Donald Andrew Kosola

Donald (Don) Kosola, 76, died peacefully on May 3, 2010, with his wife at his side, at St. Joseph's Area Health Services Park Rapids, MN. He was born to Swante and Lempi (Ala Niva) Kosola on August 23, 1933, at home in Newell, SD. He attended and graduated from Newell High School. Following graduation, Don served in the armed forces, three years with the U.S. Army, followed by four years with the U.S.A.F. After his honorable discharge, he worked at various jobs around Newell before moving to Minneapolis, MN. In 1967, he continued his federal government career when he was employed by General Services Administration in the downtown Minneapolis Federal Building. A work injury forced an early retirement on February 11, 1984. He served a total of 24 years for his country. Don was united in marriage to Jane Savela on May 26, 1972, in Cokato, MN: Over the years, the couple lived in Minneapolis; Rapid City, SD; Mesa AZ; and Spearfish, SD before settling in the Menahga area in 1994. Due to illness, he moved to Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga on February 8, 2010. He was a long time member of Sebeka Apostolic Lutheran Church. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jane; sisters: Ruth Nash of Santa Clarita, CA; Edna McDade of Bishop, CA; Esther (Hayward) Wilson of Peoria, AZ; Florence (Monroe) Arnold of Spearfish, SD; Irene Winger of Rapid City, SD; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Charles, Howard and Robert; sisters: Ina Barber, Helen Marchiando, Sophie McNutt, and Ellen Harris. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, May 7, 2010, at the Sebeka Apostolic Lutheran Church with Pastor Art Skoog officiating. Visitation will be at the Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka on May 6, 2010, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be congregational singing with Martha Pinoniemi serving as organist. Berg Nylund American Legion Post 456 of Sebeka, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at Hay Creek Cemetery.