Elvie Hoyhtya Kinnunen

            Elvie (Hoyhtya) Kinnunen, age 94, of Menahga, MN, passed away on Monday, October 01, 2018 at the CHI St. Joseph’s Health, Park Rapids, MN.

      Elvie was born on May 2^nd, 1924 to Andrew and Tekela (Johnson) Hoyhtya, in Lake of the Woods County, Graceton, MN.  Elvie was baptized and confirmed in the Apostolic Lutheran faith.  She attended Hay Creek elementary country school.  She was united in marriage to Arnold W. Kinnunen on Jan. 5^th, 1945 in Menahga, MN.  This union was blessed with six children; three sons: Bobby, Roy and Dennis, and three daughters: Judy, Jean, and JoAnn. Elvie worked at an orphanage in her early years and truly valued her time there. She was a dedicated and doting housewife for her family and many friends throughout her years from baking fresh bread every week to her famous cinnamon rolls that would feed the neighborhood! She took pride in her flower beds every year and loved to garden. She had a special touch with anything she put her mind to, and many things in life blossomed because of Elvie’s charm. She played accordion, harmonica and would sing any chance she could. Her yodeling was heard often with family and friends. She hosted special events at her house throughout the years for her home was truly a special place for gathering.  She was a strong and loving leader in the family and her ability to smile during the good and bad times of life will be remembered dearly. Elvie’s legacy will be cherished by many near and far.

      She will be dearly missed by her daughters, Judy Koehnen of Menahga and Jean Hendrickson of Paducah, KY; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; with numerous nieces, nephews and dear cousins.     

      Elvie was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Bobby Kinnunen, Roy Kinnunen, and Dennis Kinnunen;  daughter, JoAnn Garner; 7 brothers; 4 sisters.

      Visitation will be held from 12-2 PM Thursday, October 4^th, 2018 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home, Menahga, MN with the Funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Reverend David Walsh will be officiating.  Casket bearers will be John Hensel, Chris Cowden, Bruce Kinnunen, Danny Christensen, Charles Edwards, and Bradley Christensen. Interment will be in the Jim Cook Cemetery, Menahga, MN

      The family would specifically like to thank the Green Pine Acres and St. Joseph Hospital for their loving care they showed to Elvie over the years.

      To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com