Viljo David Katainen

Viljo David Katainen was born on September 14, 1924 to David and Selma (Ollila) Katainen in Huntersville Township, Wadena Co. MN. He attended country school at Sunnyside 59E in Huntersville Township graduating 8th grade. After school he stayed home to help his parents on the farm. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith as a child and attended confirmation classes at Paddock, MN in 1940. On October 3, 1953 he married Elma Longfors. They farmed on Viljo's home place until moving to Red Eye Township on June 30, 1990. He was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran church, serving for over fifty years on the church council, various other boards and teaching Sunday School. The love of his life was church work, gardening, timber work, raising cattle, horses and pets. Also camping and fishing, but always church work came first. Viljo's dream was to attend the Seminary-Our Lord used him in other ways. Viljo served on the town board as an assessor and weed inspector. He and Elma served as State Fire Wardens for 55 years. He had various jobs that included picking potatoes in Dakota, mowing roadsides for 15 years, Badoura Tree Nursery for 15 years, Sebeka Co-op station for 10 years, and Crow Wing Camp for 5 years. He and Elma worked at Branham's nursery for 12 years. They both enjoyed having company. Viljo was preceded in death by his wife Elma on January 25, 2017, his parents, his sister Ann and a nephew, David Nohrenberg. He is survived by 2 nieces, Edythe Schroeder Hibbing, MN, and Carmel Dudley of Reno, Nevada and many great nephews and nieces. Viljo passed of natural causes at age 97 years at Rose Haven, Menahga, MN. He will be laid to rest at the Menahga City Cemetery next to Elma. Pallbearers will be David Schroeder, Jody Bjornson, Sara Bjornson, Eldon Immonen, Debra Schroeder, Terry Ohlgren, and Shawn Schroeder. Honorary pallbearers will be the dedicated Rose Haven Staff. Viljo's services will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at the Redeemer Lutheran church, Menahga MN. with visitation at 11:00 am followed at 12:00 pm with the funeral services. Lunch served following burial. Viljo's words were: "See you later in the New Home. A Great Day that will be."