Joseph Melvin Juntunen

Joseph Melvin Juntunen, 84 years of age of Carlton, died peacefully November 11, 2016 in his home on Chub Lake. He was born February 11, 1932 with a twin brother, Hjalmer "Chum" in Esko. Joe was good natured, kind, and had a great sense of humor and wit. Joe obtained his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from UMD. He wrote a book titled "Hooray For the Old Times" which was about growing up in a family of 13 children and the fun times they had. Joe had a weekly humorous column for many years in the Pine Knot and then the Pine Journal. His stories and poems appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines. Joe worked for 38 years on the railroad. He was a member of the Esko Apostolic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hjalmer and Hilma Juntunen; four brothers, William, Carl, Art and Earl; and three sisters, Lorna Johnson, Martha Boutang and Betty Bergstedt. Joe is survived by his wife, Ruth of Carlton; two sons, Kent (Jodie) Karjala of Bloomington, MN and Kevin (Kathleen) Karjala of Robbinsdale, MN; two grandsons, Campbell and Bennett; brothers, Dr. Roy Juntunen of Hermantown, Chum (Donna) Juntunen of Esko and Dennis (Marianne) Juntunen of Carlton; sisters, Elsa Carlson of Carlton and Kay (Marlen) Perttula of Esko; and many nieces and nephews. Joe wanted to end his obituary with this verse: There's a time to love and a time to die. A time to leave for the sweet bye and bye. Visitation will be from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service, Saturday, November 19, 2016 in the Esko Apostolic Church followed by a luncheon. Inurnment will be in Apostolic Lutheran Cemetery.