Alvin Suvanto

FUNERAL SERVICES : 11:00 am on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN.VISITATION : One hour prior to services at the funeral home on Friday.INTERMENT : Shell City Cemetery, Menahga, MNSURVIVORS : His daughter, Stephanie (Tom) Staudahar of Hibbing, MN; his son, Tim Tellock of Hibbing, MN; three step-children: Linden Odland, Jr., Gary Odland, and Oscar Odland; 11 grandchildren; 5 sisters: Lillian Koskie of Menahga, Hazel (Richard) Schleicher of Park Rapids, MN, Shirley Grangruth of Hackensack, MN, Doris Suvanto of Shakopee, MN and Margaret Grangruth of Menahga, MN; 2 brothers: Jerry Suvanto of Queen Creek, AZ and Gene (Sherry) Suvanto of Menahga, MN. ALVIN E. SUVANTOAugust 4, 1935 ~ November 2, 2010 Alvin E. Suvanto, age 75 of Menahga, MN passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, November 2, 2010. Alvin was born on August 4, 1935 in Green Valley Township of Becker County just north of Menahga, Minnesota to Arvid E. and Amelia (Arola) Suvanto. He attended country school near where he grew up. As he grew up, Alvin spent much time in the woods and waters near his home operating a trap line earning spending money. After completing his schooling, Alvin enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country on a supply ship in the Pacific and also spent time in Japan. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Menahga, where he met Betty Schindeldecker. They were united in marriage on August 9, 1969. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters: Stephanie and Cynthia and two sons: Timmy and Richie. The young couple made their home in Hibbing, MN where Alvin worked for the Boiler Makers Local Union #647 throughout the United States. Alvin endured the heartache of grieving the deaths of his wife, Betty, his daughter, Cynthia and son, Richie. He retired in 2000 and soon thereafter he returned to the Menahga area where he met Lila Odland; and after a short courtship, they were married on April 27, 2002. They built their home just outside of the Menahga city limits on the Twin Lakes Road. Lila preceded Alvin in death in 2009. Alvin was a member of the Guy L. McDermeit V.F.W. Post #6206 of Menahga and the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids. He enjoyed attending auction sales and was an avid antique collector. He loved the outdoors and spent as much time as he could hunting, trapping and ice fishing. He is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Tom) Staudahar of Hibbing, MN; his son, Tim Tellock of Hibbing, MN; three step-children: Linden Odland, Jr., Gary Odland, and Oscar Odland; 11 grandchildren; 5 sisters: Lillian Koskie of Menahga, Hazel (Richard) Schleicher of Park Rapids, MN, Shirley Grangruth of Hackensack, MN, Doris Suvanto of Shakopee, MN and Margaret Grangruth of Menahga, MN; 2 brothers: Jerry Suvanto of Queen Creek, AZ and Gene (Sherry) Suvanto of Menahga, MN. Alvin was preceded in death by his wives, Betty and Lila; one daughter, Cynthia and one son, Richard Tellock; as well as several stepchildren: Roxanne Odland, Robert Odland, Fay "Punky" Lund and Edwin "Andy" Odland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 5, 2010 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN with Reverend Steven A. Bruer officiating. Casketbearers will be: Darrell Grangruth, Ivan Grangruth, Duane Koskie, Loyel Salmela, Timmy Tellock, Gene Suvanto and Richard Schleicher, Jr. Honorary casketbearers will be: Joshua Penn, Jeffrey and Timothy Staudahar. Special music will be: " The Old Rugged Cross", "One Day at a Time" a recorded solo by Lila Suvanto and "Amazing Grace" which will be performed as a violin duet by his grandchildren: Sammy and Nicky Staudahar. A tribute will be given by great nephew, Craig Lynch. Interment will be made in the Shell City Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Guy L. McDermeit V.F.W. Post #6206 of Menahga.