Paul Werner Kariniemi, 63, died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 in his home in Wayzata, MN following his battle with pancreatic cancer. Paul was born on June 22, 1952 in Detroit, Michigan to Paul and Gladys Kariniemi. Paul moved with his family to White Bear Lake, MN in 1957 and then to Plymouth, Minnesota in 1968, where he graduated from Wayzata High School in June 1970. Paul was drafted into the United States Army in 1972 and completed his service in 1974. He was married to Sandra Lee Simonson on March 18, 1978. Paul and Sandra lived in Plymouth, Minnesota until 1989 when they moved to Wayzata, Minnesota, where they remained for the remainder of their married life. Paul graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry in 1988 and worked as a chemist until 2000 when he retrained as an electrician at Dunwoody Institute. Thereafter, Paul worked as an electrician for the rest of his life, working both locally in the Minneapolis area as well as on the road in places like Moses Lake, Washington and Williston, North Dakota.
Paul is survived by his loving wife Sandra of 37 years and his children, Paul (Maijastiina) Kariniemi of Phoenix, AZ; Jack (Liana) Kariniemi of Corcoran, MN; Patrick (Anita) Kariniemi of Cave Creek, AZ; Tristan (Annika) Kariniemi of Medina, MN; William Kariniemi of Wayzata, MN; Roberta (Dave) Loukusa of St. Michael, MN; Barbara (Alex) Jumppanen of Corcoran, MN; Alex (Kelsi) Kariniemi of Plymouth, MN; Spencer (Annalisa) Kariniemi of St. Cloud, MN; and Julia Kariniemi of St. Cloud, MN. Paul is also survived by his mother, Gladys Kariniemi of South Haven, MN, his 11 siblings, and 23 grandchildren and many family members and friends.
Paul will remembered as a diligent worker who valued knowledge and education but mostly Paul will be remembered as a family man who loved to spend time with his wife and children and dote on his grandchildren. Paul was also a man of faith and was a life time member of the Minneapolis Lutheran Laestadian Church.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul Herbert Kariniemi.
Visitation will be held Friday, January 29, 2016 from 5-8 PM with 7 PM prayer at the Minneapolis Laestadian Lutheran Church (13030 47th Ave North, Plymouth, MN 55442) and continue 1 hour prior to services on Saturday. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Minneapolis Laestadian Lutheran Church. Internment will follow a time of gathering at the Cokato Finnish Cemetery. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534