; Mathias & Malachi Kinnunen; Elikai & Orrin Kinnunen; Isaak, Azariah, Mikhael & Ashriel Chace. Also 15 beautiful granddaughters: Catherine, Riisa & Rae-Ann Berg; Brooke & Jaicee Mattila; Arraya (Sam) Goodwin; Paige Hunt; Katri, Kalani & Marah Kinnunen; Akiiva Kinnunen; Avigayil & Eleni Chace; Wren & Nora Scroggins; and 2 great-grandchildren, Brynlee & Darnell Goodwin.

Dennis is also survived by his three brothers: Bill (Helen) Kinnunen, Larry (Maria) Kinnunen, and Walt (Mary) Kinnunen; and five sisters: Mamie (Eugene) Johnson, Carol (Dan) Waurio, Marlene (Marc) Aili, Bonnie (John) Stalberger, and Judi Jennings.

He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends who will miss him dearly.