Aili M. Perala, 96, lifelong Maple resident, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, in the Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born in Superior on Feb. 27, 1912, to Joseph and Anna "Amanda" (Luostari) Koivu.
She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Maple and a member of AARP.
Aili and her husband Evalt were dairy farmers and Aili loved to bake and do handwork, such as crocheting and knitting.
She is survived by two nieces, Doris (Arnold) Perala, Maple, Doreen (John) Swanson, Brule; one nephew, John H. (Peggy) Anttila, Maple; special friends, Roger Wilgren, Superior and Evelyn Harrington, Richfield, Minn.
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In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by one brother, Ernest Koivu; one sister, Ellen Anttila; one nephew, Dennis Anttila and a special friend, Kathleen Fertig.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday in the Faith Lutheran Church, Maple.
Burial will be in the Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery, Maple.
Active pallbearers for the service will be Roger Wilgren, Ronald Harrington, John H. Anttila, Jody Anttila, Don Yrjanianen and John Autio.
Honorary pallbearers will be Arnold Perala, John Swanson and John Winter.
The family would like to thank the entire staff at the Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center and to Dr. Sonja Swenson for their excellent care.
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
