Toivo Hulkonen, 95
Toivo William Hulkonen, 95, died Monday, December 5, 2011.
Toivo William Hulkonen, 95, died Monday, December 5, 2011.
Toivo was born September 28, 1916 near Holmes City to Andrew and Hilda (Heikkinen) Hulkonen. The family moved to Urness Township where he attended school at District #70. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and has been a lifelong member. Toivo served as chairman of the congregation for several years and later as an elder.
He served two terms with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in Northern Minnesota prior to joining the U.S. Navy in May of 1941. He spent most of the time overseas in the Mediterranean and European Theater, in Africa, Sicily, Anzio Beachhead and France during World War II. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
On May 4, 1946, Toivo was united in marriage to Ellen Haabala. To this union three sons were born: William, David and Dennis. The family enjoyed farming for 17 years and in 1964, they moved to Moorhead, where Toivo was employed at Moorhead State University. In 1984, the couple moved to Brandon. They had kept the farm so he could still enjoy gardening, yard work and limited hunting.
He is survived by his three sons, William (Phyllis) of Side Lake, David (Rhonda) of Vermillion, SD, Dennis (Randi) of Kensington; six grandchildren, Sarah (David) MacDonald of Bloomington, Stacy (Ray) Gwenigale of St. Paul, Shannon Hulkonen of Eden Prairie, Sherri Hulkonen of Burnsville, Shelley (Brian) Finn of Minneapolis, Lee Hulkonen of Minneapolis; stepgrandchildren, Shanon (Erik) Kush-Jeffrey, Shawna Kush and Jeremy Marshall; five great-grandchildren, Ryan Toivo and Katelyn MacDonald, Reina and Isabella Gwenigale, Camryn Finn; stepgreat-grandchildren, Cody Miller, Cyle Miller, Hailey Marshall and Brianna Marshall; stepgreat-great-grandchild, Zaiden Miller; sisters, Martha Fredrickson of Coon Rapids, Anna (Tom) Chapman of Lakota, ND, and Elsie Okerlund of Monticello.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen; parents; three sisters, Lillian, Vieno and Eva; brother, John; and nephew, Charles Hulkonen.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 8 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Moe Township with the Rev. Michael Peterson officiating. Burial was at Moe Heights Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria; www.andersonfuneral.net.
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Tags: obituaries
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