James Donald Keranen (94) of Grand Rapids, MN passed away surrounded by family in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 3, 2023 at Majestic Pines Senior Living, Grand Rapids, MN.

James (Jim) was born March 18, 1929 in Soudan, MN to John and Saima (Branwall) Keranen. James graduated from Soudan High School, He was part of the Tower Soudan Golden Eagles basketball team that went to the state championship.  He turned down a basketball scholarship to Syracuse, because his dad said it was too far away from home and family.

Jim continued his education at the University of Minnesota Duluth where he received his BA in education. He continued his education receiving his masters in Ed. Administration at University of North Dakota. James' first teaching job was in Carrington N. Dakota as a science teacher and basketball coach. During this teaching assignment James met and married third grade teacher Ruth Almeda Hauser, on June 18, 1957. (Married 66 Years) Jim continued teaching high school science along with coaching basketball and football in Nashwauk, MN. Jim's first administration assignment was in Warroad, MN where he served as the high school principal. Jim continued assignments as principal in Big Fork, MN and Grand Rapids, MN. During Jim's tenure at Grand Rapids High School, he implemented the first IB (International Baccalaureate) program in the state of Minnesota in 1983. One of his proudest accomplishments at Grand Rapids High School, was the creation of broad-based comprehensive program of vocational offerings which included machine shop, welding, auto mechanics, printing, business courses, home construction, and forestry to name a few.  "The program he started was the 1st of its kind in the state."

James served in the United States Marie Corps from 1951-1953 as a Corporal and served in the Korean War.

James was an avid outdoorsman. He was a Finn with Sisu. His interests included hunting, fishing, and sports, primarily the Minnesota Twins. Lake Vermilion was a special place for James. His parents built a cabin on Lake Vermilion. James, with the help from Almeda, worked to acquire land adjacent and built his own cabin starting immediately after his honeymoon. The remote cabin was accessible by boat and provided a peaceful getaway that he and his family enjoyed for decades. Upon retirement, James and Almeda spent almost 30 years as residents at their property in Fort Myers Beach, FL.

James was proceeded in death by his parents John and Saima Keranen, brother Edward Keranen, and sister Dorothy Early (Keranen). He is  survived by his wife (Ruth) Almeda Keranen of Grand Rapids, MN, daughter Lisa (Blake) Toms of Maple Grove, MN, daughter Amy Keranen of Cohasset, MN and son Jimmer (Brenda) Keranen of Pengilly, MN. James also leaves behind two grandsons Alex and Brent Keranen whom he instilled his love of the outdoors as they too are avid hunters and fishermen.

The family would like to thank St.Croix Hospice for all of their support during this time.

Visitation will be at Rowe Funeral home on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, from 4:00-6:00 PM. in Grand Rapids. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN, with one hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Ben B. Buchanan will officiate. Full military honors will be rendered immediately following the service. A luncheon will be available at Zion following military honors.

Arrangements are with the Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com