Basil Willard Kumpula

Basil Willard Kumpula, age 84, of Menahga, MN formerly of Anoka and Coon Rapids, MN passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 11, 2016 at the Essentia Health Hospital in Fargo, ND. Basil was born to Gust and Henna (Wirkkala) on November 21, 1931 in Sebeka, MN. He graduated from Sebeka High School in 1950. Basil served in the United States Navy from 1951-1955. Basil was united in marriage to Barbara Grice in February of 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida. They lived in the Twin Cities area where Basil was a mail carrier in the Anoka Post Office from 1962 until retirement in 1988 and then he worked at Anoka County Corrections from 1989 to 1993. After his wife’s death, he settled back home in the Sebeka area where he was active in the community. Basil was an active member of VFW Post 6206 in Menahga, MN. Basil was a great storyteller, a lover of banana cream pie, devoted friend and neighbor. Basil is survived by daughters Cindy (John) Lemm, Debbie (Alan) Patchin and son Alan Kumpula; 5 grandson Jonathan (Heidi) Almendinger, Brandon Almendinger, Andrew (Jackie) Lemm, Thomas (Samantha) Lemm and Timothy Patchin and 1 granddaughter Ember Patchin; 2 great granddaughters, Paige Almendinger and Emery Lemm; brother Edwin Kumpula and sister Agnes (Kumpula) Lindroos. He is also survived by special friend Sandra Lund, many friends, extended family and granddogs. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barbara, brothers Swante, Melvin, Richard and sisters Lila, Linda and Edna. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN with visitation two hours prior to the service at the church. Pastor Steven A. Bruer will officiate. Lonnie Schmidt will serve as organist and soloist. Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 of Menahga, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Morningside Memorial Gardens in Coon Rapids, MN.