Bernard Henry Portinen, 85, of Ely passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 25, 2020.
He was born on December 2, 1934 to Garnet and Esther (Baakkari) Portinen. His buddies gave him the knick name Barlo after the Portinen family's St. Bernrd.
On August 25, 1956 he married the love of his life, Nancy Jo Markovich. They were life-long Ely residents and raised a family on the west end. He worked and retired from St. Louis County where he was employed as a purchasing agent.
Barlo loved fishing and hunting with his boys and friends as well as watching football and baseball.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, as well as his parents.
He will be missed by sons Dennis (Anne Vertin) of Ely, MN and Allen (Teri Zupec) of Maple Grove, MN and a daughter, Ruth (Keith) Aijala of Babbitt, MN.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.