Elmer Arthur Kummala

Elmer A. Kummala, 80 of Cloquet passed away on Saturday, February 23, 2019 in St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth. He was born April 2, 1938 in Sebeka to Arthur and Mamie Kummala. At the age of 17 he joined the Air Force. He was discharged in 1961. On August 4, 1967 Elmer married Mary Liimatainen in Deadwood, South Dakota. He worked in the mining industry and traveled all over the country before moving to Minnesota. Elmer worked for Minnesota Power until he retired due to health issues. Elmer was involved in cycling and was a member of the North Country Riders. He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church. He enjoyed his monthly lunch dates with fellow employees of MP&L. He enjoyed visiting with people so much, his family called him their "social butterfly". No matter where he went he either knew someone or made new friends. Elmer also enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, playing cards, and snowmobiling. He was a great story and joke teller. Elmer was preceded in death by his sister, Elsie; and great grandchildren, Payton and Hunter Scheer and Finn Kummala. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 51 years, Mary; his children, Debra (Tim) Scheer, Kae (Kevin) Karulak, and Shawn Kummala; grandchildren, Brandon (Ashley) Scheer, Elizabeth (Jason) Scheer, Skylar Scheer, Keanna (Bryce) Karulak, Kolton Karulak, Britney Kummala, and Tory Kummala; great grandchildren, Acira King, Liam and Aiden Scheer, Easton Oslin, Maverick Rossing, and "Baby O" due in May; sisters, Anita (Bob) Fountain, Shirley (Gene) Huhta, and Janet Tucker; brother, Kenneth Kummala; sisters-in-law, Marcia Fulton, Linda (Mike) Wester, Robin (Larry) Mullenix, and Laurie (Doug) Radley; and numerous extended family and a host of friends. Visitation: 10 until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service Thursday, February 28, 2019 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. Military Honors will be accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Inurnment will be in the Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery in Duluth. To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com