Harold Nevala
1941-2020
Harold “Harry” Walter Floyd Nevala, age 78, a long time Menahga, Minnesota area resident, passed away at his home with his beloved wife, Cookie by his side in the early morning hours of April 17, 2020.
Harold was born in Green Valley Township of Becker County southwest of Menahga. At an early age, he moved to the Twin Cities area and found work in the foundry industry where he spent his working career. Harold married Janice Fink and they were blessed with two children: Michael and Stacey.
Harold and Cookie married after several years of courtship and created a well-blended family with seven children and being both “Dad and Grandpa.” At age 62, he retired. Harold and Cookie purchased the old family farm back into the family and moved back to his hometown Menahga. There they started their lifelong dream of creating their hobby farm together. They had many animals and a Ferguson tractor which he was very proud of.
Harold was an avid gardener with a large beautiful garden and was proud of his home grown produce. He enjoyed giving his bounty to friends, family, and neighbors. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, family, and friends. He played guitar, harmonica, and would sing with a lot of encouragement. During his down time he loved to read a variety of books. He loved his church family at the Redeemer Lutheran of Menahga.
Harold will be deeply missed and is loved by many grandkids, great-grandkids, fellow church members, and many within the community. Service arrangements are currently postponed until a safer time.
He was preceded in death by parents Walter and Alma (Hanninen) Nevala; siblings: Arnold Nevala, Clarence Nevala, Benhardt Nevala, Ellen Nevala-Manau and Bernice Nevala-Harre.
He is survived by wife, Alice (Cookie); three daughters: Stacey (Steve Wiss) Mariette, Deborah (Scott) Brakefield, Taunya (Tom Benesch) Tande; four sons: Michael (Candy) Nevala, Steven (Jennifer) Lockwood, Wayne (Karen) Lockwood and Mel (Jan) Lockwood. Harold is also survived by siblings: Betty Ann Nevala-Stahlback and Marvin (Sandy) Nevala; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services have been set for 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with visitation beginning at 12 noon. Following the service a luncheon will be hosted by the women of Redeemers Lutheran Church. Casket bearers will be: Taunya Tande, Deborah Brakefield, Steven Lockwood, Stacey Mariette, Michael Nevala, Wayne Lockwood, Mel Lockwood, Nick Mariette and Travis Mariette. Interment will be made in the Alajoki Cemetery northwest of Menahga.
Arrangements were entrusted to Cardini Pearson Funeral Home of Menahga. To leave online condolences visit www.cardinipearson.com 6-3c