Melvin Nestor Karkinen

Melvin Nestor Karkinen, 84 of Menahga, MN passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Melvin was born August 31, 1931 to Victor and Hilma (Kangas) Karkinen in New York Mills, MN. He attended Country School in Runeberg Township, and then farmed with his father until he was drafted into the army in 1955. Melvin was stationed at Fort Lewis Washington and then Ladd Army/Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska until 1957 when he was honorably discharged. On October 29, 1957 he married Ellen Martha Wuollet and made their home on the Family Farm. They were blessed with two children, a son Michael and a daughter Marie. Melvin was a third generation farmer on the land his Grandfather settled on, retiring in 1986. He liked to hunt, fish and visit with family and friends. Melvin is survived by his wife Ellen, son Michael (Jeanette), daughter Marie (Allen) Entwistle and eight grandchildren Crystal, Heather, Corey, Carrie, Melissa, Joey, Alexandra, and Krystyna, and several great-grandchildren, sister Hazel Carlson and sister-in-law Betty Karkinen. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Karkinen and sister Leona Leske and Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM Sunday, December 20, 2015 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday, December 21, 2015 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 of Menahga, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at Alajoki Cemetery.