Neilo Kinnunen

Neilo (Nels) Evert Kinnunen, veteran of the U.S Army, died peacefully on December 18, 2014 at the age of 90 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

He was born November 26, 1924 in Menahga, Minn. to Andrew and Ida Kinnunen.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Helmi, on May 16, 2006, and his brothers Edwin, Arnold, and Harold.

He is survived by his cousin, Leila Stansbury, who was raised as a sister, daughters, Karen Johnson, (Robert), Linda Kinnunen, (Michael Kapsos), and Mary Hellman, grandson, Ian Cruikshank, (Elisa), and great grandson, Maxwell Cruikshank.

Neilo attended agricultural school and loved dairy farming in Menahga area until it was no longer economically feasible for his and Helmi's growing family.  He was then hired by the DM&IR railroad in Two Harbors and later by Reserve Mining in Silver Bay where he enjoyed the  company of his co-workers. Neilo and Helmi built their home and raised their daughters in Clover Valley and after retirement moved back to Menahga to care for aging family.  They attended and volunteered at Lutheran churches in French River and Menahga. They were proud of their Finnish heritage and were crowned King and Queen of St. Urho's Day in Menahga and traveled to Finland to visit family. Neilo enjoyed working in the woods and had developed a tree farm. He loved to travel and talk about his extended family camping trips. He was a hardworking, responsible family man who was known for his generous spirit, sense of humor and gentleness.  His engaging smile and the twinkle in his eyes attracted adults and children alike. Neilo spent the last few years at the wonderful Silver Bay Veterans Home where he truly cared for the extraordinary staff.

There will be a Memorial and Celebration of Life at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay on January 12 at 1:00 pm.  A graveside service will be held in Menahga, MN at a later date which will be announced.