Nina Lillian Evelyn Hepokoski

Nina Lillian Evelyn (Isola) Hepokoski, age 91, of Menahga, Minnesota died November 26, 2016 at CHI St. Joseph’s Health in Park Rapids. Nina was born in Frazee on March 1, 1925, to William and Maria Juliana (Balm) Isola. She was the youngest of 14 children. Nina faced hardship by losing both parents by age 4 which resulted in her independent nature, aptly described as “sisu” in Finnish. She was raised by her siblings and during high school she earned her room and board as a live-in housekeeper/nanny. Nina graduated from St Louis Park High School in 1943. On June 20, 1943 she married Victor Julius Hepokoski in a double ring ceremony with her sister Viola and Benhard Salmela in Runeberg Township. The young couple settled in California and enjoyed many adventures there. They returned to Minnesota in 1960. Nina worked as athletic secretary for 23 years at Mounds View High School. It couldn’t get any better than working with young people and sports. After retiring Nina moved to Menahga, residing on Stocking Lake. She enjoyed watching all sports at all levels. She followed the activities of her children, grand and great- grandchildren. Nina enjoyed traveling, playing Scrabble, family celebrations, a small white dog named Kodi, good food, her home on Stocking Lake and more than anything spending time with her beloved family. Nina volunteered at Unity Hospital in Fridley, the Menahga Food Shelf, and the Menahga Elementary School Library. She spent numerous hours cutting and counting the various labels collected by the students. Her contact with the students brought her joy and knowing that she made a difference meant a lot to her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor, in 1980, her parents and 13 sisters and brothers. She is survived by her children: Victor Jr. (Diane) Hepokoski and Jill (Milo) Laitinen; grandchildren: Mark Hepokoski, Amy (Chuck) Kroshus, Joel Laitinen, Melinda (Luke) Davidson and John Laitinen; and great-grandchildren: Emma and Grace Kroshus, Zachary, Alexis, Alaina and Levi Davidson. Also by nieces, nephews, one sister-in-law Henrietta Beck, and a host of brothers and sisters in faith. Nina was a member of the Pickeral Lake Apostolic Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30 at 11 a.m. at the Pickerel Lake Apostolic Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 29 from 5-8 p.m. at Wevley Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment services will be held at the Menahga City Cemetery.