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Joel G. Koivisto Obituary – 8/23/2020


Joel Gordon Koivisto, age 66, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, Aug. 23, 2020, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Joe was born March 19, 1954, in Cokato, the son of the late Oswald and Lempi (Aho) Koivisto. He was raised in Cokato, and graduated from Cokato High School with the class of 1972.

Joe married Sandra Torola in Cokato, June 16, 1973.

He was a lifelong member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Dassel.

Joe worked his entire career in the telecommunication industry.

Joe is survived by his wife, Sandy; children, Shari (Mark) Randell, Leanne (Cory) Peterson, Amy (Kevin) Isaacson, Tim (Trista), Laura Kangas, Davin Kangas, Mike (Shana), Dan (Lynne), Chrissy (Brett) Salmen, Steven (Jennie), Ryan (Paige), and Mary; 36 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his siblings, Virginia (Wendell) Huotari, James, Paul (Ruth), Mark (Paula), Dave (Josie), Maria (Mark) Jarvie, John, and Karen. He is further survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Lorraine Torola; the Torola family; numerous other relatives; friends; and brothers- and sisters-in-faith.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Philip.

A funeral service took place Thursday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Dassel. Interment followed at Cokato Finnish Cemetery.

Visitation took place 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at the church and one hour prior to the service.

Arrangements were by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 320-286-2534.

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