Paul Russell Ollanketo

Paul Russell Ollanketo, 76, of Menahga Minnesota passed away suddenly at home on October 17, 2012. Paul was born on October 18, 1935 in Marengo, Wisconsin to George and Aina (Hannula) Ollanketo. He graduated from Ashland High School in Ashland Wisconsin in 1953. On October 4, 1958 he and Dorothy Cooper were united in marriage in Menahga, MN. He served in the Army from 1958 to 1960 stationed in Germany and when honorably discharged he and Dorothy made their home and raised their family in Minneapolis and Crystal MN. Paul was employed as a switchman by the railroad for 41 years retiring from Union Pacific in 1997. In 1998 he and Dorothy relocated to Menahga where they owned and operated the Bren Mar Rose Bed and Breakfast. He was a member of the Independent Apostolic Lutheran congregation. Paul is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Dorothy; 2 children, Corinne (Kenneth) Tuominen of Cottage Grove, MN and Loren (Brenda) Ollanketo of Otsego, MN; 3 grandchildren, Mara Tuominen, Brendan Tuominen and Lucy Ollanketo and 1 great-grandson, Keaton. He is also survived by 3 brothers: Rudy (Bernice) Ollanketo, Clifford (Ruth) Ollanketo and James (Priscilla) Ollanketo and 4 sisters: Dolores (Clarence) Kyllonen, Darlene (Frank) Carlson, Katherine (Arnie) Nevala and Judy (Mark) Anderson and sister-in-law Edna Mae Ollanketo. Additionally, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a host of brothers and sisters in faith. He was preceded in death by his parents and 8 siblings: Gladys Miller, Margaret Hepokoski, Elden Ollanketo, Beatrice Wuollet, Raymond Ollanketo, Thomas Ollanketo and two infant brothers Valentino and Wilbur. Visitation will be at the Menahga Independent Apostolic Lutheran church on Saturday, October 20th from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will take place at the Minneapolis Independent Apostolic Lutheran church at 14000 129th Avenue North in Dayton, MN on Monday, October 22nd at 2 pm with visitation at the church from 12 noon – 2 pm. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens at 5125 West Broadway Avenue, in Crystal, MN. Pallbearers are Kenneth Tuominen, Brendan Tuominen, David Salmela, Brian Ollanketo, Wade Ollanketo, Craig Anderson, and Duane Martin.