GARY ALLEN KOIVISTO

Gary Allen Koivisto, 53, of Galva, Iowa passed away Friday, Nov. 30, 2012.

Gary was born on June 27, 1959, in Duluth, to Robert and Barbara Koivisto.

He married Karla Wade on Sept. 16, 1989. They have two children, Jacob Lee and Kylee Jean.

Gary has been employed at Furst McNess for 15 years, where he supervised the loading dock. He was also the assistant chief of the Galva Fire Department, a member of the Galva United Methodist Church, and a member of Galva's chapter of the Sons of the American Legion.

In his spare time, Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, pheasant hunting, participating in barbecue cook-offs, and anything outdoors. He loved to spend time with his family and friends and was the biggest fan of his son, the lead guitarist of the Jacob Lee Band. Some of Gary's fondest childhood memories were of spending time with his grandparents, Oscar and Lillian Hagberg, in the woods of Jacobson, Minn.

He is survived by his wife, Karla; a son, Jake, and special friend Liz of Overland Park, Kan.; a daughter, Kylee, who is currently a nursing student at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth; father, Robert (Donna) Koivisto; mother Barbara (Mike) Slaviero; sister Tammy (Richie) Townsend; brother Mike (Mara) Koivisto; sister Cindy (Terry) Terwey; brother Danny (Amy) Koivisto; brother Mark (Shawn) Koivisto; sister Tara (Cory) Niemi; mother- and father-in-law Delores and Doug Howard; sisters-in-law Wanda (Milo) Schiernbeck and Jonna Wade; brother-in-law Pat Wade; and many wonderful nieces and nephews, as well as his lifelong friends from Duluth and Iowa. Gary will be sadly missed by all.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 2 to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the West Duluth American Legion, 5814 Grand Avenue. All his family and friends are invited to attend.

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