Walter A. Illikainen, 86, Kettle River, died peacefully on Monday, January 31, 2011 in Augustana Mercy Health Care Center, Moose Lake. He was born on January 7, 1925 in Alborn, MN to August and Hilda Illikainen. Walter was a very devoted member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kettle River. He was an Army Veteran of WWII. Walter worked for several years at Conwed retiring in 1984. He also volunteered as a sexton for Leonard Cemetery for many years. Walter will be sadly missed by family and friends and the waitresses at Art's Cafe which was his favorite cafe.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents: August and Hilda Illikainen; an infant son; an infant granddaughter: Bonnie Jo Skoglund; son: William Illikainen; 3 brothers: Oscar, Eino, and Floyd Illikainen; and 4 sisters: Eloise Illikainen; Edna Peterson, Mabel Davidson, and Impi Laine.

He will be lovingly remembered by 2 daughters: JoAnne (Jack) Skoglund of Barnum and Carol Kiehn of Clear Lake, MN; 7 Grandchildren; 13 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great Great Grandsons; 2 Sisters: Lydia Davidson of Cromwell and Alice (Reino) Laine of Two Harbors; numerous nieces and nephews including one special niece: Marie Luther; and many friends.

Visitation was from Noon until the 1:00 PM service on Friday, February 4, 2001 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Pastor Donald Bisila was the officiate. Spring Burial will be held in Leonard Cemetery, Kalevala Twp. To sign the guestbook online, go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com.