Edwin Nels Pietila

Edwin Nels Pietila age 96 years, 3 months and 2 days, a longtime Menahga area resident, peacefully went to be with the Lord on June 30, 2013 at Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm, MN Edwin was born on March 28, 1917 at his parents homestead in Green Valley Township, west of Menahga, to Nels and Hilja (nee Parvi) Pietila. He completed his eighth grade education in Green Valley Township. He stayed on the farm until he was drafted into the United States Army during WWII. A WWII veteran, Edwin served four years, three years at Panama Canal and the last year on Galapagos Island and in Czechoslovakia. Upon his return to civilian life, he returned to the family farm, where he farmed until he married Thelma Makinen. They were married on April 7, 1947 to this union, six children were born Evelyn, Edwin Jr. Irene, Rodney, Beverley and Willard. They farmed the Andrew Makinen Homestead, south of Wolf Lake with family members slowly moving away they sold the farm and moved to Menahga in 1974. Edwin was a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Edwin was a lifetime member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. The Pietila’s enjoyed touring parts of the United Stated and Canada. Edwin enjoyed gardening and watching the Minnesota Twins on TV. Edwin was preceded in death by his wife Thelma in 2004, his parents, brothers, Rueben and Hans, three sisters, Lydia Harju and her husband Fred; Senia Rivers and her husband John, and Verna Proctor. Edwin will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters, Evelyn (Fred) Komppa of Kinney, MN; Irene Neal of Minneapolis, MN and Beverley of Minneapolis; three sons, Ed (Myra) Pietila of Arvada, Colorado; Rodney (Robin) Pietila of Sauk Rapids, MN and Willard Pietila of Menahga; Brother Benjamin (Edna Arola) of Coon Rapids, MN; Seven grandchildren, two step grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Friday, July 5, 2013 at Sebeka United Methodist Church in Sebeka with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.. Pastor Don Salo will officiate. Theresa Horton will serve as Pianist. Honorary Pallbearers are all of his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and the Staff at Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm, MN. Active Casketbearers are Johnny Aho, Kevin Maxie, Ronald Parvi, Jerry Pietila, Kevin Komppa and Dennis Stangler. Military Honors will be provided by Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206 of Menahga, MN. Interment will be at Green Valley Cemetery.