Ernest L. Wappula
April 27, 1934 ~ May 29, 2011
Ernest L. Wappula, age 77 of Hugo, Minnesota passed away May 29, 2011 at St. Johns Hospital in Maplewood, MN where he had been a patient for many weeks. Ernest Leroy Wappula was born April, 27, 1934 to John and Siama Wappula of Middle River, Minnesota. He also attended school in Middle River, Minnesota and was confirmed in First Lutheran Church. Ernest spent four years serving in the US Army at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. Ernest was united in marriage to Virginia Austad of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. He worked at South St. Paul Swift and Company, Road Work in Nebraska and retired from American Can Company in St. Paul, Minnesota. Ernest enjoyed hunting, traveling, snowmobiling and working on cars. He is survived by wife of 50 years, Virginia; six children, Randy Wappula of Hugo, Charlene (Dale) Lindbeck of Chisago City, Robert Wappula of Pine City, Sue Heffern of Clermont, Florida, Laurie Raleigh of Stillwater and Jennifer (William) Svien of Hugo; eight grandchildren, Jamie Heffern, Nicholas Currier, Dale Jordan Lindbeck, Cody Heffern, Lydia Currier, Taylour Svien, Madelyn Raleigh and Thomas Raleigh; sister, Marjorie (David) Bakke; brother, Melvin (Diane) Wappula; two aunts; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, John Wappula on March 31, 1974 and his mother, Siama Wappula of June 8, 2006 and also his brother, Arne Wappula on August 24, 2001. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Thursday, June 2nd at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 12 Noon until the time of service. May he rest in peace.
I grew up a mile and a half from Ernest. He was 12 years older than I, but I was best friends with his sister, Marge, so I remember him as a very nice “big brother”. I remember that he was very good to his mom, worked hard on the farm, and was a genuinely good, kind-hearted person. May the wonderful memories you have of Ernest help you through this sad, difficult time.
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for the military service to our nation that Ernest performed.
Please know that I am thinking of you at this time. “Pa” always held a special place in my heart.
He will be greatly missed by so many! He has been missed for the last few years of hunting, and it will be difficult to return to the shack knowing he won’t be returning 🙁