Hugo And Rosemary Puranen

In Loving Memory of Red and Rose

Hugo Puranen, age 75 of Minneapolis, passed away on August 5, 2022 after a lengthy illness. His wife Rosemary (Remer) Puranen, also 75, passed away unexpectedly just a few hours later.

They are survived by their children, Stacey (Nick) Lijewski, Jim (Mikiala) Puranen; grandchildren, Ian Lijewski, Kelela, Kailita, James Puranen; Hugo’s siblings, Pamela Puranen, Miala Remer, Joesphine (Randy) Bettinger; Rosemary’s siblings, Bill Remer, Mary Eide, Barbara Russell; many nieces and nephews.

They are preceded in death by their parents, Hugo and Fannie (Polvi) Puranen and Frank and Margaret (Campbell) Remer; Hugo’s siblings, Dorothy Tabor, Karen Emons; Rosemary’s siblings, Ken Remer, Katherine Remer, Lucille McDonald, John “Bud” Remer, Patrick Remer.

Proud of their 59 years together, Red and Rose were complementary personalities: Red the gruff provider, Rose the loving nurturer. Hugo was known by many names: to family, he was Junior or Uncle Junior and to friends, he was Red. He was a tough and stubborn Finlander. He loved to talk to everyone and was an astute businessman, beginning his own Cement Company in 1972 with Rose. They owned and operated R and T Cement, growing the business over 4 decades. Rose, or Rosie, had a kind and generous heart, and would wrap up anyone who needed it in a blanket of love. Rose with her big kind heart worked as a Special Education Assistant teaching hundreds of special needs students in Minneapolis Public Schools for over 20 years.  Together, they provided a loving and stable home for their children and many ‘surrogate’ children, as well. They were committed to their Catholic faith, raising their family in the church and actively participating in service to their congregation and community.

Visitation will be 4-8pm Friday, August 12 at Bradshaw, 3131 Minnehaha Ave S.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11am Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the Church of St. Albert the Great, 2836 33rd Ave S, with visitation one hour prior to Mass.

Memorials preferred to St. Albert the Great