Arnold Wiita
1932 – 2018
Arnold (Arne) Edward Wiita, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, January 25, 2018 in Menahga, Minnesota.
Arne was born to Richard and Stella (Burkman) Wiita on December 20, 1932. He was born at the family farm in Blueberry Township. Arne was the second child out of thirteen. He attended Country School 39. He graduated from the eighth grade, then went to work on his uncle Hugo Ahlgren’s farm. In 1951 he moved to Duluth where he worked at a steel plant. That May, he met the love of his life, Flora (MacMillan). On February 9, 1952 they were married and were blessed with six beautiful daughters. Then he worked at Central Co-op in Superior. In 1967 he was transferred to Minneapolis, where he worked until retirement. In 1974, Arne and his family moved to a hobby farm near Sebeka. Arne and Flora moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico in 1986. His doctor said the dry desert heat might be better for his health. After six years in New Mexico, Arne and Flora moved into their current home in Menahga.
Through these years, Arne proudly served his country. He was in the military for 19 years and three months. He was the commander of the Sebeka American Legion Post 456. He served as vice commander of Minnesota 6th District. He was also commander of Menahga VFW Post 6206. He served as a member of the color guard for both the Legion and VFW.
Arne enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, cooking, and his loyal dogs – Frenchie, Dolly, and Suzy. He always had a smile, wave, or story for everyone he met.
Arne will be sadly missed by his loving wife Flora of 65 years, 11 months, and 16 days; daughters: Shirley Jamison, Sandra Lehner, Sherry (Winston) Minor, Shelly Wiita, and Susan Kinnunen; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren; brothers: Edwin (Anita), Archie (Pat), Donald (Paula), Roy (Mary): sisters: Dorothy Maki, Delores Schinigo, Donna (Ron) Soland, and Diane (Lloyd) Black. Arne was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, daughter Sara, three grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; brothers: Albert, Alvin, Elmer, and sister Darlene Malberg.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 2 at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church of Sebeka. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, February 1 at Wevley Funeral Home in Sebeka and one hour prior to service at the church. Interment services will be held at the Menahga City Cemetery at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wevley Funeral Home of Sebeka. Online condolences may be left at www.wevleyfuneralhome.com.