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Eero J. Latvala, 93, of Fergus Falls
Published 10:19am Monday, February 6, 2012 Updated 12:21pm Monday, February 6, 2012Eero Latvala, died Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, at the Heritage Pioneer Senior Cottage in Fergus Falls.
He was born Nov. 10, 1918, in Helsinki, Finland, to Nick and Maria Latvala. He sailed to America at the age of five and lived in Superior, Wis., New York Mills and Calumet, Mich.
Eero was employed by Northwestern Publishing Company, the Wadena Pioneer Journal, the New York Mills Herald, and as a typesetter for the Finnish language newspaper.
In 1940, he married Bernice Bernu. They moved to Fergus Falls in 1960. Eero worked at The Daily Journal until he retired in 1983.
Eero and Bernice loved dancing. They were instructors for the Rounduets Dance Club in Fergus Falls for 20 years, and were leaders for the Fargo-Moorhead Round-A-Vous Round Dance Club.
In Fergus Falls they taught ballroom dance classes through the Community Education program. Bernice died in 2004.
Eero was an avid bowler, and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church. Eero’s final years were spent at the Pioneer Cottages, where he found new romance at the age of 91.
Eero is survived by his special soul mate, Lillian Franke, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice, his parents, and brothers, Carl and Vic.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service at the chapel
Service: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, at PioneerCare Center Chapel, Fergus Falls
Burial: Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com
