Walter “Wally” Edward Sarvela, 76, Willow River, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at Essentia Health in Duluth, with his wife by his side.  Wally was born on September 1, 1949, in Cloquet, MN to Henrietta & Theodore Sarvela.  He was the 7th of 8 children; he had 1 brother and 6 sisters.  He grew up in Kettle River & Barnum, attended Barnum H.S.  Wally joined the U.S. Army 101st Airborne – artillery division.  He served in Vietnam.  He was a proud Veteran and a member of Hanson-Anderson American Legion Post 361.   He worked for Arrowood Sawmill, Palmer Logging, Hortons Sawmill and did logging for himself over the years.  He also worked part time bartending at the Hilltop in Moose Lake and the Corral Bar in Willow River, he loved seeing all his friends and meeting new ones.  He worked in construction for Mlaskoch Utilities Construction from which he retired. 

Wally married Renita Hansen in Watertown, SD on September 26, 1983.  He liked hunting, fishing, collecting coins, working in his yard, watching wrestling, going to breakfast at Dave’s Café on Sundays, his pets and finding a good sale or deal.  His greatest joy was his family; he loved having family gatherings at his home. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Theodore & Henrietta (LaFrenz) Sarvela, Stepson Kevin Johnson, sisters Dolly Grieger, Jo Lind, Joyce Sandbo, Linda Hansen and brother Kenny Sarvela, nephews Troy Lind and Michael Hecomovich.

Wally is survived by his wife of 42 years Renita, sons Ted (Kjersti) Sarvela of Sturgeon Lake, Eric (Kristy) Sarvela of Duluth, Adam (Ashley) Sarvela of Hinckley, daughter Kellie (Chris) Wentz of Grand Forks, ND., 12 Grandchildren & 1 Great Grandbaby on the way.  Sisters Dorothy (John) Palmer of Barnum, Bonnie (Andy) Covington of Hibbing, bother-in-laws Kim Sandbo of Luverne, Jerry Hansen of Willow River, Mark Johnson of Sturgeon Lake, Sister-in-laws Patty (Mark) Beissel of Webster & Toni Johnson of Sturgeon Lake.  Numerous nieces & nephews, cousins & friends.

His strength, steady presence and kindness will be missed.

Internment: Friday, May 15, 2026, 3:00 p.m. at Minnesota Veterans Cemetery – Duluth, Saginaw, MN.

Celebration of Life: Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Wally’s House in Willow River.