Dennis Kinnunen

FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN.VISITATION : Will be held Sunday January 29, 2012 at the Cardini Pearson Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. and on Monday for one hour prior to the service.INTERMENT : Jim Cook Cemetery, Menahga, MNSURVIVORS : His mother, Elvie Kinnunen of Sebeka; his brother, Bobby Kinnunen of Symsomia, KY; two sisters: Judy Koehnen of Menahga and Jean Hendrickson of Paducah, KY. DENNIS CLARK KINNUNENNovember 5, 1955 " January 25, 2012 Dennis Clark Kinnunen, age 56 of Frazee, MN, formerly of Menahga and Sebeka, MN, entered the eternal peace of Heaven on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at the Fargo Veterans Administration Hospital with his loving sisters at his side. Dennis was born on November 25, 1955 in Duluth, MN to Arnold and Elvie (Hoyhtya) Kinnunen. Throughout his childhood years, Dennis"s family lived in the Duluth, Clover Valley, Menahga, Sebeka and Minneapolis areas. After high school, Dennis enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Germany from January of 1973 to November of 1974. After receiving his honorable discharge, Dennis returned to the Menahga/ Sebeka area where he logged area timber. In the early 1980"s Dennis ventured to Alaska. While there he sought out to stake a land claim in the rugged wilderness. He took a small motorized boat down the Nananas River for quite a distance until running into such wild river currents that his boat capsized. He found himself deep in the Alaskan wilderness unable to get back to civilization until he was found by a native tribe that guided him to safety. Not discouraged, Dennis returned back to Alaska several more times where he enjoyed further exploration and great salmon fishing on the Kenai and Russian Rivers. Dennis also made his home in Wyoming for a year until a serious accident broke his neck when the brakes of his pickup went out and he went off a steep cliff. Dennis was a man who loved to keep physically active. He loved riding his motorcycle, skate boarding, swimming and fishing. Dennis was a voracious reader who loved to learn. He had an artistic side and enjoyed sketching. Dennis also enjoyed all types of science fiction. He was also a gifted cook and baker who loved extending his hospitality to family and friends. Throughout his lifetime, Dennis enjoyed working in the woods and the fulfillment of good hard labor. Most of all, Dennis loved his loyal dogs, Capone, Two Tooth Dolly, Diamond, Harry and Foxy who he loved as family. He will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Elvie Kinnunen of Sebeka; his brother, Bobby Kinnunen of Symsomia, KY; two sisters: Judy Koehnen of Menahga and Jean Hendrickson of Paducah, KY as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dennis was preceded in death by his father in 2005; his brother, Roy and sister, JoAnn. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga with Richard Hensel officiating. Special recorded music will include: "Go Rest High on that Mountain", "When I Get Where I"m Going", "On Eagles Wings", "Jesus Take the Wheel" and "I"ll Fly Away". The casket bearers will be: John Hensel, John Ness, Charles Edwards, Danny Christensen, Bruce Kinnunen and Nicholas Hurtig. Interment will be made in the Jim Cook Cemetery east of Menahga. The Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post #6206, under the direction of Mr. Willie Davis, will provide the military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM on Sunday, January 29th at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga and for one hour prior to the services on Monday.