William Erkkila
1932 – 2008

     William “Bill” Erkkila, 75 of Menahga, Minnesota, formerly of Eveleth, Minnesota, died peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2008, at the Green Pine Acres Nursing Home in Menahga.
     Bill was born on September 18, 1932, in Straight River Township near Menahga to Jake and Tillie (Kusi) Erkkila. He attended country school near his home and grew up helping on his parent’s farm. As a young man, Bill entered the United States Army where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as a member of the Infantry in Korea. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal and returned home to Minnesota. He ventured to northeastern Minnesota where he gained employment working in the mines.  His career in mining spanned over 30 years. He began working in the underground Pioneer Mine near Ely, Minnesota, and later moved to the Minn-Tac Mine near Mountain Iron, Minnesota.
     He was united in marriage to Virginia Mary Neumann at the Sand Lake Chapel on July 12, 1980. Bill was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish with his family and friends at their hunting shack near Menahga. Throughout his life, Bill always made himself available to help older neighbors with their yard work, household chores, or snow removal. His life was forever saddened by the death of his beloved wife, Virginia, in September of 1989. Bill was a lifetime member of the Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 in Menahga. Above all, Bill will be remembered as a helpful, happy man who devoted his life to his family and friends.
     He will be lovingly remembered by his four sisters:  Impi White and Vivian Ollila both of Menahga, Sylvia (Walter) Arola of Mountain Iron, and Viola Schindeldecker of Park Rapids, Minnesota; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
     Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, and three brothers: Arnold, Arthur, and Raymond.
     Funeral services were held on June 19 at the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home in Menahga with Reverend Steven Bruer officiating.  Organist was Betty Samuelson.  Soloist Tom Ellingson sang “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Active pallbearers were Steven Koskela, Brian Koskela, Kenneth White, Clyde Ollila, Clarence Kuusi, and Nathan Niemela.  Military Honors were provided by Guy L. McDermeit VFW Post 6206 of Menahga. Interment was made in the Menahga City Cemetery. Arrangements were with the Cardini-Pearson Funeral Home, Menahga.