Saturday October 11, 2025 Kenneth George Pirila Sr.entered into eternal sleep. He was born at home in Floodwood Minnesota April 6, 1944. He was the youngest son of John and Alice (Pervorse) Pirila. 

Ken grew up in Holden Township of Floodwood. He was seventeen when he made the choice to leave school and go out to work full time. This began his 25-year career at Conwed. Not long after he met the love of his life Marcella, they united in marriage on April 23, 1965. In 1978, they purchased the farm in Rutledge. It is here that they built their life and raised their family together. 

Baptized and confirmed in the faith at Peace Lutheran Church, where he remained a member throughout his life. He greatly enjoyed reading from his Bible and Daily Devotions, finding peace and comfort in God’s promises. 

Conwed closed in 1986, during this time Ken returned to school and received his GED. Later he began his career at Plastech in Rush City, retiring from there in 2009.  This is also when Ken and Marcy decided to leave the farm in Ken Jr’s hands and move to Sandstone. Ken felt he needed to stay busy and began working at the Kettle River Wayside Rest. By 2017, Marcella’s health began to decline and Ken took on roll of primary caregiver until 2020 when Marcella passed away. In 2022 he began to have increasing health issues, he was diagnosed with CLL, Parkinson’s disease and finally in late 2024 Bile Duct Cancer. Even as he went through weekly treatments, he remained positive and worked hard to continue his daily activities. 

Ken enjoyed playing cards with the grand kids, reading, going for walks daily, and taking long scenic drives. The grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him much happiness through the last few years of his life. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents John and Alice Pirila, siblings Clifford, Avis, Beverly, Raymond, Janis, Douglas, Elvie, Baby Girl, Marianne and Baby Pirila, his in laws, and his loving wife of 55 years Marcella. 

He is survived by his daughter Lisa Balut, son Ken Jr & Stacey Pirila, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren Erika, Michael, Karter, Kensen & Karlan Horton, Kayleigh, Sam, Ryder (Eaton), Landen (Balut), Westyn & Laramie Johnsen, Megan Pirila, Caitlyn & Dalton, Ethan and Kevin Fairbanks. His sisters Sharon Bennett, Sharlene & Clark Lundin. Brother and sister in laws, Jessie Anderson, Winnie & Frank Primm, Bill Sr. & Jean Bennett, Blanche & Ron Lindgren, Kathy & Don Osterling, Dan & Kris Bennett.  Along with honorary family members, Tom Balut, Nora Balut, Robbie, Tonja Belanger & family, Julie Westerberg & Karen Klennert. Several nieces and nephews along with great nieces and nephews. 

A funeral service will be Saturday October 25, 2025 at 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson Minnesota with Pastor Konkel officiating, and a lunch following.   

Honorary Casket Bearers Erika Horton, Kayleigh & Laramie Johnsen, Megan Pirila, Connie Kalli and Amy Bong.