Jean Linda Roivanen, 69 of Britt, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at her residence, surrounded by family.
Jean was born on November 30, 1946 in Pine City, MN to John B. and Maxine (Littlefield) McKnight Jr.
She moved with her family to Bellingham, Washington, where they resided for approximately 10 years and then moved to Hinckley, MN. After graduating from Hinckley high school in 1965, she later moved to Minneapolis where she met and then married Richard Roivanen on October 28, 1967 in Cloverdale, MN. After marriage, the couple lived in Fridley for 2 years, then relocated to Cook and eventually settled in Britt in 1973 where they built their home and have since resided.
Jean was an active member of the Britt Historical Society. She earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Accounting from the Mesabi Vocational and Technical College and was employed at several range area businesses. She was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. She engaged in intense Bible studies, which including learning Hebrew. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and cherished her grandchildren. Jean will be dearly missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents John (2000) and Maxine (1991) McKnight.
Jean is survived by her husband of 49 years, Richard Roivanen; 2 daughters, Virginia (Christopher) Bennick of Rochester, MN and Georgena Roivanen of Virginia; 3 brothers, John (Nancy) McKnight III of Opal, WY, Fred McKnight of Kent, WA, and Greg (Barb) McKnight of Cyril, OK; 1 sister, Kathy (Greg) Dupre of Elk River, MN; 6 cherished grandchildren - Katrina, Lindsey, Elizabeth, Daniel, Hannah and Abigail; 1 brother-in-law, Cedric Roivanen of Cook; along with her nieces, nephews and many friends.
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. A gathering time for family and friends will be held one hour prior to the service. Mike Geisdorf will be the speaker. Music will be provided by Pamelot Roberts. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery of Angora. A reception in honor of Jean will follow after the service at the Cook VFW. To leave a condolence or to sign the online guest book go to: www.mlakerfuneralhome.com