Obituary of Ossi Maennena

Ossi Maennena, 70, of Wadsworth, IL, died on Thursday, September 11, 2008, at Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan. Ossi was born October 19, 1937, in Kalajoki, Finland, and was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Waukegan. In his earlier years, Ossi was employed as a lumber jack in Finland and an iron worker in the U.S.A.; before owning Finn Construction Company in Libertyville, IL. He loved to play accordion and sing. Ossi also enjoyed fishing and adored his grandchildren. Survivors include a son, Risto (fiancée, Rita Apunen) Maennena of Tampere, Finland; daughter, Tarja Kurhajec of Beach Park, IL; and son, Lauri (Emma) Maennena of Beach Park, IL; beloved first wife, Tuula Tamsi of Wadsworth, IL; grandchildren, Zoe, Donald, Miranda, Caitlyn, Julian, Adrian, and Suleima; brothers, Kalevi (Kaija) Maennena, and Unto (Armi) Maennena; sister, Seija (Arto Heusala) Maennena, all of Finland; sister-in-law, Ritva (Leo) Mikkola of Portland, OR; and several nieces and nephews, and numerous good friends, both in Finland and America. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Eero and Seppo Maennena. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, September 15, 2008, at 7:00 p.m., at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL, with Rev. Jeffrey Loth of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Waukegan, officiating. Interment will be private for the family. Visitation will be Monday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to either St. Mark's Lutheran Church or the American Lung Association.