Larry Eugene Wiitala, age 63 a lifelong resident of Mountain Iron died Thursday, October 1, 2015 in the Essentia Health Center Virginia after a long but courageous battle with leukemia. He was born May 20, 1952 in Williston, ND the son of Russell and Louella (Samuelson) Wiitala, attended Mountain Iron Schools and received his degree in carpentry from the Eveleth Vocational Technical School. Larry served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War enlisting in November of 1969 and attaining the rank of Corporal E-4. He married Sherry Aronen on December 25, 1975 in Mountain Iron. Larry was an accomplished carpenter working with the Carpenter's Union Local 606 for 30 plus years and owned and operated Larry Wiitala Construction, doing work for many families and Iron Range businesses. He was a member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 in Virginia. Larry loved spending time with his girls, gardening, hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, spending time at the shack and spending time with friends. He was an artist with everything he touched: carpentry, gardening, and his lath art: "Finn Shui".
Larry is survived by the love of his life and best friend: Sherry; daughter: Heather Wiitala of Minneapolis, granddaughters: Hannah Wiitala and Selena Lerfald; father: Russell (Shirley Sarkela) Wiitala of Virginia; siblings: Bryan (Allison) Wiitala of Mountain Iron, Cheryl (Bruce Johnson) Wiitala of Saint Louis Park, Cathy (Rob Heim) Wiitala of Isanti, and Janelle (Jeff) Paschke of Ramsey; mother-n-law: Shirley Mildred Aronen; Brothers-in-law: David Aronen and Brian (Robin) Aronen; sister-in-law: Shelley (Ed) Zeidler; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He will be missed, but not forgotten.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Louella Wiitala and father-in-law: Hugo Aronen.
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 4, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Bauman Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Visitation will continue Monday, October 5, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Virginia Serviceman's Honor Guard. Graveside services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the East Pike Cemetery.
The Wiitalas' wish to express their gratitude and thanks to Larry's many friends, family, and his doctors and nurses who were always there for him.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation

Sunday October 4, 2015 , 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel

Visitation

Monday October 5, 2015 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Funeral Service

Monday October 5, 2015 , 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Interment

Monday October 5, 2015 , 2:00 p.m. at East Pike Cemetery

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: May 20, 1952
Place of Birth: Williston, ND
Death: October 1, 2015
Place of Death: Virginia, MN 55792
Occupation: Carpenter
Hobbies: loved spending time with his girls, gardening, hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing, spending time at the shack and spending time with friends. He was an artist with everything he touched: carpentry, gardening, and his lath art: "Finn Shui".
Organizations: member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Crellin-Tini VFW Post # 1113 in Virginia