Obituary of Emil Waino Konu

Emil Waino Konu, 97 of Esko, died Saturday, April 11, 2009 in St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth. The son of Matt and Laura Konu, Emil was born in 1911 in Thomson Township. He married Vienno Kultala on June 14, 1941. As a young man, Emil operated Konu Dairy Farm until he was 27. Then he worked as a heavy machine operator for three years before becoming a high pressure steam engineer with Zenith Dredge, where he worked until his retirement. He was a member of Apostolic Lutheran Church in Esko and Operating Engineers Local 49. During his retirement, Emil and Vienno traveled extensively through the US and visited relatives in Finland. He enjoyed his many fishing trips with family and friends. Emil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vienno; his son, Stanley and three sisters, Sannie Juutalainen, Ida Keinanen and Taimi Johnson. Emil is survived by his brother, Arvid (Meredith) Konu of Cloquet, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to Terry, Caroline, Jan and the staff of Silver Maple Estate for the wonderful care given to Emil. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service, Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home Chapel, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, followed by lunch in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial will be in Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery, Esko.