Obituary of John Walter Arola

John Walter Arola, 75, of Duluth, MN, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease.

John, the eldest son of Walter and Sylvia (Erkkila) Arola, was born in Park Rapids, MN, on July 29, 1948. As a young boy, John attended a one-room schoolhouse in Menagha, MN, and spoke fluent Finnish. He learned English in the second grade once his family moved to a farm in rural Mountain Iron. He graduated from Cherry High School in 1966. John attended Virginia Junior College (Mesabi) and the University of Minnesota Duluth where he earned a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology (Counseling). He spent his professional life as a counselor at Lake Superior College.

John met Kathy (Kathleen Ann) Priley during their college years and they were married on May 29, 1971, in Duluth. Soon after beginning their 52 year marriage, they settled in Duluth and raised their three children, David, Amy, and Ryan.

John’s kindness and natural instinct to help others was evident in his counseling work and in all his relationships. Nothing was more important to him than his family. He had close relationships with his children and grandchildren and delighted in watching them grow. John cherished his many friends and their time spent curling, golfing, fishing, and playing softball. John loved time in the woods, especially at the cabin on Lake Vermilion, where his skilled craftsmanship was so evident. John had Sisu and was very proud of his Finnish heritage.

John is survived by his wife Kathy, son David (Peggy) Arola, daughter Amy (Jon) Kotch, son Ryan (Pamela) Arola, and grandchildren Natalie Arola, Kristin Arola, Brodie Kotch, Sylvie Kotch, and Henry Arola; and his siblings William (Twila) Arola, Judy (Ralph) Bidle, Alice (Jeff) Skaudis, Clifford (Nancy) Arola, Glen (Maureen) Arola, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1325 N 45th Ave East, Duluth, on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior. A private burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation or the Second Harvest Northland Food Bank.