Sister Ingrid Luukkonen, OSB, 87, died Friday, Jan. 30, 2015, at St. Scholastica Monastery.
Born in Zim, Minn., she was the daughter of Albert and Helmi Luukkonen.
Sister was in her 56th year of Monastic Profession.
Sister Ingrid entered St. Scholastica Monastery in 1956 as a Postulant; she professed her Triennial Vows on July 11, 1958, and her Perpetual Vows on July 11, 1963.
She began her teaching career at St. Anthony’s Parish in Duluth, Minn., where she taught fifth and sixth graders (1959 to 1961). Then she was assigned to Our Lady of Victory School in Minneapolis, Minn., and taught first and second grades from 1961 to 1966. Also during this time she earned a bachelor of science degree in education with a minor in sociology from The College of St. Scholastica.
Sister Ingrid had great love for the poor and elderly. In 1967 she volunteered to travel to Salar del Carmen in Antofagasta, Chile, to live and work among the poor. Although she was not familiar with the culture, the people, or fluent in Spanish, she became immersed in the community, eventually forming classes ranging from cooking to Bible study, to church and family issues.
She returned to the Monastery in 1974, where she served as vocation director from 1975 to 1981.
Attending Loyola University in the summers of 1980 and 1981, she earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministry, adult education, leading to her service as a parish minister at St. Thomas Parish, International Falls, Minn., from 1982-2001.
From 2001 to 2009, Sister Ingrid volunteered at St. Thomas Parish as a Senior Companion, helping the senior citizens of the parish by visiting them in their homes, taking them shopping, to the library, or to the clinic or hospital. “They are the pillars of the church, and we should not forget them,” she declared.
Sister Ingrid returned to St. Scholastica Monastery in 2010.
Sister Ingrid was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Everett, Victor, Jalmer J., Roy W., Jack A. and Warner B. Luukkonen; and by her sister, Marian Koski. Besides the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery, she is survived by her brothers, Edwin and Raymond; and by her sisters, Esther Koivunen and Lorraine Aho; nieces, nephews, and many good friends.
The Wake will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30, with Father Ben Hadrich presiding.
Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.
Memorials to St. Scholastica Monastery are preferred.
Arrangements are by Affordable Cremation and Burial, Duluth.
Trophy winners, from left — first place, Kyan Swanson; second place, Colton Hollis; third place, Erik Guba.
Cub Scout Pack 145 gathered Jan. 29 at Faith United Church of Christ for the Space Derby Rocket Race.
Trophy winners were Kyan Swanson in first place; Colton Hollis, second place; Erik Guba, third place; and Best Design, Cale Jensen.
Ribbon winners, by den, include: Tigers: First place, Kyan Swanson; second place, Lucas Hollis; third place, Robbie Raukhol; fourth place, Douglas Salo.
Wolves: First place, Riley Carlson; second place, Cale Jensen.
Bears: First place, Wyatt Randal; second place, Austin Durbin.
Webelos: First place, Colton Hollis; second place, Erik Guba; third place, Lucas George.
The scouts meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at the church. Anyone interested in joining may stop in at church during a meeting for an application.
John E. Cullen, 84, of Danbury, Wis., and formerly of International Falls, Minn., passed away Dec. 19, 2014.
He graduated from Falls High School with the Class of 1949 and then served with the United States Army for three years in Germany.
He was employed by Honeywell Corp. in the Twin Cities until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three siblings; his wife, Jeri; and a stepson, Chuck.
He is survived by three stepchildren, Lonnie, Cathy and Chris.
Graveside military services were conducted in Spooner, Wis.
Donald E. Lagoo Sr., of Ranier, Minn., died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, at Good Samaritan Society-International Falls.
A complete obituary will be announced when arrangements have been completed.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
Services for Gladys Welechenko, 85, of International Falls, who died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, were conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at First Lutheran Church, International Falls.
Interment is at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls.
Arrangements were with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
