Birth date: Aug 18, 1920 Death date: Sep 19, 2015
Mr. Wiljo R. Kuusisto, age 95, of Covington, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital, L’Anse, following a short illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and a close family friend. Wiljo w Read Obituary
Dear Gary, Victor & Betty, and Donna
Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. We were just talking about him at the reunion. I only met him one time and enjoyed his humor. My mom passed 15 years ago almost to the day and there comes a time when the tears are replaced with a smile when you think of them. All the best in the days to come.
Jim Menard
I'm thinking of you with passing Wiljo. Wiljo was the great man and the real friend of Finland.
Here is the poem by Eino Leino. Something like that I feel at this moment.
Tapani from Finland. I always remenber Wiljo as a good friend.
Summer in Lapland
Blooming in Lapland goes by fast and quickly.
Grass, birch and barley, soon the green has gone.
That makes me ponder on the people badly,
when looking back to nation how it’s done.
Why all the beauty we have turns to rotten,
anything high we have gives way to mean.
Why do we have so many crazy madmen,
why only few who play their music clean?
Why do the men all over fall down ceasing,
give up, turn down, when the hopes are high?
The men of function, idea, men of dreaming,
all lose their sentiment and dreams will die.
Else where the old are filled with urge and fire,
the silver hairs have heart off brave and gold.
Here are the boys, the children; growing tired
the newborn baby is already old.
And how about me, why do all this thinking?
It is a sign of early aging old.
Why don’t I go for living with joy making,
but cry the past and regret what has gone.
Summer in Finland is the only answer;
it turns the thoughts to run in sad and blue.
The song of bird in Lapland is all shorter,
the flower blooming and all joy pass soon.
So long it takes to get all through the winter,
short is the time the Spirit stays up high.
Again it starts the trip to sun shine enter,
leaving the icy country it will fly.
Oh, Swan the white bird, guest for summer, resting,
you Urge, Desire, Spirit of the mind.
Please come to Lapland and stay here for nesting,
though you will leave for warmer place to find.
Look at the white birds my friend look for learning,
they leave in autumn, they come back in spring.
Here it is peaceful, safe for their returning,
here is the place for summer birds to sing.
Go out the world and spread your wings for flying,
make there your duty and the world reborn.
But when the winter’s gone and spring is coming,
I pray you, and I beg you: please return!
Hello Betty, just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you and your family with the passing of your father. Tammy Stenson
So sorry to hear that Wiljo had passed away. I have l lot of great memories of being at your house and activities that included your family. Spring Street will not be the same without Wiljo. Susan Johnson Scott
Dear Betty...my heartfelt sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your dad. I have so many fond memories spending time at your home in Covington.
Hug!
Lynn Dove
With our Heartfelt Sympathy to Lillian, Gary, Betty, Donna and their families.
Viljo was the Finnish father next door. Both of our families grew up together on Spring St.
“So many” good memories and stories. Viljo was a very knowledgeable man. He was quite the dancer. Never missed a step with the polka. Visits at the coffee table were enjoyable. He will truly be missed.
To Lillian, Betty, Gary, and Donna, and all the extended Kuusisto family, please accept my heartfelt sympathy for your family at this time of your loss. I enjoyed his pleasant personality and the war stories he shared with me. Wiljo lived a good life and gave much. May you find comfort in the love an memories he shared with all of you.
Tibor Lanczy
