Wilfred "Willy" Jalmer Kuha

Wilfred (“Willy”) Jalmer Kuha (age 73) of Northeast Minneapolis died peacefully in Minneapolis with his wife and daughter at his side on June 16, 2015. He was diagnosed with terminal spinal cancer in early May 2015. Willy was born on November 24, 1941, in rural Menahga to Jalmer and Aili (Maaninga) Kuha. After Aili’s death, he was raised by Albert and Mamie (Karjela) Kuha. Willy was baptized in the Christian faith as a young child, and confirmed as a teen. He attended the country school (District 39), and then the Sebeka High School (Class of 1959). He was in the United States Army from 1959-1962. He married his wife, Ella (Puttonen), on December 7, 1963. Together, they had five children and lived in Northeast Minneapolis for their 51 married years. Willy was known as a hard worker. He was a career truck driver before he officially retired in 2012, when he became a full-time Grandpa. His hobbies included tinkering with cars and tires, his joys included trips to Las Vegas, visiting with friends, and playing with his grandkids. Willy also enjoyed a good Minnesota Twins game. Willy was known as a sweet and caring person. He would always look for ways to help others, without expecting anything in return. Willy also had a great sense of humor, which was seen even during his last weeks. He will be fondly remembered as a loving husband, kind father, and tender grandfather - his final wishes were to spend more time with his grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son Ross, and recently his dog-child Sasha. He is survived by his wife Ella, children: Bryan (Carie), Bradley, Darcy (Pierre) Roddy and Kara (David) Nelsen, grandchildren: Brandon, Jordan, Pierre Jr., Noah, Joshua, David, Marshall, Nolan, Nathan, Maxwell; siblings: Ellen Poderzay, Jeanette (Richard) Richter, Robert (Fran) Kuha, Steven (Marlys) Kuha; and a host of other relatives and numerous friends. Visitation will be at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN on Friday, June 26 from 5-8pm. The funeral will take place at the Methodist Church in Sebeka on Saturday, June 27 at 11 am. Willy will be laid to rest at the Meadow Cemetery, next to his son Ross. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.