Wiljo Tuomi, II Obituary Wiljo 'Willie' Tuomi II, age 72, of Brainerd, passed away on June 3, 2025, leaving behind a trail of laughter, grease-stained blue jeans, fish tales, and the deep love of everyone lucky enough to know him. Born December 11, 1952, Willie was the oldest son of Wiljo and Phyllis Tuomi. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1970. After high school, he went straight to work with his dad at Tuomi Construction, where he eventually took over the family business. Under his leadership, it grew just like everything he lovedbigger, louder, and always with a little more horsepower than strictly necessary. Willie had a lifelong love affair with machines that roared. Cars, trucks, snowmobilesif it had an engine, hed find a way to make it faster, louder, and somehow more fun (or dangerous, depending on who you asked). He didnt just fix things; he made them better, or at least more exciting. Willie honorably served his country and took pride in his dedication and commitment. But Willie wasnt just about horsepower. He was a Golden Gloves boxer in his youth, a champion weightlifter who could out-lift guys half his age, and a sportsman to his core. He lived for the ice-fishing seasons, the snowmobile trails, and the early mornings water-skiing across a glassy lake. Florida and Mexico became his favorites spots to travelnot just for the sunshine, but for the people, the stories, and the adventure. And oh, the stories. Willie never met a stranger. If you stood still long enough, hed share a tale that somehow combined a fishing trip, a mechanical breakdown, and a narrowly avoided international incident. He had a storytellers charm, a twinkle in his eye, and a heart big enough to make everyone feel like family. He was, quite simply, a 'good, good guy.' Not a man of pretense, but of purpose. He lived big, loved hard, and never stopped chasing dreamswhether they were found under the hood of a pickup or in the warm breeze off a Mexican beach. Willie is survived by his family: son, Wiljo III "Joey" (Kari) Tuomi; grandchildren, Wiljo IV and Seija; siblings, Roxanne Tuomi, Mitch Tuomi, Suzy Tuomi, Allie (Amee) Tuomi and Nate (Mary) Tuomi; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, Josh; parents, Wiljo and Phyllis; and nephews, Alex and Robert. His absence leaves a hole in the world thats as big as the trucks he lovedbut oh, what a ride it was. A celebration of Willie's life will be held in Brainerd at Nelson Doran Funeral Home on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 6 8 p.m. where friends and family are invited to share memories, stories, and maybe a few exaggerated tales in his honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider doing something Willie wouldve loved: take a road trip, tell a great story, fix something that didnt really need fixing, or help someone just because you can. Keep chasing those dreams, Willie.