Anne Kunnari

Anne Elizabeth (Nelson) Kunnari, 92, of Toimi died in Lake View Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors Saturday, July 31, 2010.

She was born April 7, 1918, in Hills, to Nels J. and Ida R.(Moe) Nelson.

Anne graduated in 1936 from Willmar High School and in 1940 from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth. She went on to complete anesthesia training through St. Luke’s, and enlisted in the Army Nurse Corps in 1943.

She served during World War II as a first lieutenant in the 217th Army General Hospital in England, Scotland, and France. Her unit set up one of the first General Hospitals in Paris, the day after liberation.

Anne was a dedicated nurse for 35 years in many southern Minnesota community hospitals. Her professional and compassionate approach touched many lives. Anne referred to herself as a “third-generation, flag-waving Norwegian-American,” and took pride in her rich heritage while appreciating people of all backgrounds and nationalities.

Anne was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother and auntie who will be remembered for her excellent cooking and baking.

She was unfailing in her dedication to love, encourage and share her faith with her children, grand and great grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews. Even after her own health was frail, her mind was intact and vibrant, sharing daily observations, quick wit, poetry, scripture verses and hymn singing with her family and friends.

On the day of her death she sang hymns with her daughter, while waiting in the emergency room, and prayed aloud, “Lord, keep my feet on your firm foundation.”

Anne met Carl Kunnari while working at Eitel Hospital in Minneapolis. She and Carl were married on Sept. 10, 1949, in Willmar.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Rueben, Mearl and Vernon; and sisters, Selma Nelson, Clara Cogelow, Evelyn Loven and Ingeborg Tollefson.

She is survived by her husband, Carl; sons, Karl of Brimson, and John (Mary Lou) of Crystal; daughter, Louise (George) Anderson of Two Harbors; grandchildren, Kimberly, Michael and Shawn Kunnari, Sara (Colwyn) Wiltshire, Maren (Matthew Webb) Anderson, and Nils Anderson; great-grandchildren, Allessandra, Elizabeth, Tyson, Olivia and Isaiah.

The family would like to thank the Sunrise Home staff for their loving care this past year, and to Lake View Memorial Hospital and Clinic physicians, especially Dr. Tom Peterson and Dr. Debbie Allert, and staff for their excellent care and support to Anne and her family.

A service was held Thursday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Two Harbors. A family service of interment will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Brimson Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Bassett Community Church in Brimson, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sunrise Home, or Lake View Memorial Hospital.

Sign the online guestbook at www.cavallinfuneral home.com.

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