Jessica Fern Parkkonen, age 42, of Gordon, passed away with her family at her side on Monday, July 22, 2019 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. 

For the last ten years of her life, Jessi enjoyed a treasured peace she felt living at the lake near the forces of nature with her beautiful daughter Savannah.  She loved sitting by campfires, listening to the loons call softly in the distance day and night… eagles so close you become mesmerized by their beauty and strength.  Big beautiful skies and starry moon lit nights, south breezes blowing easy through her window.  She truly felt comfort in these natural wonders.  She loved and appreciated her family and many friends but her greatest joy was becoming the mother of her sweet Savannah.  She also looked forward to going to therapy and art classes and having conversations with friends and family.  Her faith remained strong in spite of her physical issues and she always had encouragement for anyone that needed it.  She only had two huge addictions…Dr. Phil and Carmex lip balm.  Jessi was truly the definition of “a beautiful life.”

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Savannah of Gordon; her parents, Bill and Peggy Wasko of Gordon; her sister, Krista (Charlie) Parkkonen of Hayward; her aunts and uncles, Mora McCusker of Gordon, Peter McCusker of Gordon, Jack McCusker of Gordon, Michael McCusker of Gordon, Daniel (Audrey) McCusker of Superior, and Jean McCusker of Hayward; nephews, Brandon (Mikaela) Gokey, and Caden Parkkonen; special cousin, Kristina; close cousins, Steven, Jake and Emilee; and BFF’s, Paula, Janice and Tim.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Parkkonen; her brother, Chad; her grandparents, John and Elaine McCusker; and her nephew, Christian.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 11, 2019 at Hayward Funeral Home, 15571 W County Highway B in Hayward, where visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of the service.  Interment will be held privately.

Last Update: Aug 02, 2019 1:25 pm CDT