Naemi Hanna Elizabeth (Nevala) Huhta

Naemi Huhta age 78 of Sebeka, MN died Wednesday, December 31, 2015 at her home in Sebeka. Naemi Hanna Elizabeth (Nevala) Huhta was born to Leonard and Hinni (Alajoki) Nevala on September 22, 1937, in Red Eye Township Wadena County, MN. She grew up on the family farm as the seventh of eight (living) children and often spoke of the beloved memories from those simpler times. After graduating from Sebeka High School in 1955, Naemi spent her early adult life working at Sebeka School and on her parents’ retirement hobby farm; she also worked in Minneapolis as a clerical worker for Standard Oil. In 1964 Naemi married Ernest R. Huhta of Longview, WA, where they settled after their wedding. The following years would bring many adventures with her seven energetic sons; in this time Naemi worked as an executive secretary at Longview Fibre Company and also with Salad Master Cookware to help support her household. The Huhta’s permanently relocated to Sebeka in 1980 and, after seven boys; a long-awaited daughter was born. Again the years to follow would present many challenges, especially with her health, but Naemi rose to overcome many unlikely circumstances in order to raise her family. In 1999 Naemi retired from Wadena County Social Services and went to work at Naturale Alternatives in Menahga; she would continue employment there until a few months before her death. Naemi was an active traveler and passionate contributor to her community; she generously served others especially her children grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga and loved her church family immensely, always prioritizing her faith over all other aspects of life. Naemi is survived by her seven sons: Ernest (Martha) of Menahga, MN; Kevin (Stephanie) of Longview, WA; Andrew (Barbara) of Sebeka, MN; Benjamin (Janelle) of Princeton, MN; Stephen (Nancy) of Sebeka, MN; Peter (Greta) of Grenora, ND; and Paul (Beth) of Howell, MI; daughter, Miriam (Michael) Dozier of Menahga, MN; daughter-in-law Rebecca Huhta of Wadena, MN; and sisters: Thelma (Reino) Lehto of Clatskanie, OR; Miriam Nevala of Sebeka, MN; Maria (Raymond) Jarvi of Sebeka, MN; Edna (Harvey) Skoog of Prescott Valley, AZ; brother Paul (Clara) Nevala of Cokato, MN; sister-in-law Evelyn Nevala of Menahga, MN; lifelong dear friend Alice (Jim) Lehto of Deer Park, WA; as well as her 67 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sisters Hinni and Nora, her brother Peter, her grandson Oliver, and her great-grandson Kellen. Funeral Services will be held 4:00 PM Sunday, January 3, 2016 at the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be 11:00 AM Monday, January 4, 2016 at the Menahga City Cemetery.