OBITUARIES
Recent obituaries in Wadena County, Minnesota
The obituaries in the Sebeka, Minnesota Area reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity Wadena County's history and identity.
Marilyn Kay Lapinoja
Nov 12, 2023
Marilyn Kay Lapinoja died unexpectedly on November 12 in Menahga MN at the age of 76. Marilyn was born to Violette and Helmer Lapinoja on December 10, 1946, in Wadena, MN. Marilyn went to country school until her completion of the 8th grade when she then continued to live with her parents helping with housework, yard work and gardening. She...
Joyce Marie Hepola
Nov 12, 2023
Joyce Marie (Metteer) Hepola of rural Sebeka/Menahga passed away on November 12, 2023, at the age of 72, with her children by her side. She was born to Harold and Gladys (Holec) Metteer on August 24, 1951, in Wagner, SD. She grew up in SD before moving to rural Nimrod in 1967. Joyce attended Sebeka High School and graduated in...
Doyle Clyde Markman
Nov 11, 2023
Doyle was called home unexpectedly on November 11, 2023. We that were left behind were not ready, but God had a special plan for him. He was born to Clyde and Helen (Luitjens) Markman on October 8, 1959. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mathews Church in Worthington, Minnesota. He participated in cub scouts and owned a bike repair...
James Ronald Warmbold
Oct 24, 2023
James Rondald warmbold, age 70, of Menahga MN, passed away in October 24, 2023 at Astera Hospital in Wadena, MN. James, known as Jim, was born to parents Harold and Valdean (Tomperi) Warmbold on May 26, 1953. Jim lived most of his life in Menahga MN. Jim served in Vietnam War in the US Navy. On July 1, 1978 Jim...
Terry Preston Gravely
Oct 2, 2023
Terry Preston Gravely, age 71 of Menahga, Minnesota died on October 2, 2023. Terry was born on August 17, 1952 to Dyre and Clara Gravely in Wasco, California. He lived in and graduated from Wasco, CA. After graduation he joined the Air Force. Around 1997 he started working at RDO as a refrigeration mechanic and retired after 26 years. On...
Waneta Jo Wanous
Sep 17, 2023
Waneta Wanous, age 55 of Nimrod, Mn passed away peacefully on September 17th, 2023 at Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, Mn. Waneta was born on March 24th 1968, in Park Rapids, Mn to Charles and Ione Lind. She graduated from Menahga High School. After graduation she worked many different jobs. She was united in marraige to Ronald Wanous in May...
Kenneth Roland Hanninen
Sep 15, 2023
Ken Hanninen, 74, passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2023 at his residence for the past 11 years: “Your Home at the Lake” in Battle Lake, MN. Ken was born on October 24th, 1948, in Two Inlets, Minnesota to Bruno and Ella (Pat) Hanninen. Ken’s journey through life was filled with love, joy, and selflessness. After graduating from Menahga High...
Ellen Martha Karkinen
Aug 31, 2023
Ellen Martha Karkinen, age 84, of Menahga, passed away on August 31st, 2023, in Fargo, North Dakota. Ellen was born on August 15th, 1939, in Becker County, to Edward and Hilma (Fjelborg) Wuollet, the youngest of their seven children. Ellen attended country school in her younger years, then attending high school in Menahga, participating in glee and pep club, graduating...
Beverley Kay Torvinen
Aug 10, 2023
Beverley Kay Torvinen passed away on August 10th, 2023, surrounded by her family and countless friends, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Park Rapids, MN in 1953 to Virgil and Lorraine Potter, Bev was a tenacious fighter with a huge heart and an unwavering desire to help make things better wherever she saw an opportunity. At the age...
Wyatt Ernest Huhta
Aug 3, 2023
Wyatt Ernest Huhta, age 22, tragically left this life to sing with the angels on Thursday, August 3rd, 2023, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND following complications from a brain bleed. In his final moments, Wyatt was surrounded by his loving parents, siblings, and two of his friends. Wyatt was born on April 26th, 2001, at Tri-County Hospital in...
Brenda Marie Simi
Jul 28, 2023
Brenda Marie Simi, 59, passed away peacefully on July 28th, 2023 at Stanford hospital in Fargo, ND. Brenda was the Wife of Aaron L. Simi, who she shared 32 years of marriage with. Born in Minneapolis, MN, Brenda was the daughter of Kenneth L. Torma and Muriel A. (Niskanen) Torma. She attended Menahga public school in her younger years and...
Maria Magdalene Jarvi
Jul 20, 2023
Maria Magdalene (Nevala) Jarvi passed away peacefully on July 20, 2023, with her family by her side. Maria was born December 17th, 1933 to Leonard and Hinni (Alajoki) Nevala. Growing up Mia’s fondest memories were picking blueberries with siblings, having picnics and eating Ice Cream Cones on the way home as a treat. Mia attended church and was confirmed from...
Elizabeth (Betty) Louise Koehne
Jul 10, 2023
Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Koehne passed away at the Park Rapids hospital in Park Rapids, MN on Monday July 10th, 2023 at the age of 70. Betty was born on November 7th 1952 in Jackson, MN to Roland and Lila Belle (Freemire) Koffron. Betty grew up in the community of Jackson and was a graduate of the class of 1970. After...
Lenore Ellen Maaninga
Jun 25, 2023
Lenore Ellen (Sibrava) Maaninga, 91 years old passed away on June 25, 2023 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga, MN. Nora was born to Ed and Hattie Louise (Blanchard) Sibrava on March 4, 1932 during the Great Depression. She was born at home, a small baby. Her incubator was the oven to keep her warm and fed Eagle...
Marcella Geneva Shore
Jun 14, 2023
Marcella Geneva Shore, was born on August 11, 1922 to John and Marie (Engstrom) Brockopp in Newfolden, MN. Shortly after the birth of her sister, Gladys in 1926, her father sold the farm near Newfolden and purchased a brand new 1926 Model A Ford and moved the family to their new farm in Philbrook, MN. Everything they owned was packed...
Robert Samuel Hoppe Jr
Jun 2, 2023
Robert (Bob) Samuel Hoppe, Jr., 79, passed away peacefully after a long hard battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia diseases. He was born September 4, 1943, to Irene and Robert S. Hoppe, Sr. in Minneapolis. He grew up in Bloomington, graduating from Bloomington High School in 1962. He then attended and graduated from Brown University in Minneapolis in 1963. Bob excelled...
Gary Harlen Ryhti
May 26, 2023
Join Mary Ryhti and family in celebrating the life of Gary Harlen Ryhti (September 29, 1952 - May 26, 2023). Friends and community, please gather to share memories and favorite stories, laugh and cry, and remember Gary – who is deeply loved and greatly missed. The event in Gary’s honor will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 1:00-4:00...
Sylvia Irene Harvala
May 25, 2023
Our Mom Sylvia “Irene” Harvala, age 89, of Menahga MN (formerly of Osage and Park Rapids) passed away very quietly and peacefully on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Green Pine Acres Nursing Home. Alzheimer’s very slowly took her away from all of us. Irene was born on January 24, 1934, to William and Saima (Typpo) Kuismi, the youngest of 8...
Beatrice G. Janson
May 15, 2023
Beatrice G. Janson, 93 years old, formerly of rural Wadena, MN passed away on May 15th, 2023 at Perham Living Transitions Unit in Perham. She was born on December 29, 1929 to Emil and Sigrid (Puttonen Mattson) Mattie at their farm home in Blowers Township, East Otter Tail County. Beatrice attended Haycreek Country School and then Sebeka Public School, graduating...


