Obituary of Olavi Koenkyto

Olavi (Ollie) Jaakko Ensio Koenkyto died Monday, September 14, 2020 at age 86.

Olavi was born on July 24, 1934 to Kaarle and Hulda Koenkyto in Humpilla, Finland. He came to the United States in 1952 at the age of 18. He served in the U. S. Army and became a permanent legal resident of the US but he never gave up his Finnish citizenship. He was a talented and skilled carpenter and cabinet maker. His work was precise and he took pride in the quality of his work. After he retired, his nieces and nephews were the recipients of many many beautiful and perfect oak picture frames that he made to pass the time and to give as unexpected gifts.

He spent most of his life living in Duluth in Lincoln Park. His most favorite next door neighbor was Johnson's Bakery. He would start everyday there for coffee and sweet rolls and conversation with his friends. Olavi married Felicia (Lisa) Beeson on December 20, 1968. They were very happy but had only a short time together due to her death from Guillain Barre Syndrome in 1972. They had no children and he never remarried.

He is survived by his sister Anja (Paul) Johnson of Lake Amnicon, Superior, WI nieces and nephews: Vicki (Jerry) Maher, Saginaw, MN; Kris Johnson, Superior, WI; Mark (Diane) Hubbard, Lake Amnicon; Bruce Johnson, Lake Amnicon and many great nieces and nephews and their families.

Thanks to the staff of the Benedictine Health Center for the excellent care that they provided to Olavi.

Due to the current situation of the covid-19 pandemic, there will be no services at this time.