Esther K Putikka

Esther (Karjalainen) Putikka was born on February 11, 1923 to Alexander and Sandra (Korhonen) Karjalainen in Viipuri, Finland. She immigrated to America with her family in 1929.  They settled in Orton Township. She was received into God’s family through Infant Baptism in Finland. She renewed her Baptismal Vows on June 11, 1939 at Trinity Lutheran Church, New York Mills, MN On February 28, 1942 she was married to Ralph R Putikka at New York Mills. After their marriage, they settled on a farm in Blowers Township and resided there until her death. Eight children were born to this union. Esther truly loved her Savior and wanted to do the Lord’s will, she was a faithful member of Grace Lutheran Church. She especially enjoyed the visits from Pastor Hesse.  Esther served on the Ladies Guild until she could no longer drive to church to assist the other ladies. She loved the farm and milked cows until her 70’s. Her chickens were her favorite animals, she often would call her children to make sure they were in their nest for the evening.  She loved to bake and worked at the New York Mills Elder’s Home as a cook. She was famous for her brownies. You never left her home without a bag of her goodies. Esther was a 32 year breast cancer survivor had to handle many difficult situations, raising a family as a single parent and managing a farm. She knew the Lord was always walking beside her until death. Her husband Ralph, son Stanley, three infant daughters and one infant son preceded her in death. Survivors include her daughter Lillian (Mark) Nord, grandson David (Megan) Nord great-grandsons Evan and Lucas Nord, grandson Paul, her son Ray (Jane) Putikka grandsons Brian and Brent Putikka, her son Les (Sharon)Putikka, grandson Nick(Shannon)Putikka, great-grandsons Mason and Jacob Putikka, grandson Alex (Melissa) Putikka great-granddaughter Aada, her sister Gertrude Karjalainen her brother Reino Karjalainen and nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews. Visitation will be from 4-6 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka, MN and continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM Friday, April 13, 2018 at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN. Interment will be at Hay Creek Cemetery.