Russell "KC9-MEO" Matthew Latvala

Russell Matthew Latvala "KC9-MEO", 55, of Superior died Friday, May 31, 2013 in his home after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born February 6, 1958 in Superior to Lauri and Elvie Latvala. Russell attended school in Superior K-11 and graduated from high school in McGregor, Minnesota, in 1976. Russell was a jack-of-all-trades. Russell loved to work, especially out of doors. He eagerly began his work life at 11 years of age, earning his own money delivering the morning paper. He faithfully attended his routes for six years. In later years, he especially enjoyed his jobs at the Brule State Forest and Campgrounds performing park maintenance and manning the fire tower. Of all of his accomplishments, Russell was most proud of becoming a licensed Ham Radio operator; he was certified to speak with other operators from all over the world. This hobby started when he was a young boy and continued throughout his adult life. "He knew his stuff!" Russell was known as "KC9-MEO" in the Ham Radio community. In his free time, Russell enjoyed woodworking and spending time with his family and friends. He also spent many late hours tinkering with his computer, learning everything he could about music, videos, ham radio, Google Earth and, of course, viruses. Most important in Russell's life were faith and family. Although he attended a variety of churches, Russell considered himself to be a Free Lutheran. He especially loved his wife, Susan, and his son, Kody. Russell is survived by his wife, Susan, and their son, Kody, both of Superior; stepson, Eugene of Foxboro; stepdaughter, Angela (Dave) of Duluth; and three grandchildren, Evan, Alayna, and Bryce. Russell is also survived by his parents, Lauri Latvala of Cromwell, MN, and Elvie Latvala of Chandler, AZ; two sisters Marilynn (Howard) Plucar of Tokyo, Japan, and Candace (Don) Knudson of Tamarack, MN; two brothers, Randall (Chris) Latvala of Hibbing, MN, and Roland (Debbie) Latvala of Chandler, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 6, 2013 in the Atkins-Northland Funeral Home 801 14th St. Cloquet. A time of lunch and fellowship followed in the Fireside room of the funeral home. To sign the guestbook and offer an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com