Obituary of Oiva TUURI

Oiva Walter Tuuri, 82, passed away on Monday, January 29, 2007 in Lake Havasu City, AZ. He was born on January 29, 1925 in Virginia, MN., to Gust N. and Saimi (Hasu) Tuuri.Oiva moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ., 4 months ago, with his usual address being in Cook, MN. He attended Virginia Jr College in Virginia, MN; University of Minnesota in Duluth, MN; and Colorado State College in Greeley, CO; where he obtained his Master's Degree in Education and Administration. Oiva worked as teacher and principal in Wrenshall, MN; 1951-1953; Remer, MN; 1953-1968 and Virginia School District #706 in Virginia, MN., 1968-1982. He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. At the age of 19, Oiva was a soldier on the first wave on Leyte and Okinawa in the South Pacific. On the Island of Okinawa he was one of thirty-six survivors of the "Lost Battalion", Company A, 383rd, Battalion of the 96th Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart due to his service in WWII. Oiva was a member of the V.F.W. Post #1757, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post #0239. He loved hunting, trapping, fishing and his family.Oiva is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gladys Tuuri(Seppala)of Cook, MN; daughters, Judith Ulseth and husband Bob of Cook, MN; Linda Young of Britt, MN; 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, William Nickolas Tuuri, daughter-in-law, Diane Tuuri-Kaml; sister, Helvi Nykanen, and grandchildren, Will and Luke Tuuri."Oiva will be greatly missed by all who knew him". A memorial service will be held in Cook, MN; at a later date.Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.comArrangements were entrusted to Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory.