John Ketola

December 19, 1944 – March 11, 2025

John Ketola, 80, of Esko, MN, passed away on March 11, 2025. A proud Navy veteran, beloved family member, and lover of the great outdoors, John lived a life rich in service, tradition, and unwavering humor.

Born on December 19, 1944, to Ruth and Arthur Ketola, John grew up with a strong sense of duty and resilience. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy, he continued his commitment to his community with a long career at the U.S. Postal Service before enjoying a well-earned retirement.

John took great pride in his Scandinavian heritage, which was evident in both his steadfast nature and his dedication to tradition. He and his brother Jim upheld the annual Christmas lutefisk tradition, a meal they enjoyed together—whether the rest of the family partook or grimaced along with them. He was also known for his perpetual sarcastic humor, always ready with a quick-witted remark that left those around him shaking their heads with a smile.

He found his greatest joy in the simple and meaningful things—hunting in the crisp autumn air, casting a line on a quiet lake, and sharing meals and stories around the table with those he loved.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Arthur Ketola.

John is survived by his loving siblings and their families; sister Gayle Huseth and her husband Michael Huseth, along with their daughters Amanda VanDoorn and family and Rebecca Smith and family; sister Doreen Hendrickson and her husband Daryl Hendrickson, and their daughter Kelly Cawcutt (his goddaughter) and her family; brother James(Jim) Ketola and his wife Sue Ketola, along with their children Daniel Jylka, Tina Smith and family, Jamie Pohanka and family, and Gordon Ketola.

A funeral service will be held at Atkins-Northland Funeral Home in Cloquet, MN, on Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2pm with a visitation an hour prior. John will be laid to rest with military honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.

His spirit will live on in the stories we tell, the traditions we keep, and the laughter he shared. Fair winds and following seas, John.