Berger John Taraldsen

John was born in Duluth in 1934 to Berger and Augusta “Gussie” Taraldsen, the youngest of 6 children. His entire life was spent in Bayview Heights, which he enjoyed as a boy, and where his children would call home during their own growing up years.

He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1952 and on August 31, 1957, married Louise Paoletti. Together they shared nearly 56 years of marriage. John was a hard worker and a remarkable craftsman both as a Union Ironworker with Local 563 for nearly 40 years, and around his home and family cabins, where there are numerous examples of his creative and inventive ideas.

Nothing meant more to John than his family, and that loyalty, love, and support was evidenced always. His most enjoyable moments were spending time with Louise, their children and grandchildren, whether at the house, the cabin, the golf course, deer hunting in Canyon, or the many other places the immediate and extended family would congregate over the years. Laughter and story telling was a big part of every gathering.

During his sons’ school years, John was active in Proctor Little League and youth hockey. After his retirement, he and Louise toured most all of the US. When not traveling or at the cabin, he enjoyed golfing at many area courses and in his Pike Lake League.

John was predeceased by his parents, sisters Myrtle (Robert) Paulson, Dorothy (Joseph) Kozak, Jeanne (Louis) Karish, his brother Stanley, nephew Rick Paulson and niece Julie Wolff, and his in-laws, Adolph and Evelyn Paoletti. He is survived by his wife, Louise, daughter Karen (Bill) Anderson, sons John (Joy), James (Theresa), and Paul (Cindy) Taraldsen, grandchildren Stephanie (Edwin) Hernández, Matt Taraldsen, Elisabeth (Corey) Meyer, Torie, Nicole, and Natalie Taraldsen, great-grandson, Nico Hernández-Anderson, sister Ethel (William) Wolff, sister-cousin, Carolyn Mendesh, sister-in-law, Lorraine Pollard, many cousins, nieces and nephews, and his Schaeffer Lake family.

John’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The family wishes to thank Dr. Baker and the staff at St. Luke’s Cancer Center and St. Luke’s Home Care and Hospice staff for all the thorough and compassionate care throughout John’s illness. Memorials to donor’s choice preferred.