The Eden Valley History Project is an effort to gather historical data regarding the families that are buried in the cemetery. Family histories related to the Rosburg area will be linked to the names listing as well as the gravestone, when information is available. Family history information may be mailed by U.S. Postal Service to the Eden Valley Cemetery History Project, 238 Eden Valley Rd., Rosburg, WA 98463 or emailed to edenvalleycemetery at gmail dot com.
Much of what is entered below was prepared in April 2013 by Chris Wirkkala Wallace from family records, obituaries, death certificates and personal knowledge, with assistance from David Sr., and Carolyn Brooks. Submitted histories should include as much of the following information as possible: full name, birth date, birth location, date of death, age at time of death, occupation, and military service. Additional information of up to 150 words may also be included. Histories are listed in chronological order by date of death. In order to locate a family name, use the "Control F" keyboard shortcut, enter your family name in the search box, and navigate to the highlighted area. Edits made are based on submitted information, kept on file with source and date cited.
This page is will continue under construction as histories are added.
Much of what is entered below was prepared in April 2013 by Chris Wirkkala Wallace from family records, obituaries, death certificates and personal knowledge, with assistance from David Sr., and Carolyn Brooks. Submitted histories should include as much of the following information as possible: full name, birth date, birth location, date of death, age at time of death, occupation, and military service. Additional information of up to 150 words may also be included. Histories are listed in chronological order by date of death. In order to locate a family name, use the "Control F" keyboard shortcut, enter your family name in the search box, and navigate to the highlighted area. Edits made are based on submitted information, kept on file with source and date cited.
This page is will continue under construction as histories are added.
Carl Oja Brooks, age 65, died December 10, 1970
Carl was the sone of Kaisa "Sophia" and Henry Oja, born February 27, 1905, location unknown. He was an excellent carpenter and built several homes in the Eden Valley area. Carl also worked as a salesman and laborer, and sold cars in Astoria, Oregon. He attended the University of Michigan and during the second World War, he worked in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon. Unknown cause of death.
Carl was the sone of Kaisa "Sophia" and Henry Oja, born February 27, 1905, location unknown. He was an excellent carpenter and built several homes in the Eden Valley area. Carl also worked as a salesman and laborer, and sold cars in Astoria, Oregon. He attended the University of Michigan and during the second World War, he worked in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon. Unknown cause of death.
Anna Josephine (Junttila) Buskala, age 89, died August 28, 1982
Anna was born on November 17, 1892 to John and Josephine (Topilla) Junttila. She had three brother, Charles, George A., and Alex, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Ida. All were raised on a farm in Eden Valley and attended Eden Valley schools. Anna married John Buskala, September 1, 1917. They had one child Alma (Simonson). Anna operated a diary farm with her husband, and enjoyed homemaking and gardening. Along with her sisters, she cared for the Junttila brothers who remained bachelors and continued to operate the family farm.
Anna was born on November 17, 1892 to John and Josephine (Topilla) Junttila. She had three brother, Charles, George A., and Alex, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Ida. All were raised on a farm in Eden Valley and attended Eden Valley schools. Anna married John Buskala, September 1, 1917. They had one child Alma (Simonson). Anna operated a diary farm with her husband, and enjoyed homemaking and gardening. Along with her sisters, she cared for the Junttila brothers who remained bachelors and continued to operate the family farm.
John William Buskala, age 69, died unknown date in 1956
John Buskala was born October 26, 1887, in Vaasan, Finland to parents Matt and Sanna (Tupanen) Buskala. He had a sister Jennie (Saari) and brothers Alfred, George, and Elmer. John travelled from Finland to Colorado with his parents at approximately 8 months of age. The family lived there and in Wyoming and later moved to Eden Valley, Washington. John married Annie Junttila, September 1, 1917 and they had one child Alma (Simonson). John operated passenger and freight launches between Astoria and Eden Valley for many years when boats were the only means of transportation between the two communities. He also operated a small dairy farm on the site for and live all of his years in Eden Valley.
