Paul Hubert Kariniemi (Butch), of South Haven, MN, died June 23, 2013 at 5:49 PM after reaching the age of 86 years, 7 months, 29 days. His loving wife, Gladys, of 63 years, and his children, were by his side as he took his last breath.
He was born at home in Fulton, MI October 25, 1926. The doctor did not expect him to live through that first night, but the Heavenly Father granted him over 86 years on this earth before taking him to his Eternal Home.
Paul attended the Mohawk schools and graduated from Calumet High School in 1944. He served on the USS McCord with the U.S. Navy during WWII. On July 1, 1950, he was united in marriage to Gladys Halonen. After graduating from Michigan Technological University in 1951, he worked for Ford Motor Company in Detroit, MI and then at 3M in St. Paul, MN as a Mechanical Engineer, retiring in 1988. Paul and Gladys thoroughly enjoyed retirement life with family and friends on Lake Sylvia.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Nestor and Anna P. (Loukusa), brothers; Werner, Daniel E. (Helen Ruonavaara), Albert U., sister Hulda E. (Otto) Hermanson, grandsons; Jaegar P. Lee, Michael and David Kariniemi, great-granddaughter Bridget L. Sorvala and brother-in-law Norman Nelson. He is survived by wife Gladys E. (Halonen) of South Haven MN, children; Deborah K. Landa of Delano MN, Paul W. (Sandra Simonson) of Wayzata MN, Robert C. (Eeva Salminen) of Plymouth MN, Stephen D. (Ann Keskey) of Phoenix AZ, Judith S. Waaraniemi of Robbinsdale MN, Mark R. (Mirjami Vuorma) of Maple Grove MN, Michael D. (Karen Keskey) of Corcoran MN, Donald A. (Carol Hillukka) of Rockford MN, Anita L. (Samuel) Lee of Maple Lake MN, Mary A. (Rodrick) Sorvala of Buffalo MN, Philip N. (Margaret Alajoki) of Corcoran MN, Karen R. (David) Young of Buffalo MN, sister Signe Nelson of Brighton MI, sister-in-law Betty (Saarela) Kariniemi of Copper City MI, 95 grandchildren, 109 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Through faith, Paul attained his Heavenly goal.
Visitation is June 27, 2013 from 5-8 PM with a 7 PM service. Funeral is June 28, 2013 at 11 AM. Visitation and funeral will be at the Cokato Laestadian Lutheran Church. Funeral arrangements will be handled by Swanson-Peterson of Cokato, MN.