Aarne Rudolph Pyykola

Aarne Rudolph Pyykola, 93, lifelong Oulu resident died Saturday, February 26, 2011 at his residence in Oulu.

He was born on Aug 16, 1917 in Oulu the son of John and Mary (Hyrkas) Pyykola, Sr.

Aarne was a lifelong area resident, born and grew up on the old farmstead.

He was a life time member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Aarne grew up during the great depression in the 30’s and life was tough on the family farm but we always had something to eat.

Aarne served in the U.S. army during World War II from September 24, 1941 thru October 28, 1945, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma in the 689 Field Artillery Battalion from September 24,1941 till October 6 , 1943 at Fort Sill. Aarne’s unit served as school troops which furnished Troops and equipment to the Field Artillery School for educational and training purposes for commissioned officers.

Aarne came home on furlough on May 17, 1943 and married Elsie E. Maki in Oulu.

Aarne left for overseas duty from Camp Miles Standish, MA on June 26, 1944.   He served in the European theatre from July 10, 1944 till the end of World War II.    He landed on Utah Beach on August 24th 1944. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Aarne returned home on October 28, 1945 and took over the family farm with his wife Elsie.

After the war jobs were scarce, so he worked various odd jobs to help the farm income.   Aarne worked part time at Duluth Grain Trimmers for eight years and worked for Standard Oil as a distributor for gas and oil from November 1958 thru the year November 1975.

Aarne owned and operated A & R Oil Company from 1975 to 1982.  He retired in 1982.

Aarne didn’t have many hobbies, but was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed playing pool with his over the hill gang.

Aarne is survived by his three sons, Clyde (Sally) Pyykola, Dean (Karen) Pyykola and Ryan (Francine) Pyykola; his grandson, Treg Aarne; foster son, Jack (Marcene) Leichtman of Ashland and foster daughter, Kathy Goff of Cable, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his wife Elsie on October 9, 2003; his grandson, Justin Ryan on September 5, 2000; his parents, John and Mary Pyykola, Sr; and five brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM Tuesday, March 1, 2011 in Hope Lutheran Church in Oulu, Wisconsin.

Visitation will continue at 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Service on Wednesday March 2, 2011 also at Hope Lutheran Church in Oulu with Rev Scott Stai, officiating.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Dave Nygaard, Tom Stone, Bill Kangas, Sandra Rantala, Randy Johnson, Terry Burhans, Ed Burhans, Mike Sauvola and Elisabeth Burhans.

To send a condolence or sign the on-line guest book, visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.