Antti Rahkola

Antti Rahkola passed away at home on July 3, 2015, of heart failure. He was born in Kalajoki, Finland, to Tuomas and Olga Rahkola. After his education, he served in the Finnish Army, where in addition to his service he earned a national title in boxing. On return to his hometown, he became a truck driver and met and married the love of his life, Eila Annaliisa Piukkala. They were wed on June 20, 1954, and celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this year.

The young couple, with two young children, immigrated to Minnesota in 1958. Antti worked in construction and mill work. As his family grew, he built a new home in Esko, Minn. In 1969, he moved the family to Astoria, Ore. He said “you don’t have to shovel rain in Oregon.”

He worked at the Astoria Plywood Mill among many fellow Finns. In 1971, he welcomed his sister’s family from Finland. The Vedenojas added seven members to the household, so that there were 18 family members under one roof. All lived in relative harmony for six months, when the Vedenojas moved into their own home.

He is survived by his wife, Eila; children, Anne (Rick) Stickel, Marjo Dunagan, Anita (Jyrki) Talus, Karin (Bob) Blair, Allan and Tina (Tom) Lips; grandchildren, Griffin, Johanna, Stan, Raija, Pete, Anna, Max, Edie, Mackenzie, Maggie, Lillie, Victoria, Ryan and Evan; and great-grandchildren, Brock, Henri, Eila, Brooklyn and Greta. In addition, Antti has a sister, Rauni, in Ontario, Canada; a brother Arvo (Eeva) in Finland; and a sister Raili (Reino) Vedenoja and family in Astoria, Ore.

He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas; and a granddaughter, Grace.

Antti enjoyed his family, fishing, growing Finnish potatoes and visiting local businesses along with his dog, Pearl. Antti always had a humorous comment for everyone he met. He will be missed by all, but his love will be felt through generations.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015, at 2 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, 565 12th St., Astoria, Ore., followed by a reception at the church’s fellowship hall.

Donations can be made in Antti’s memory to Peace Lutheran Church, or to a charity of your choice.