RALPH HIETALATI

Ralph Hietalati, 92, of Cromwell died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 at the Villa Vista Care Center in Cromwell.

He was born Nov. 28, 1920 at Lawler, Minn., the son of William and Hilma (Jussila) Hietalati.

He married Dorothy Bottila on Jan. 8, 1942 at Lawler, Minn. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 44th Army Tank Battalion in the Pacific Theater. Upon his discharge he returned to Lawler and he lived in various places throughout northern Minnesota. He has resided at the Villa Vista Care Center since 2009.

He was a lifelong member of the VFW and charter member of the Esko Lion's Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Dorothy in 1991; infant daughter Julie Ann and 14 brothers and sisters.

He is survived by two daughters Jean (Barry) Collins of Eveleth, Minn., Joyce (Gary) Himango of Brimson, Minn.; eight grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.

SERVICE: 12 Noon Friday, Feb. 22, in the McGregor Funeral Home in McGregor. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Burial will be at the Salo Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the McGregor VFW and American Legion Posts. Memorials are preferred to the Villa Vista Care Center in Cromwell. Arrangements are with the McGregor Funeral Home. www.srtfuneral.com.

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