Robert "Peter" Thomas Ahola, age 77 of Virginia died Thursday, January 7, 2010 in the St. Michael's Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. He was born June 29, 1932 in Virginia, the son of Emil and Lydia (Haarala) Ahola. Peter graduated from Virginia High School, The University of Minnesota-Duluth and earned a Master's Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1952 to 1956. Peter married Twilla Ann Peterson on December 26, 1971 in Virginia, MN. He was a Social Studies Teacher for the St. Louis County School District (ISD 2142) for many years, with his longest period of service with the Cherry High School. Peter was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Mt. Iron and its Men's Bible Study Class. Beloved as a favorite uncle, teacher, and mentor, Peter had a special rapport with young and old alike. His special interests were gardening, fishing, and reading in the areas of politics and world affairs.
Peter is survived by his wife of 38 years: Twilla; sister: Irma Becker of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law: Helen Ahola of Minneapolis; nieces and nephews: Karen Hemphill of Minneapolis, Mikko Ahola of Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. David Ahola of Bangor, ME, Lisa Smith of McLean, VA, Lance Becker of Burke, VA and Dr. Jane Becker of Houston, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Dr. Kenneth Ahola.
Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. Funeral Service, Saturday, January 9, 2010 in Messiah Lutheran Church in Mt. Iron. Reverend Kristin Foster will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.
Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Messiah Lutheran Church Community Garden Project or to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share personal remembrances of Peter online, please see:www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Born: June 29, 1932 Place of Birth: Virginia, MN 55792 Death: January 7, 2010 Place of Death: Virginia, MN 55792 Occupation: Retired Educator Visitation Saturday January 9, 2010 , 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church
Funeral Service Saturday January 9, 2010 , 2:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church
Spring Interment Greenwood Cemetery
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Community Garden of Messiah Lutheran Church or Parkinson's Foundation