1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P

Martin Ralph Latola of Palo died February 6, 2012 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born April 21, 1922 in Palo, the son of Andrew & Signe (Rivinoja) Latola. He married Lillian Lehtinen on October 31, 1943 in Virginia.
Martin was a lifetime member of the Operating Engineers Local #49 and worked for Associated Builders as a crane operator. He also held lifetime memberships in the Quayle-Shuster-Truman-Muhich # 241 American Legion, Biwabik Masonic Lodge #293 AF & AM, and Handyman's Club. Martin served as Archivist for the International Kaleva Lodge for 8 years and Pohjalaisten Maja in Virginia. Martin served as Master of Biwabik Lodge # 293 and belonged to the Range Patrol marching unit of the Shriner of Aad Temple of Duluth and a member of the Last Man's Club of Aurora Legion. He served as Patron for the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #262 of Biwabik and of Chapter # 156 of Tower. He was a Grand Representative to Tennessee from the Grand Chapter of Minnesota. Martin was a member of Palo-Markham Senior Citizens and served as Laskiainen Chairman in 1962.
Martin was the leader of Toppers dance orchestra and a Musician Union member in Virginia and later in Duluth. His hobbies were fly-fishing and woodworking.
Martin is survived by his wife of 67 years: Lillian; daughter: Joyce (Joseph) Baudek of Aurora; son: Ralph (Rebecca) Latola of Palo; grandchildren: Heidi (Dean) Weiberg, Matthew (Nikole) Baudek, Heather (Jon) Fiend, Michelle Latola, and Kelly (Mari) Latola; great-grandchildren: Anna Weiberg, Emily and Briar Baudek, Khya and Quinn Fiend, and Jordan and Ryan Latola; brother: Kauko Latola.
There will be a private family gathering on Sunday, February 12, 2012.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share personal condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Facts

Born: April 21, 1922
Place of Birth: Palo, MN
Death: February 6, 2012
Place of Death: Aurora, MN
Occupation: Heavy Equipment Operator
Hobbies: Fly-fishing and Woodworking

Services Private Family Services will be held