Reino Kolu

Reino Kolu, 83, George Wahlen Veterans Home, Ogden, Utah Reino Kolu passed from this life January 9th, 2013, reuniting with his loving wife, Lorraine. He was a resident of George E. Wahlen Veterans Home where he has been well cared for during the past three years. He was born in April, 1929 on his father's farm in Marcell, Minnesota. His parents, Jalmari and Bertha Kolu, were immigrants from Finland. Reino was the youngest of five siblings, three of whom lived to adulthood. Few people were friendlier than Reino. He accumulated many friends throughout his life and kept them treasured in his heart. Even as dementia took the place of his memories, it seemed that the bond he felt with people continued as he interacted with others. Many people will miss his presence here on earth. Reino graduated from high school in Deer River, Minnesota and then served in the Army during the Korean War. He went to Rets Electronics and Television School in Detroit Michigan where he learned his trade. He took a two year position in the Arctic Circle on the DEW Line Distant Early Warning working as a private contractor for the United States Air Force. He then worked as an Electronic Instrument Technician for several companies: first, for Reserve Mining Company in Silver Bay, Minnesota for 8 years, then Blandin's Paper Company in Grand Rapids, Minnesota for 10 years. His last 19 years of employment before retiring were in Halsey, Oregon at Pope and Talbot Co. Reino had a commendable work ethic, not once missing a day in those decades of work. He also developed an ability to both lead and serve others. He was involved in his workers union, the Boy Scouts of America, and served as president of the Itasca Finnish Club, and Toastmasters. In 1976, Reino was invited to Washington DC to participate in the Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife. He demonstrated the art of birch bark weaving, a Finnish craft taught to him by his father. He served his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in many capacities, beginning with Branch President in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. He has been a ward clerk, counselor to the bishop, and served on the high council. After retirement, Reino served for several years in the Portland, Oregon Temple with his wife, Lorraine. Reino is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Esther Kolu and brother, Eino Doris Kolu. Lorraine Mary Parrish Kolu, his loving companion through 47 years of marriage, passed away nearly 10 years ago. Reino has seven children: Walter Kolu, who precedes him in death; Steven Kolu of Medford, Oregon; Sandra Bruce Hunsaker of Farmington, Utah; Sonia Curtis Larsen of Logan, Utah; Sheryl Bob Cardon of Bountiful, Utah; Shawn Melaine Kolu of St. George, Utah; and Scott Kolu, of Phoenix, Arizona. He has 30 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. We will all miss him dearly. He is also survived by his sister in law Dawn and her husband Dee Peoples of Klamath Falls, Oregon as well as his brother Eino's son Bruce of Cohasset, Minnesota. Services for Reino will be held Monday, January 14th, 2013 at George E. Wahlen Veterans Home 1102 N. 1200 W. Ogden, Utah. Funeral services begin at 10:30 am with a viewing that morning at 9:30. A Graveside Service will be held at 3:00 pm at the Smithfield City Cemetery, 300 E. Center Street in Smithfield, Utah. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com