Obituary of Richard William Mehtala

Richard William Mehtala 85, of Brule, WI passed away suddenly at his daughter’s home on Saturday, November 2. Richard was born at his home in Oulu,WI and resided there for 58 years. He also called home to Weslaco, Texas for 27 years.

Richard graduated from South Shore High School in 1957 but not before meeting his wife Diane. They were married that same year and resided in Oulu, Wisconsin. Richard joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves and trained out of Duluth, Minnesota.

He worked full time as a longshoreman in the Duluth/Superior harbor until starting a 36-year career at Cargill where he retired in 1993.

Throughout his life, Richard was known as the life of the party and maintained his many friendships through the years. His dedication to bettering his community can be found everywhere he lived. The Oulu Park, Oulu Cultural Heritage Center and the Trails End retirement community are examples of his lasting-legacy.

His Finnish heritage was equally as important to his pride in being a 3rd generation Finnish American— well known to have a rousing debate on current political affairs. Of his many passions and hobbies, staying busy and physically fit was always hand in hand with whatever he did. From filling the sauna with wood to biking past Port Wing to visit a friend, Richard always made the most of his day by staying active. He will be fondly remembered and missed as a fishing partner, a card player, avid cribbage partner and friend to many.

Richard and Diane’s love of travel brought them all over the world together. Visiting family and friends and making many more along the way. The coffee pot was always on and “Kahvin Aika” (coffee time) was shared and cherished with many.

Richard’s last moments were doing exactly what he loved: visiting, having a cup of coffee and taking a sauna. He will be deeply missed.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Axel & Olga Mehtala, sister, Arlene Wedenoja, brother-in-laws Harold Wedenoja, Bill Bailey and Ron-Bullcook Johnson. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane, of 67 years, his son Kurt (Brenda) Mehtala and daughter Melinda-Himma (Mark) Santikko, sisters, Edna Johnson and Doris Johnson. He was the proud grandfather to Melissa (Steve) Rose, Tiffany (Jeremy) Bates, Christopher (Lauren) Mehtala, Paul (Nicole) Santikko, Mack (Courtney) Santikko, Nolan (Caroline) Santikko. Great grandfather to Mackenzie, Madyson, Ashley, Amy, Belle, Liberty, Oliver, Bennett, Hudson, Emmy, Brady, Eli, Beau and baby Santikko due in December.

A celebration of life with military honors will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Oulu on November 16, 2024.

Visitation 10:00 Service 11:00 with committal following the service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Oulu, luncheon to follow.

Service can be streamed live on YouTube- Hope in Oulu