Sylvia Muhonen 1928 – 2023
Sylvia Mary (Halonen) Muhonen of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away on March 29, 2023, at the age of 95. She was born on March 22, 1928, in a sod house in Temvik, North Dakota, to Charles and Tynne (Oikelmus) Halonen. She spent her early years in North and South Dakota. In 1945, her family moved to White Bear Lake, Minnesota, where she graduated from High School.
Sylvia married Walter Muhonen on December 11, 1948. They started out living in the upstairs apartment at the Halonen home until Wally was able to build their first home, buying building materials as they could afford. She fondly recalled those happy years in White Bear, where she was able to spend her busy days taking care of her babies, along with her sisters and their families.
Sylvia was a people person, and nothing made her happier than having someone stop by for a visit. She was a good listener and gave so much comfort and loving instruction to those around her. Faith was the most important matter in her life. She never hesitated to visit or write a letter to a child, grandchild or friend to remind them of the way of a believer.
Sylvia is survived by her children: Nancy (Robert) Keranen, Cindy (Arnold) Keranen, daughter-in-law Enid Muhonen, Susan (Kalevi) Tarnanen, Margo (Duane) Hillukka, Linda (Mike) Landa, Cheryl (Steve) Kumpula, Greg (Donna), Nathan (Janelle), Martha (Eric) Oja, Dale (Kimberly), Diane (Loren) Hillukka and Steve (Sheila); 152 grandchildren, 730 great-grandchildren and 61 great-great grandchildren; her siblings: Virginia Lehtola, Raymond (Betty) Halonen, Lillian Ylitalo, Donald (Florence) Halonen; sisters-in-law: Lorraine Hillukka, Connie Halonen, Martha Halonen; brother-in-law Jerry Anderson; step sister-in-law Miriam Jurmu, and a host of relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband Walter; son Dennis; her parents Charles and Tynne; stepmother Anna (Jurmu) Halonen; grandson Grant Hillukka; eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; siblings: Carl (Eunice), Judith (Mervin) Mattila, Gladys (Paul) Kariniemi, Fred (Thelma), Mildred (Paul) Raisanen, Paul, Edward, George, and Sharen Anderson; brothers-in-law: Ernest Lehtola and Paul Ylitalo; stepbrothers: Clifford (Carol) Jurmu and Robert Jurmu.
Funeral services for Sylvia Muhonen will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church. Pastor Allen Pirness will officiate.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the church from 5-9 p.m. Further visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church.
Interment will be held at the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery in Little Falls, MN on Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11 a.m.
The Peterson Chapel, Buffalo MN assisted the family with funeral arrangements. On-line condolences can be made at www.thepetersonchapel.com4-5pd