Einard E. Koskiniemi

FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN VISITATION : 5 PM to 7 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral home in Park Rapids and again one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday INTERMENT : Green Valley Cemetery in Menahga, MN. May 30, 1931October 5, 2013 Einard Eino Koskiniemi, age 82, of Park Rapids, MN, peacefully passed into eternity at his residence in Park Rapids, MN on Saturday, October 5, 2013 surrounded by his loved ones. Einard was born on May 30, 1931 in Clatsop County, Oregon near the town of Brownsmead to Toivo and Aina (Wirkkunen) Koskiniemi. As a small boy, he moved with his family to Gackle, ND where his parents farmed. In 1936, Einard"s family moved to the Wolf Lake, MN area. He attended country school near his home. As a young man, Einard farmed and logged with his father. In December of 1953, Einard enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country in special services until his honorable discharge in December of 1955. Einard then gained employment working for the American Bridge Company in Minneapolis. On September 14, 1957, Einard was united in marriage to Dorothy Mae Niskanen at the Sebeka Apostolic Lutheran Church. This union was blessed with four children: Steven Lee, Barbara Ann, Sarah Lynne and Kent Allen. The young family made their home in New Hope, MN. In April of 1963, Einard and Dorothy moved up to the Wolf Lake-Osage area where they farmed. Einard was an industrious and skilled young man who built a new home for his family, a new barn for his livestock and storage buildings for his equipment. In addition to farming, Einard worked in the woods logging and operating his own sawmill. He was also a millwright for the Osage Lumber Company and built a number of custom homes in the area. Einard enjoyed the rigors of farm life. He took pride in raising a quality herd of Holstein dairy cattle and raising the crops needed to feed his herd. He was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church near Menahga. He and Dorothy left the farm in 1993 and purchased a home in Osage. They remodeled and sold this home in 1999. They built a new home west of the Mill Pond on Straight Lake where they enjoyed retirement until 2004 when they moved to Park Rapids. In his spare time, Einard enjoyed working with his hands building furniture of all types, sleighs, doll houses, rocking horses, and more which he would often give as gifts to family and friends. When time and health allowed, Einard loved to fish and enjoyed trips to Canada and hunting deer on the farm in Wolf Lake. Above all, Einard devoted his life to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all of whom he loved with all his heart. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dorothy; four children: Steven (Michelle) Koskiniemi of Osage, MN; Barbara (Edwin) Schwartz of Menahga, MN; Sarah (Jack) Wehmas of Nevis, MN; and Kent Koskiniemi of Park Rapids, MN; seven grandchildren; two step grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and three sisters: Shirley (Rev. Norman) Kangas of Iron Wood, MI; Elma (Will) Postell of Charleston, SC; Vivian (Nick) Nutter of Hillsboro, OH as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter in infancy, two sisters: Amy Porkkonen and Bea Skoog, and four brothers: Steen, Everett, Duane and Ernest Koskiniemi. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church west of Menahga, MN with Rev. Steve Bruer officiating. A eulogy tribute will be given by grandaughter, Becky Toso. The casket bearers will be: Ben Schwartz, Chris Schwartz, Matt Wehmas, Wendell Jokela, Brian Jokela,Verdie Niskanen and Les Ristinen. Honorary casket bearers will be all the grand daughters and great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral home in Park Rapids and again one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Bethany Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Green Valley Cemetery in Menahga, MN. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Bethany Lutheran Church west of Menahga, MN with Rev. Steve Bruer officiating. A eulogy tribute will be given by grandaughter, Becky Toso. The casket bearers will be: Ben Schwartz, Chris Schwartz, Matt Wehmas, Wendell Jokela, Brian Jokela,Verdie Niskanen and Les Ristinen. Honorary casket bearers will be all the grand daughters and great grandchildren. A visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2013 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral home in Park Rapids and again one hour prior to the services at the church on Sunday. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the Bethany Lutheran Church. Interment will be in the Green Valley Cemetery in Menahga, MN.