Aileen Ilma Mathilda (Huju) Kovanen was born on April 25, 1930, in Marcell, Minnesota, to Victor and Ilona Huju. She attended school in Marcell and later graduated from Deer River High School. Aileen went on to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) at Miller Memorial Hospital in Duluth. She later worked at both Grand Rapids Hospital and Moose Lake Community Hospital.

On July 4, 1952, Aileen married the love of her life, Leo Robert “Bob” Kovanen. She eventually left nursing to stay home and raise her children while also providing in-home daycare for many years. Through her daycare, she welcomed many children into her life, gaining numerous “bonus” grandchildren along the way.

Aileen was known for her sisu, a Finnish word that represents determination. She carried this spirit throughout her life, along with a deep love for her family.

Aileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leo Robert “Bob” Kovanen; sons Randall Mark and Gregory Alan; parents Victor and Ilona Huju; sisters Elizabeth Anderson (Donald), Irja Christie (Bob), infant sister Fanny Huju, and Irene Lyytinen (Wilho); brothers Victor Huju Jr. (Wanda), Matthew Huju (Ellen), and John Huju (Pat); son-in-law Daniel DeRungs; granddaughter Aaron Marie Gockowski; and great-grandson Jackson Theodore Zuk.

She is survived by her children, Robert Lee Kovanen (Shelle), Shelly Rae Gockowski, Theresa Aileen DeRungs (Tom), and Bruce Eugene Kovanen (Julie); 14 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Her six grandsons, Joe DeRungs, Quinten Kovanen, Lance Gockowski, Kristian Kovanen, Samuel Kovanen, and Matthew Kovanen, will serve as pallbearers.

A funeral service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Moose Lake, Minnesota, on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.