Paavo Kalervo Kivisto

Paavo Kalervo Kivisto, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 17, 2024 in Virginia, MN at the age of 90, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 26, 1934, in Laihia, Finland, Paavo's journey led him from his birthplace to the small town of Gilbert, MN at the age of 14, where he would go on to complete his high school education.

After high school, he furthered his education at Virginia Junior College and the University of Minnesota Duluth. His service in the Army found him spending over a year in occupied Korea, an experience that shaped his character and his world view. Paavo’s work life was diverse and demonstrated his talents in practical fields; he worked at Virginia planning & developing, Lambert Infrared Heaters as a draftsman and sheet metal man. His dedication to his craft continued for 25 years at Eveleth Mines.

A man of many interests, Paavo was an avid member of several organizations, where his presence was an emblem of commitment and fraternity. His memberships included the Eveleth Lodge #239 AF & AM, the Hibbing Lodge of Perfection, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Duluth, the AA.D Temple of Duluth, the Virginia Area Shrine Marching Patrol, the Motor Patrol of Hibbing, the Gilbert VFW #4456, and the Virginia Legion.

Paavo's love for the outdoors was unmistakable. He found joy in hunting, fishing, gardening, and simply being close to nature. His passion for crafting was just as profound; making walking sticks from diamond willow branches and whittling kitchen whisks and batter mixers from pine trees showcased his creativity and his humor. No pine tree top was safe from Paavo's pocket knife.

Paavo is survived by his loving wife, Carol Kivisto; his step-daughter, Catherine (Daniel) Phelps; step-son, Scott (Denise) Cundiff; and his half-brother, Steve White.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lilja Susanna White and Paavo Kivisto; sister, Karen Maule; and brother, Harry Kivisto White.

A casual dress Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation being held one hour prior at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.