Toivo John Haavisto

Toivo John Haavisto age 57, of Menahga, MN died Thursday, February 25, 2010 at his home in Menahga, MN. Toivo was born to Antti and Lea (Lehtonen) Haavisto on September 20, 1952 at Wesley Hospital in Wadena, MN. He was raised and attended school in Menahga. Toivo was a career, soldier after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard where he served twenty three years. He was also employed at Park Rapids Regional Airport as an Aircraft Mechanic and weather Forecaster for nearly twenty Years. He also worked a crop dusting operation, refueling and filling planes for Pilot Ron Falk and spraying potato fields for Ron D. Offit of ND. Toivo was baptized a child of God in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Faith. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga. He will be sadly missed by his family and his friends. Toivo is survived by his sister, Riitta Haavisto of Menahga; brother, Onni Haavisto of Menahga; two uncles, Alpo Haavisto of New Jersey and Paul Haavisto of Finland; four nieces, Kelly, Roxann, Alesandra and Trina and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Haavisto. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, March 5, 2010 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga with Pastor John Ramsbacher officiating. Ruth Ann Kinnunen will serve as organist. Congregational hymns will be “Rock of Ages,” “Just As I am, without one Plea,” “What a Friend We have in Jesus” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Honorary Pallbearers are Alpo Haavisto, Paul Haavisto, Matti Kanerva, Kari Haavisto, Brian Deming and Alvin Haavisto. Active Casketbearers are John Baso, George Baso, Terry Tomperi Dave Tomperi, Ernie Patson and Onni Haavisto. Guy L McDermeit V.F.W. Post 6206 of Menahga will provide Military Honors. Interment will be at the Menahga City Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home.