Merhett Michael Kinnunen

Merhett was born on March 16th, 2010 at Tri-county Hospital in Wadena. He was delivered by his wonderful family doctor, Dr. Shaneen Schmidt at 8:04 p.m. Merhett fought hard to stay with his family for all of the 21 days of his beautiful little life. It was a blessing to his family to have him as long as they did. He was big inspiration in such a little package. In the short time with his family he showed them what strength and determination is all about. He had such a bright soul with a fighter’s spirit. That bright shining spirit and his strength will be a special thought that will stay in the family’s hearts forever. Merhett will be sadly missed by everyone he touched in his short time here on this earth, especially his brother and sister who will miss giving him his daily hugs and kisses on his little head. His parents will miss their snuggly little boy, but they know that he is with his family in heaven and are willing to share him until it is their time to join him. Merhett will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Kimberli (Schilling) and Richard Kinnunen, Sister Aribella Kinnunen and half sister Eda-Mae Johnson (Bemidji). Brother Julien Kinnunen and half brothers, Andrew Johnson (Bemidji) and Zachary Johnson (Clarissa), Grandparents: Michael and Vicki Schilling (Menahga), Sheryle Paradis (Brainerd) Great-Grandparents: Dixie Quaschnick (Menahga), Art Quashnick (Menahga), Wallace Paradis (Pine River), Elvie Kinnunen (Park Rapids), Aunts and Uncles: Rina and Brent Niemela (Park Rapids), Ryan and Angela Schilling (Pine River), Darin and Candace Schilling (Park Rapids), Jeff Johnson (Anchorage, Alaska). First Cousins: Shelbie and Alex Niemela, Ahna and Ezekiel Schilling, Treston Schilling, Michael and Tiffany Schilling, Carter, Levi and Juliet Schilling, Many loving Great Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Special Friends. Merhett is preceded in death by his Grandfather Roy Kinnunen, Great-Grandparents, Erwin Peterson Jr., Frank Schilling Sr., Betty Schilling, Sadie Schilling, Arnold Kinnunen and Helen Paradis. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 11, 2010 at the United Methodist Church in Menahga with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Church. Pastor Loren Ferch will officiate. Jayne Koskiniemi will serve as organist Congregational hymns are “Children of the Heavenly Father” and “Jesus Loves Me” Honorary Pallbearers are his brothers and sisters. Active Casketbearers are his Grandfather Michael Schilling and his Uncle Ryan Schilling. Interment will be at Alajoki Cemetery.