Wilbert Melvin Keranen

Wilbert Melvin Keranen age 79, of rural Wolf Lake, MN died Sunday, June 6, 2010 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN. Wilbert Melvin Keranen was born on October 12, 1930 in Spruce Grove Township to John and Esther (Koskela) Keranen. Wilbert was born and raised on the family farm. He attended school at the Spruce Grove District 75, a one room school house outside of Wolf Lake. As a young man, he was inducted in the Army and served in the Korean War in Battery C 424th Field Artillery Battalion. He was honorably discharged in May of 1954 with the Korean Service Medal with two bronze service stars, United Nation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. On October 2, 1954 Wilbert married Lorraine Junes, and celebrated 55 years of marriage. The couple raised their five children on the same family farm he was born on. While growing up Wilbert helped his father on the family farm and lumber mill. For a short period he went to the Iron Range to work. Upon returning home he continued to help his father. During this time he became Postmaster in Wolf Lake. After retirement Wilbert enjoyed flea marketing all over the region. Throughout the years, Wilbert served on many community organizations including the local fire department, VFW Post # 8165 serving as Commander for several terms, Menahga American Legion, Coop Sampo Board of Directors, Wolf Lake City Cemetery Chairman, Christ Lutheran Church Council, National League of Post Masters, and served as the State President of the Finnish American Historical Society for several terms. Wilbert will be missed by his wife Lorraine, children Brenda (Bill) Reichling of Park Rapids, Gordy (Toni) of Wolf Lake, David (Bettina) of Germany, Paula (Jody) Simi of Wolf Lake, and Steve (Jennifer) of Nevis, nine grandchildren, Crystal, Eric, Tony, Stephanie, Jerrod, Bryan, Samantha, Jacob and Jessica, three great grandchildren Johnathan, Gabino and DeShawn, sister Violet (Bob) Reiwer of Des Moines Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at Christ Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, June 11, 2010 at Spruce Grove Apostolic Lutheran Church in Wolf Lake with Pastor John Ramsbacher and Pastor Elmer Yliniemi officiating. Paul Ramsay will serve as organist. Special Music will be provided by Deborah and Patricia Aho singing “The Holy Hills of Heaven Call Me.” Congregational hymns are “When Peace, Like a River,” “Be Still My Soul” and “I Know that My Redeemer Lives.” Active Casketbearers will be Arnold Keranen, Robert Keranen, Glenn Keranen, Randy Keranen, Harold Keranen, Andrew Keranen, Cory Ylitalo and Harold Haataja. Wolf Lake VFW Post # 8165 of Wolf Lake and Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post # 6206 of Menahga, MN will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at Wolf Lake Cemetery.