Russell William Lukkarila, 86, of Cloquet passed away suddenly Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007, in St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth. He was born Feb. 8, 1920, in Chisholm, Minn., to William and Impi (Leppiaho) Lukkarila. Russell graduated from Chisholm High School in 1938. He also graduated from Hibbing Junior College and the University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry. Russell retired from the St. Louis County Engineering Department. He was a veteran of World War II, 95th Infantry Division, known as the "Iron Men of Metz," where he earned a Bronze Star and two letters of commendation from General Patton and General Simpson. Russell was a member of the Chisholm American Legion #247.
He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Ida (Lantto); children, Mary of Cloquet, Charles (Kay) of Becker, Minn., and Mark (Anne) of South St. Paul; grandchildren, Ashley, Heidi, Abigail, Colin, James, Sarah, Rachel and Jacob; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, in Handevidt Funeral Home, Cloquet, and continued Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service in the Apostolic Lutheran Church, Esko. Full military honors were accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. A private family interment was held in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
To leave an online condolence for Russell's family, please visit www.handevidtfh.com . Arrangements are provided by Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service, 900 Washington Avenue, Cloquet, 218-879-4636.
January 10, 2007
ADVERTISEMENT
- Cloquet, Minn.
