Silpala, Mauno age 76, of Golden Valley, died 10/14/21 in a tragic accident. Mauno was born in Finland. He came to MN as a college student and stayed. Later he spent many years living abroad working for the United Nations, with UNRWA and UNOMIG in Vienna, Jerusalem, Damascus, Beirut, Gaza, and Sukhumi. He retired to the US and enjoyed supporting many humanitarian interests. He visited Finland often. Survived by wife of 10 years, Elaine; children, Siiri (Hung) Doan and Markus (Tricia) Silpala; grandchildren, Alex Doan, Aurora and Audrey Silpala; brothers-in-law, Toivo (Annelie) Sõber, and Taavi (Gale) Sõber; nieces, Valerie Volk-Sõber and Päivi (Hannu) Silpala-Hyvönen; nephew, Paul (Krystal) Sõber;step-children, Melissa (Ron) Moore, Katie (Dan) Brouillard, and Jamie (Annette) Wainio; grandchildren, Meghan, Gabe, Garrett, Spencer, Evie, and Russ Moore; and Dylan, Jack, and Taylor Brouillard; sister-in-law Mollie (Jerry) Nugent and brother-in-law, Paul Conant; many relatives in Finland & Estonia; and friends around the world. He was preceded in death by wife of 40 years, Helle; parents, Benjam & Hilma Silpala; brother, Raimo Silpala; and sister, Elsa Silpala. Celebration of Life will be on Mon. Oct. 25, 2021, 10AM Visitation, 11AM Service, Zion Lutheran Church, 1601 S 4th Ave, Anoka, MN. Interment 2PM, Lakewood Cemetery, 3600 Hennepin Ave, Mpls. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Bright Stars of Bethlehem or ELCA World Hunger. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka, 763-421-0220
Link to obituary on the Star Tribune website.
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