Ernest Waldemar Lehtola

He was born at home in Fulton, Michigan, on March 11, 1932, the seventh of nine children to parents John and Margaret (née Larson).

Ernest’s childhood dream was to be a professional athlete. He played hockey, football, baseball and ran track. He skipped his high school graduation, and went to the Boston Red Sox’s training camp in the spring of 1950. To his disappointment, he did not make the team. His regret awakened in him a desire to return to his childhood faith that was a lifelong blessing.

Next, Ernest obtained employment in car factories in Detroit, Michigan. Also, he worked on the ore boats in the Great Lakes. He was drafted into the army and served for two years, stationed in Germany after the Korean War. Again following his service, he worked in Detroit. After a couple years he decided to attend Michigan Technical University for accounting under the GI bill.

In the summer of 1957, Ernest met Virginia Halonen of Minneapolis. They were married on March 22, 1958. Ernest and Virginia lived in Fulton until Ernest completed his studies in business at Michigan Tech in the spring of 1959. Their firstborn child, John, was born in Laurium.

In 1959, the family moved to White Bear Lake, where ten more children were born.

His love for the outdoors was exhibited by activities with his kids and friends including hunting, fishing and gardening.

Ernest was employed by the IRS, until his retirement in the summer of 1995.

The Lehtola family moved to Maple Grove, Minnesota, in 1978. After the children grew up, Ernest and Gina moved to their retirement home in Otsego in 2005.

Personal faith and church activities were an important part of his life. Through faith, Ernest attained his heavenly goal.

Ernest was preceded in death by eight siblings, Carl (Hubert), Helen Anderson, Mabel Olkkonen, Arthur (Raymond), Edward (Wilhardt), Paul, Clara Kivela and Gloria Korby; grandchild, Thomas Lehtola; and a host of brother- and sister-in-laws.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia of 63 years; children, John (Janelle), Sheila (Randy) Keranen, Valerie (Brian) Johnson, Marcia, Beverly, Joseph (Mary), Peggy, James (Maria), Donald (Jeanette), Gary (Lea) and Briita (Keith) Moll; 83 grandchildren and 103 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Ernie Lehtola will be held Sunday, December 12, 2021, at 3 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, at the Rockford Laestadian Lutheran Church.

Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel St. Michael-Albertville Funeral Home. 763-497-5362. www.thepetersonchapel.com.