Rauha Ilona (Laakkonen) Savela

Rauha Ilona Savela, née Laakkonen, 88, of Angora, passed away the evening of January 20, 2026, in Virginia, Minn.

Rauha was born June 18, 1937, in Nivala, Finland. She was one of sixteen children born to Henna and Reino Laakkonen.

On December 15, 1957, she married her husband, Kaarlo Savela. They then moved together to the United States and settled in Angora, Minn. Her son, Paul, was born on June 9, 1959.

Some of her favorite activities included knitting and sewing as well as gardening at her homestead in Angora. She was a very loving and selfless woman and brought joy to everyone she talked to. She also had a great sense of humor, and could make you burst out laughing out of nowhere. She loved animals, and had many pets over the years, cats, dogs, birds, and even deer occasionally!

She will be missed by her grandson, Colton; great-granddaughter, Elise; nephews, Leo and Larry; and many other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Reino; mother, Henna; husband, Kaarlo; son, Paul; sisters: Anja, Aili, Terttu, and Raili; and brothers: Mauri, Rauno, Kyösti, Ahti, Martti, and Mikko.

A graveside service will be held later this year during the summer.