April 17, 1955 – May 7, 2024
Born in Duluth, Minnesota, Michael (Mike) was the son of Ray Walimaa and Joan Gustason. He was the first born of three children and is survived by his siblings, Mary (Bill) Bird, of Virginia, MN and Brian (Joanne) Walimaa of Bradenton, FL.
Mike is survived by his wife, Melinda, of 9 years and their children, Declan Walimaa, Sofia Raabe, and Lilly Walimaa and his birth children Tyler Walimaa and Katie Walimaa. Along with two stepchildren, Max Raabe of Easton, CT and Zoe Raabe of Texas, his two granddaughters, Taryn Walimaa and Nova Scott.
He loved his many wonderful nieces and nephews. His friends were dear and countless.
Mike was a gracious, loving and generous person. In addition to being a caring husband and father, he served in the US Navy for 20 years as Master Chief Electrical Engineer on Nuclear Submarines.
Mike’s quick wit was always on display with his jokes and funny stories. His smile was infectious and loved to connect with people. Mike will be missed dearly, but his kind heart lives on in those he touched.
Mike’s life will be celebrated in Crossville, TN at Cumberland Worship Center on June 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, consider donating to your local Rotary Club, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Houseboating sites such as Conley Bottom in Kentucky, and Voyageaire in Minnesota, or any website that relates to memories of Mike. It would make him smile!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Crossville Memorial Funeral Home for the Walimaa Family.
Dear Melinda, family and friends of Mike,
On behalf of the United States Submarine Veterans, we offer our sincere condolences at Mike´s passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are always saddened whenever a fellow “Bubblehead” departs on Eternal Patrol. He served with honor in the U.S. Submarine Force.
To our “Brother-of-the-Phin” we say, “Sailor, rest your oar. We have the watch. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” Thank you for your service to our country.
Melinda and family… “may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV).
Jim Sandman, FTC(SS) Ret,
National Chaplain, USSVI.
http://www.jimsandman.com
Sorry to see about Mike’s passing. If he was the same Mike Walimaa from a 50 year old photo of Nuclear power school, some of of his old Omaha shipmates are saddened by this news
Mike and I went to Nuclear Power School in Mare Island, CA in 74 and were shipmates on the USS Omaha SSN 692 during new construction. We were both in the Electrical Division. Have a fond memory of Mike and I going together for our first qualification board on the boat and we both failed miserably! Funny now, not so much then! He was a great shipmate and will be missed! Submarines once, submarines twice… Fair winds and following seas Michael!
Mike Walimaa,
Sad your gone. The Omaha was long long ago
Us shipmates will say a prayer for you and your family.
Rich Kadlubowski