Edward Leslie Kilpela

Memorial service for Edward Leslie Kilpela, 61, of Makinen will be 2 PM Saturday, May 25, 2013 at the Colvin Town Hall in Makinen with Pastor Nathan Lobb officiating. Friends may gather for visitation one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held in the Colvin Township Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Edward Leslie Kilpela died Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Essentia Health Northern Pines in Aurora. Edward was born April 19, 1952 to Leslie and Bernice (Appling) Kilpela in Biwabik, MN. He grew up and attended school in Duluth, graduating from Denfeld High School, Class of 1970. Following school, Edward enlisted in the US Navy and served his country for six years. On April 22, 1978 Edward was united in marriage to Pamela Salo in Palo. The couple made their home in Makinen. Edward was employed by LTV Steel until it closed. He then went to work for O’Neida Realty in Duluth until accepting a position at United Taconite from which he retired in 2011. Edward enjoyed hunting, casino trips, and traveling the countryside with his family. During the summer, Edward could be found driving his lawn mower to visit his neighbors. He will be remembered as a good friend who was always willing to help whenever his was needed. Edward is survived by his wife of 35 years: Pam; three sons: Shawn, Nick, and Cameron Kilpela; his mother: Bernice Kilpela of Duluth; a sister: Karen (Rodger) Ralson of Owasso, OK; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by an infant son, Dean; his father, Leslie; and a sister, Shirley Stratioti.