MICHAEL WILLIAM KYLLONEN, SR.
April 10, 1937 ~ September 28, 2011

Michael William Kyllonen, Sr., age 74 of Park Rapids, MN, passed away on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at St. Josephs Area Hospital in Park Rapids, MN.
Mike and his twin brother, Mitchell were born to Bill and Lila (Young) Kyllonen on April 10, 1937 in Butte, Montana. When the boys were infants, the family moved to Wolf Lake, Minnesota. Mike attended grade school in Wolf Lake and the Park Rapids High School. Mike joined the United States Air Force in 1954 where he was a specialist in communications, security and training. Mike faithfully served his country for 25 years and was honorably discharged in 1979. In 1957-58, while he was stationed in Scotland, he met Agnes “Scotty” Morgan. After a whirlwind romance, Mike proposed marriage and shortly thereafter was transferred to Greece. The two corresponded for the next year getting to know each other better. Mike and Scotty were united in marriage on September 11, 1959 in Dalkieth, Scotland. Mike’s military career took them all over the world including Germany, Scotland, Greece and state side: Idaho, Michigan, Texas and Minnesota. 5 children were born to their union: John, Edward, Tim, Euphemia Lynn and Mike Jr. Following his retirement in 1979, the family settled in Park Rapids, MN. In 2001, Mike endured the tragic loss of his son, Edward. He enjoyed camping and often took vacations with his family to such memorable locations as Australia and New Zealand. Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter and was happiest spending time with family and friends at “The Lodge”. He enjoyed playing golf, poker and watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. His “bucket list” included making a trip to the Target Field to see the Twins, which he was able to do this year. Mike was a member of the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 of Park Rapids, the David Englund V.F.W. Post #11008 of Park Rapids and the Forty and Eight Club. He was instrumental in establishing and organizing the Community Fishing Derby at the American Legion and running it for the past 10 years. Mike was a long time member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years, Scotty Kyllonen of Park Rapids, MN; his 3 sons: John of Park Rapids MN, Tim of Riva, MD and Michael Jr. (Erin) of New Market, MN; his daughter-in-law, Amy Kyllonen of Prior Lake, MN; 10 grandchildren: Kyte (Dan) Demoret, Michael B. (Lacy), Kyle, Lindsey, Emily, Christian, Kodi, John, Rebecca and Zach; 4 great grandchildren: Kiera, Jay, Kendyl, Hayley and three more on the way; his sister, Penny (John) Tingstad of Hibbing, MN; his brother, Mitch (Carol) Kyllonen of Spartanburg, SC; his aunt, Mae Wenborg of Park Rapids, MN along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Edward; infant daughter, Euphemia Lynn and nephew, Mitchell Wayne Kyllonen.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, October 3, 2011 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Park Rapids, MN with Pastors James Neubauer and Tim Heinecke officiating. The organist will be Connie Shubert. Vocalists will be John, Christian and Kodi Kyllonen singing “The Flower of Scotland”. Bagpiper Brian Solum will play “Amazing Grace”. Congregational hymns will be: “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”. Active casketbearers will be: Jim Henry, Christian Kyllonen, Kyle Kyllonen, Michael B. Kyllonen, John Kyllonen, Dan Demoret, Matt Hirsch, Brian Bruns and Joe Braun. Honorary casketbearers will be “Mike’s Poker Buddies” and Tom Coborn. Military Honors will be provided by the Otto Hendrickson American Legion Post #212 and the Army National Guard Honor Guard. Interment will be made at 12:45 P.M. on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.