Urho Wirkkala

Urho M. Wirkkala, 84, died September 11, 2007 in Vancouver, Washington from complications of advanced Alzheimer's disease. Born June 10, 1923 in Naselle, Washington, he was the thirteenth of fifteen children born to Andrew and Hilda Wirkkala, and the 12th son. He grew up in Naselle where he recieved his schooling. Urho was a veteran of the Second World War, his active duty being with the US Army Engineers in India and Burma working on the Burma Road. Returning to Naselle he co-owned and operated Salmon Creek Logging with his brothers. Later he worked as a construction superintendent of roads and bridge building for Evans Products in Nicaragua and Mayr Brothers in Aberdeen, WA. He resided in Cosmopolis, Washington for a number of years prior to moving to Vancouver in 2002 to be near his children. Urho's love for his entire family was readily apparent. He enjoyed classical music, gardening and taking care of his investments in the stock market. Urho married Hilda Koskela on February 9, 1946 in Naselle. She died August 20, 1981. Survivors include his children Genita (Virgil) Fadenrecht of Salem, OR, Charlene (Berlyn) Hodges of Tucson, AZ, Daryl Wirkkala of Longview, WA, and Dennis (Vicki) Wirkkala of Vancouver; eight grandchildren Sheryl Lehmkuhl, Doug Fadenrecht, Spencer Wirkkala, Shannon Wirkkala, Tyler Wirkkala, Matthew Wirkkala, Jordan Wirkkala and Jacob Wirkkala; ten great-grandchildren; brothers Hannes Wirkkala of Brush Prairie, WA and Ben Wirkkala of Naselle, WA; sisters Eva Pellervo of Naselle and Aimee Carathers of Vancouver, WA; and his dear friend Carleen Randich of Aberdeen, WA. Besides his wife he was preceded in death by his son Delbert; brothers Arne, Oiva, Howard, Edwin, Lauri, Albert, Martin, Paul and Fred Wirkkala; and sister Elizabeth Lindholm. Funeral service will be Friday, September 14, 2007, 2:00 PM at Naselle Assembly of God Church. Graveside service follows at Peaceful Hill Cemetery, Naselle. Arrangements are by Penttila's Chapel by The Sea and the guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.