Funeral services were held for Richard Tervola, age 87, of New York Mills, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Nick Kandoll presiding. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Janet Tumberg. Pallbearers were Kenneth Tervola, Tom Mursu, Martin Tervola, Marty Irons, Marlin Irons, Sr. and Marlin Irons, Jr. Military honors were performed by VFW Post #3982 of New York Mills. Richard was laid to rest at Leaf Lake Finnish Cemetery in Henning.

Richard’s Grandfather Olaf Tervola 1/14/1851 – 9/27/1935 migrated to the USA from Tervola, Finland and was married to Anna Christine Hanson Tervola 12/11/1851 – 1/10/1937 was born in Norway.

Richard’s Grandfather William Puranen 3/15/1872 – 11/21/1941 migrated from Finland to Wadena, and married to Hilda Katarina Puranen 1883 from Michigan, USA 1883 – 9/28/1910.  Richard could speak fluently in English, Finnish, and German.  He attended school at District 135 Henning, until 11 Grade.

Richard served in the USA Army in Augsburg, Germany. He served at the Army Base as a cook. He spoke of how a Sargent always requesting him to make his pancakes. His secret ingredients were cinnamon, and Vanilla. This is where he met his wife of 18 years as she was a waitress at the base.

Richard worked most his adult life in construction and was also a heavy machine operator. He spoke of working in Aruba as a heavy crane operator. He was impressed with the enormity of the cost of the project and impressed by the weather there.  Richard tried farming for many years and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and attending many auction sales. (Especially at the Wadena Auction Company).

Richard moved to New York Mills in 2017 and loved his apartment. Unfortunately, due to health issues he was placed in an Assisted Living Facility where he grew to enjoy giving the staff a little laughter and he called many of the female workers his wives.

Richard passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024  at Vitality Living in New York Mills at 87 years of age.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents (Richard and Martha); Brother, William Tervola; Sister, Ethel Mary Ann Tervola Gribbon Lange 3/20/1938 – 1/3/2012; Brother-in-law, Marvin Gribbon 11/9/1931 – 6/1/1988; Brother-in-law, Donald Lange 7/24/1930 – 8/8/2020; Niece, Barbra Anne Gribbon Eckhoff 8/14/1955 – 7/8/2016; Brother, Edward Allen Tervola 7/16/1939 -1/24/2021; Sister- in-law, Donna Mae Moske Tervola 11/26/1941 – 4/8/2019; Niece, Christine K Smith Stimac 1/3/1970 – 12/24/2023; Grandson, Brian Robert Hanson 8/17/1984 – 10/13/2000.

Richard is survived by his sister, Cathy (Gary) Smith; His daughters: Marlys, Patricia, and Melinda; along with many nieces and nephews, also his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren.

  Thank you on behalf of the family for your love, support, and empathy.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Richard’s Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.