Edith June Edie Kinnunen

FUNERAL SERVICES: 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga VISITATION: 9 AM Monday morning and run until the time of the services INTERMENT: The Kinnunen family plot at the Jim Cook Cemetery EDITH JUNE "Edie" KINNUNEN June 7, 1949 " February 11, 2009Edith June "Edie" Kinnunen, age 59, of Hawley, MN formerly of Menahga, MN, peacefully entered Heaven"s Gate on Wednesday, February 11, 2009, with her loved ones at her side, while a patient at the Innovis Hospital in Fargo, ND. Edie was born on June 7, 1949 on the home farm near Menahga, MN to Edwin and Alina (Samuelson) Niemela. She attended the White Oak Country School near her home through the sixth grade. Edie then went on to attend high school in Sebeka, MN and later in Gilbert, MN from where she graduated with the Class of 1967. Edie then gained employment as a nursing assistant at St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. On December 14, 1968, Edie was united in marriage to Roger Kinnunen. This union was blessed with three children: Kim, Troy and Scott. Early in their marriage, Edie worked as a production worker for the Honeywell Manufacturing Company in Minneapolis. When her first child was born, Edie became a stay at home mom who devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious homemade soups, mcmuffins and countless other dishes. Each spring, she planted a large vegetable garden which she raised into fruitful abundance to can for the needs of her growing family and friends. Edie also enjoyed raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. Most of all, Edie just enjoyed her family. Whether it was camping, boating at the lake, or a family meal, Edie loved to spend time with her family. She was always the life of the party who possessed a quick wit and warm and wonderful positive outlook. She was a long time member of the Hawley Lutheran Church where she had formerly served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher. During her life time, Edie also experienced hardships. In 1975, she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent major surgery to remove a lemon sized growth. For many years, Edie dealt courageously with chronic head and neck pain and maintained a happy and positive spirit that inspired all those around her. Above all, Edie will be cherished for her tender devotion to her husband, her children and her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. Edie will be forever remembered by her husband and soul mate for these 40 plus years, Roger of Hawley; her daughter, Kim (Bob) Schreiner of Harwood, ND; 2 grandchildren: Derek & Nicole Harwood; her two sons: Troy and Scott Kinnunen both of Moorhead, MN; her three sisters: Joyce Harmala of Howell, MI, Mary Ann (Douglas) Haverinen of Sebeka, MN and Susan Meyer of Fergus Falls, MN; three brothers: James E. (Hildie) Niemela, Robert (Carol) Niemela, and Brent (Rina) Niemela all of Menahga, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Edie was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 16, 2009 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga, MN with the Reverend John Ramsbacher officiating. The organist will be Vicki Paurus. The congregational hymns will be: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Amazing Grace". A trombone solo will be played by her 12 year old grandson, Derek Schreiner. Interment will be made in the Kinnunen family plot at the Jim Cook Cemetery. The casket bearers will be: Bob Schreiner, Nathan Niemela, Bradley Niemela, Ronald Hillukka, Brian Haverinen and Robert Haverinen. Following the services, there will be a luncheon reception hosted by the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post Auxiliary in Menahga. Visitation will begin 9 AM Monday morning and run until the time of the services. Funeral arrangements provided by the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home serving Menahga & Sebeka, MN.