Ruben William Alajoki

Ruben William Alajoki age 87 of rural Menahga, MN died Thursday, September 13, 2012 after a brief illness at St. Joseph Area Health Service in Park Rapids, MN. Ruben was born to John and Lillian (Soumala) Alajoki on November 24, 1924 on the family farm in Runeberg Township, Becker County, MN. He attended school at District 55 through the eighth grade. Ruben then began his lifelong occupation and passion of farming. He farmed until he was 82 years old. Ruben was united in marriage to Elsa Heilimo on May 1, 1970 in Minneapolis, MN; this union was blessed with three children, Roger Margaret and Philip. Ruben was a retired pastor who had served the Laestadian Lutheran Church Congregations for many years. He was a member of the Wolf Lake Laestadian Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN Ruben is survived by his loving wife of 43 years Elsa Alajoki of Menahga; one daughter Margaret Kariniemi and her husband Philip of Corcoran, MN; two sons Roger Alajoki and his wife Lori of Menahga; Philip Alajoki and his wife Kari of Menahga; 16 grandchildren; three sisters, Vieno Phillips of Plymouth, MN; Thelma Ojalehto of Rogers, MN; Rauha Huhta and husband Wilbert of Longview, MN; numerous nieces, nephews, and Brothers and Sisters in faith. Ruben was preceded in death by his parents John and Lillian Alajoki, his sister Lyyli Alajoki, brother Elmer Alajoki granddaughter Jessica Alajoki and brothers-in-law Howard Phillips and Paul Ojalehto. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at Wolf Lake Laestadian Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN with prayer service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, September 17, 2012 at Wolf Lake Laestadian Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake, MN with Darwin Lake officiating. Martti Heilimo will serve as organist. Casketbearers include Roger Alajoki, Philip Alajoki, Philip Kariniemi, Thomas Vilkama, James Ojalehto and Allen Lake. Interment will be at Alajoki Cemetery.