Richard Edwin Makela

Richard Edwin Makela, age 81, a long time Menahga, MN area resident, passed from this life into eternal life on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga with his loved ones at his side. Rich was born on June 2, 1934 to Charles and Laura (Heino) Makela at his parent's farm in Red Eye Township northeast of Sebeka. MN. At the young age of seven, Rich moved with his family to a farm in Runeberg Township of Becker County just west of Menahga. As a boy he attended the District # 62 Country School near his home and then went on to attend high school in Menahga from where he graduated with the Class of 1953. Shortly after graduation, Richard entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country as an infantryman. After receiving his honorable discharge, Rich returned to Minnesota where he gained employment with the Cornelius Manufacturing Company near Anoka, MN. He later returned to Menahga where he took over the operation of the family dairy farm. Rich enjoyed farming and worked hard in developing a fine herd of dairy cattle and transforming the rugged northern MN land into a productive farm. Rich's nieces and nephews were an important part of his life. He invested much of himself into each one of them and they in turn loved him dearly. They looked forward to their summers with Uncle Rich and happily helped him with baling hay, picking rock, cleaning calf pens and helping with all the other daily rigors of farm life. In his spare time, Rich enjoyed fishing, playing horse shoes, bowling and visiting with his family and friends. He enjoyed teaching his nieces and nephews his deer hunting knowledge and skills and they in turn were almost always successful in their hunting pursuits. Rich loved to bake Finnish flat bread and cookies. He enjoyed watching a good western on TV and as much football as he could find time for. Rich also enjoyed a friendly game of whist or cribbage whenever he could. He will be lovingly remembered by his three sisters: Hazel (Robert) Johnson of Phoenix, AZ, Jeanette Eide of McGregor, MN and Joyce Busitzky of Anoka; two brothers: Marvin (Katherine) Makela of Park Rapids and Stanley Makela of Miltona, MN; as well as many dearly loved nieces, nephews and other relatives. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Laura; two brothers: Willard and Carl and two nieces: Arlena and Judy. Services will be held 11 AM, Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga with the Rev. Art Skoog officiating. The musical tributes will be: "Amazing Grace" "In the Garden" and "How Great Thou Art". The urn bearers will be: Quentin Busitzky, Quain Busitzky, Kevin Johnson, Tim Johnson, Michelle Makela and Jeremy Makela. In Lieu of flowers your shared memories and your presence at Richard's service will be preferred. To leave on line condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com .