Grace D. Minkkinen

Grace D. Minkkinen, age 90, was born on October 27, 1935, in Newton, Kansas and passed away on January 6, 2026, in Surprise, Arizona. Grace was the eighth of eleven children born to Frank and Mary Deckert. She lived in Kansas, California, and Arizona. Grace married Richard Minkkinen in March 1957. Grace worked for Pacific Bell; Cupertino School District and her last job was a temporary employee at Moffitt Air Base. She loved watching those planes take off and land. Coming from a large family, the best times were when they would get together for the holidays or at family reunions. Whenever they met, memorable stories followed. When both Grace and Dick retired, they decided to sell their home so that they could travel. They bought an RV and traveled the western United States and stopping to visit family and friends along the way. They eventually found themselves a permanent home in Southern Arizona before they could no longer travel and returned to Fresno, California. Grace leaves behind those who loved, laughed, and cried with her. She is survived by her son, Rick Minkkinen and his wife Tina; her grandchildren, Heather Briney and her husband Patrick, and Chris Minkkinen; her great-granddaughter, Madeline; her sisters, Beverly Weiss and Barbara Miller; her brother, Floyde Deckert; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by husband Richard Minkkinen, parents Frank Decker & Mary Deckert, siblings Raymond Deckert, Roland Deckert, Mary & Irvin Koop, Ben & Billie Deckert, Bette & Orlan Boyd, Wes Deckert, Ruth & Jim Unruh; brother in laws Len Miller and Doug Braasch. The family would like to thank those who provided world class medical care. To the staff of One Medical, Suncrest Hospice, and Love & Care Assisted Living, we thank you for your tender loving care given to our mother, grandmother, and Gigi. Instead of flowers, donations may be provided to the charity of your choice. Rest well dear Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Gigi; our memories of you will sustain us until we see you again. Grace will be interned with Richard at Sunland Memorial Park, 15826 N. Del Webb Blvd, Sun City, Arizona on March 27, 2026 at 11a.