Henry J. Tamminen

Henry Joseph Tamminen, 77, of rural Gilbert, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Essentia Health – Northern Pines in Aurora.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia, with Fr. Charles Flynn officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.

Born on January 18, 1948, in Virginia, Minnesota, to Henry and Marcella (Ziegler) Tamminen, Henry graduated from Virginia High School in 1966 where he exceled in sports. He then went on to earn a degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Minnesota graduating in 1970. Henry dedicated his career to the Iron Range Rehab in Virginia, where he began as a Physical Therapist in 1970 and was named the Director in 1982. After 42 years of service as a Physical Therapist (30 years as Director), having expanded rehab services and building a new facility at the Virginia Regional Medical Center campus he retired in 2012. He was beloved by his colleagues and patients, affectionately known as “The Best Boss Ever!”

In his younger years, Henry honed his cooking skills while working at F&D Meats and Kramarczuk’s, where he worked as a butcher. He always credited these experiences with shaping his passion for great food.

On August 30, 1986, Henry married Patricia Kimmes in Virginia, Minnesota. Together, they built a loving family and shared a life filled with joy and service to others. A man deeply committed to his community, Henry was an active member of several organizations, including Kiwanis, Rotary, the Virginia Lions Club, the Eshquaguma Country Club Board, the Range Recreation Civic Center (Curling Club), the Virginia Elks, and the former Moose Lodge. He was also a proud member of the American Association of Physical Therapy.

Henry was a sports enthusiast and an avid golfer and curler who found peace and enjoyment on the golf course and curling rink connecting with friends. However, one of his greatest joys in life was watching his children and grandchildren grow personally, intellectually and athletically. He took immense pride in attending their sporting events, where he was not just a spectator, but their most devoted supporter. While not always able to attend in person, Henry was always there celebrating their successes with an encouraging and proud smile. His love for his family was evident in the way he supported them and treasured every moment spent watching the next generation thrive doing what brings them joy. In addition, he valued his winters in Lake Havasu, Az with family and friends.

Henry deeply cherished his family and friends, and he was grateful for the unwavering support they provided throughout his life and career. His legacy of kindness, quiet resolve, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; children: Jennifer (Ron) Harmon, Joseph (Tiffany) Tamminen, Todd (Tanya) Kimmes, Sheri (Mike) Mulvahill, and Jill (Tim) Theis; grandchildren: Julia and Luke Harmon, Axton Tamminen, Billy, Patrick, and Jane Mulvahill, Carly (Alyssa) Clark, Finn and Cav Theis; siblings: Susan (Jack) Greene, Gretchen Tamminen, John (Judy) Tamminen, and Kris (Mike) Terch; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Marcella Tamminen.