Lyle Byron Oja

LYLE BYRON OJA January 17, 1925 - February 17, 2018    Lyle Byron Oja, age 93, a long time Osage, MN area resident, passed from this life to eternal life on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at his home on Straight Lake near Osage, with his daughter, Eugenia at his side.    Byron was born on January 17, 1925 in Sudan, MN to Hellen Oja and was raised by his grandparents, Sanfridi and Saima (Waasanoja) Oja. At the age of five, Byron moved with his family to the Wolf Lake, MN area where he attended country school and grew into manhood. As a young man, Byron entered the United States Navy where he proudly served his country in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Upon receiving his honorable discharge in April of 1946, he returned to Minnesota where he met a beautiful young woman from New York Mills by the name of Mable Kallinen and the two were married on August 4 of 1946. The young couple moved to Chicago, IL where they were able to save enough money to purchase a farm near New York Mills where they engaged in dairy farming. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Eugenia. A number of years later, Byron began working in the health care industry selling medical equipment in a career that spanned over 40 years and took them to Minneapolis, MN, Redwood Falls, MN and Denver, CO. They retired to a home on Straight Lake near Osage where they were very active in their community. Byron was a long time member of the Osage Lions and the Finnish-American Historical Society and held many offices in those organizations. He was also a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. During his early retirement years, Byron worked part time for RDO Farms planting and harvesting the potato crop each year until he reached the age of 84. At home he loved to work outside on his immaculately manicured yard and his weed free and productive gardens. He enjoyed fishing on his beloved Straight Lake, doing crossword puzzles and volunteering much of his time for the benefit of others. Above all, Byron devoted his life to his family who he loved with all his heart.    He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Eugenia Oja of Sedalia, CO; his grandson, Shane (Nikki) Anderson of Sandy, Utah and his granddaughter, Katy Oja of Sedalia, CO; two great grandchildren: Silas Rex and Violet Mable Anderson; as well as numerous relatives to whom he was a beloved father-figure.    Byron was preceded in death by his precious wife, Mable who died in 2009; his parents and brothers and sisters.    Memorial services will be held 2 PM Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Park Rapids with the Pastor Justin Fenger officiating. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the church.    To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com