Raymond William "Sonny" Nevala, age 78 died Wednesday, December 12, 2012 in the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay. He was born November 19, 1934 in Aurora, MN the son of Matt and Olga (Pulkinen) Nevala. Raymond attended Embarrass High School Class of 1952, was a state champion in the 440 yard dash and was a member of the Flying Finns of Embarrass. He served in the United States Army in Korea. Ray lived in Embarrass and worked as a shovel runner for Erie Mining Company. Later, Raymond lived in Winlock, WA where he was an equipment operator in the coal mine. Raymond enjoyed fishing, hunting, attending every track meet and hockey tournament he could. He was a life member of Masonic Lodge #47 F&AM in Winlock, WA and a member of Eveleth Masonic Lodge #239 AF&AM. He was a member of the Shine Clowns and known as "Sonny Rae", the Commandry, the Knights Templar, and Quayle-Shuster-Truman-Muhich American Legion Post # 241 in Aurora, MN.

Raymond is survived by his special friend: Marion Hitner; daughter: Geri Rae Barrientez of Minneapolis; siblings: Olga "Elaine" Musich of Littleton, CO, Jack Nevala of Aurora, Ruth Kippola of Eveleth, and Ed Nevala of Embarrass; grandsons: Daniel Barrientez Jr and Wilson Kaahanu Jr; granddaughter: Jessica Rae Boe; great-grandsons: Skylar, Quinton and Rilley; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Scott Nevala in 2005, and siblings: Laura Koski, Helen Jarve and infant Kenneth Nevala.

A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 from Noon until the 1:00 p.m. Memorial Service in Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Reverend Terry Tilton will officiate. Inurnment will take place in the Waasa Cemetery.

It is requested you remember Sonny with a memorial contribution in his name to the Silver Bay Veteran's Home rather than a floral arrangement.

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Visitation

Friday January 18, 2013 , Noon at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel

Memorial Service

Friday January 18, 2013 , 1:00 p.m. at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: November 19, 1934
Place of Birth: Auarora, MN
Death: December 12, 2012
Place of Death: Silver Bay, MN
Occupation: Equipment Operator
Hobbies: Fishing, Hunting, Track Meets and Hockey Tournaments
Organizations: Life member of Masonic Lodge #47 F&AM in Winlock, WA, a member of Eveleth Masonic Lodge #239 AF&AM, a member of the Shine Clowns, the Commandry, the Knights Templar, and Quayle-Shuster-Truman-Muhich American Legion Post #241 in Aurora

Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to:
Silver Bay Veteran's Home