Ray Virgil Karjala

Graveside Services for Ray Karjala will be held 1:30 PM Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at the Menahga City Cemetery. Guy L. McDermeit will provide Military Honors. Raymon V. (Ray) Karjala of Robbinsdale, MN passed away June 7, 2017, age 84. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Elvira and John Karjala, 11 sisters and brothers. He is survived by his beloved sister, Betty Higgins, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends, including special friends Kelly, Liam, Monica, Tanya, Nan, the Gustafsons and all his pals at Westphal Post 251. Ray lived life his own way and loved it all. He was a true character. Ray worked as a bartender at the famous Jimmy Hegg's restaurant in Minneapolis. He got to know all the celebrities and athletes who patronized the bar, and they loved to banter with him. Ray was a good athlete in his younger days, with an intense love and knowledge of sports throughout his life, especially the Twins, Lynx and Gopher women's basketball. He was always surrounded by people. He made sure everyone knew he was a Finlander from Menagha, Minnesota. He had a great sense of humor (giving it and enjoying it!) and put a smile on everyone's face. His gentle soul will be missed by all.