Alvin Joe Haataja

Alvin Joe Haataja, age 73, of Wadena, MN, died Sunday, December 23, 2012 at the Frazee Care Center of Frazee, MN. Alvin received wonderful care as a resident at the care center since August 2011; with one of his daughters being one of the many caregivers he had. Alvin was born to Andrew and Hilda (Johnson) Haataja in Spruce Grove Township, Becker County, MN on March 9, 1939. He was raised on the family farm which attributed to his excellent work ethic. He attended country school and Menahga Public School. Alvin worked as a logger, carpenter, and many years of general labor in meat processing. Alvin enjoyed fishing, auction sales, flea markets, and visiting with family and friends. Alvin was very mechanically inclined, able to fix just about anything or at least attempted to. He enjoyed attending the area events such as county fairs, Rollag, Finn Creek Festival, and parades. Alvin was also very proud of his Finnish heritage and of being raised in a Finnish-speaking home. He had always longed to go to Finland, he watched videos and listened to short-wave radio from Finland, but never got the chance to go. Alvin was united in marriage to Carol Ann Matson on April 29, 1978. They made their home in New York Mills, MN. This union was blessed with 5 children: Virgil (Pam) of Wadena, MN; Cheslie of Rapid City, SD; Melissa (John) Peterson of Wadena, MN; Kristine (Steve) Ruther of Perham, MN; and Ross (Whitney) of Wadena, MN. Alvin enjoyed spending time with his 11 grandchildren: Corey, Kacie, Alicia, Erica, Brandon, Andrew, Ana, Jacob, Vanessa, Conner, and Luke. He is also survived by his sister, Martha (Martin) Kotila of Menahga, MN. Alvin was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers: Nels, Melvin, Victor, Verdie, Wesley, Lloyd, Vincent, and Robert; 6 sisters: Melba, Mildred, Lila, Elsie, Pricilla, and Ellen. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN with Pastor Art Skoog officiating. Active Casketbearers are: Elmer Koski, Lester Mattson, Les Haataja, Ernest Patson, Steve Ruther, and Corey Haataja. Honorary Pallbearers are all of his grandchildren. Interment will be in Menahga City Cemetery.