Obit: Hirvela, John (1926 - 2009)

Contact : R. Lipprandt

Email: rloss@bellsouth.net

Surnames: Hirvela, Kelly, Martin, Stuart

---Source: Record - Review (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wisconsin) Wednesday, December 23, 2009, online edition 

---Hirvela, John (September 12, 1926 - December 16, 2009)

John Hirvela, 83, of Lake Tomahawk, died December 16, 2009 at Taylor Park Nursing Home in Rhinelander.

Born September 12, 1926 in Brantwood, son of Finnish immigrant farmers Alfred and Lily Hirvela.

He is survived by one sister, June Martin of New Berlin, and preceded in death by one half sister, Lillian Stuart of San Francisco.

At age 17, John enlisted in the navy and served two years in the medical core during World War II. Following this, he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degree in School administration at UW Eau Claire, where he met his wife, Jean Ann Kelly of Ogema.

The couple was married December 23, 1951 and the month celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. John and Jean Ann were educators for 10 years in Tripoli, where John taught history and social studies and later served as principal and superintendent. The couple moved to Edgar in 1960, where he served as superintendent for 23 years, and Jean Ann taught first grade. He received a special recognition on behalf of his service to handicapped children in Marathon County.

Later in life, John and his wife had one daughter, Joanne Hirvela, 34, who is a Doctor of Clinical Psychology in Minneapolis. In retirement, John and Jean Ann loved to travel and went on many cruises. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and sight-seeing.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 30, 2010, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in the Prentice Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ascension Lutheran Church.

Bolger Funeral and Cremation Services of Minocqua and Woodruff is assisting the family with arrangements. 715-356-3200

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