Art Wakkinen

Arthur Wakkinen, 91, of 821 Charles Ave., Tomahawk, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2013 at his home. Art was born on February 15, 1922 in Brantwood to Herman and Hilda (Korpi) Wakkinen. He married Isabelle Shores on June 28, 1944 in Tomahawk. He attended the Clifford Grade School and was a 1940 graduate of Tripoli High School. Art started off working the family farm and taking care of his parents and brother. He later worked as a self-employed carpenter, he also had worked at Lincoln Hills School, and as a real estate agent for Town and Country Realty. He had served on the boards of the Brantwood Cheese Factory, Tripoli School, St. Matthew Church, Finnish Cemetery, Somo Co-op Park, and had been the town of Knox assessor. He had translated Finnish to English for many meetings in the Price County area. Art was well known for his wood carvings and had served as a 4H wood project leader in Price County and Tomahawk area. He was a proficient marksman and was a member of competitive gun clubs in the Price County. He also was an accomplished hunter, his tactics are documented in the archives of the Helsinki Hunting Museum. Art enjoyed cross country skiing, camping, and was an accomplished square dancer. He was also a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Tomahawk and served on the Board of Properties. He was a devoted family man and loved to follow his grandchildren and their accomplishments. Survivors include: Wife, Izzi Daughters, Janie (Wayne) Plachetka Greenville, WI Robin Wakkinen Milwaukee Son, Jerry (Antoinette) Wakkinen Waunakee, WI Brother, Oiva Wakkinen Bonners Ferry, Idaho He is further survived by 4 Grandchildren, Aaron (Heather) Plachetka, Jason (Andie) Plachetka, Ryan (Terese) Wakkinen, and Rachel (Ryan) Trautman.) and 4 Great Grandchildren, Harleigh, Gunnar, Easton, and Tanith. He was preceded in death by his son, Russell Wakkinen, and 16 siblings. Funeral Services for Art Wakkinen will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Rev. Mark Schoenherr will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Krueger Family Funeral Home Friday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. and again on Saturday morning from 10 am until the time of services at the church.