John Buskala was born October 26, 1887, in Vaasan, Finland to parents Matt and Sanna (Tupanen) Buskala. He had a sister Jennie (Saari) and brothers Alfred, George, and Elmer. John travelled from Finland to Colorado with his parents at approximately 8 months of age. The family lived there and in Wyoming and later moved to Eden Valley, Washington. John married Annie Junttila, September 1, 1917 and they had one child Alma (Simonson). John operated passenger and freight launches between Astoria and Eden Valley for many years when boats were the only means of transportation between the two communities. He also operated a small dairy farm on the site for and live all of his years in Eden Valley.
Andrew Junttila, age 89, died July 1, 1940
Born February 15, 1851, son of Anna Junttila, brother of John and Erick.
Born February 15, 1851, son of Anna Junttila, brother of John and Erick.
Anna Andersdotter Liminkoja Elen Lakala Junttila, age approximately 85, died May 24, 1908
Anna was the daughter of Andres Johansson and Caisa Carin Jornasdotter of Finland. Anna came to America from Finland, arriving August 10, 1988, to stay with her son John Junttila. Her husband John had died of tuberculosis in Finland in 1988. The children of John and Anna included: Johan Bernhart, Andrew, Erik, Nicodemus, Kristina, Anna Sophia, and Ceclia. At the time of her death six children and 20 grandchildren survived. (The difference in names of Andersdotter and Jornasdotter is contained in the source information.)
Anna was the daughter of Andres Johansson and Caisa Carin Jornasdotter of Finland. Anna came to America from Finland, arriving August 10, 1988, to stay with her son John Junttila. Her husband John had died of tuberculosis in Finland in 1988. The children of John and Anna included: Johan Bernhart, Andrew, Erik, Nicodemus, Kristina, Anna Sophia, and Ceclia. At the time of her death six children and 20 grandchildren survived. (The difference in names of Andersdotter and Jornasdotter is contained in the source information.)
Charles Gustav Junttila, age 101, died July 31, 1989
Charles was the son of John and Josephine Junttila, born April 13, 1888, in Walluski, Clatsop County, OR.
Charles was the son of John and Josephine Junttila, born April 13, 1888, in Walluski, Clatsop County, OR.
Erick Junttila, age 89, died May 27, 1937 (Astoria, OR)
Born in the empire of Russia, November 1, 1849. Erick Junttila was a sailor and received United States citizenship papers November 3, 1904. The son of Anna Junttila, brother of John and Andrew, also buried in Eden Valley Cemetery. At the time of death, Erick had a son Jack, one sister Mrs. John (Christina) Takalo, and one brother Andrew, both of Brownsmead; one granddaughter, Mrs. Elmer Pajo of Astoria; one great grandchild. Erick's wife Maya was murdered in Finland April 10, 1894 just before she and her three year old son, Hannes, were to come to America to join Erick. Her other son Jack and daughter Anna were brought by ship to the United States by a pastor's wife from Astoria.
Born in the empire of Russia, November 1, 1849. Erick Junttila was a sailor and received United States citizenship papers November 3, 1904. The son of Anna Junttila, brother of John and Andrew, also buried in Eden Valley Cemetery. At the time of death, Erick had a son Jack, one sister Mrs. John (Christina) Takalo, and one brother Andrew, both of Brownsmead; one granddaughter, Mrs. Elmer Pajo of Astoria; one great grandchild. Erick's wife Maya was murdered in Finland April 10, 1894 just before she and her three year old son, Hannes, were to come to America to join Erick. Her other son Jack and daughter Anna were brought by ship to the United States by a pastor's wife from Astoria.
George "Alfred" Junttila, age 89, died January 2, 1986
George Junttila was the son of John and Josephine Junttila. His siblings included Elizabeth Olson, Annie Buskala, Ida Sotka, Charles Junttila, and Alex Junttila. Alfred loved the land and worked hard, clearing bunch grass, digging ditches, and growing a beautiful vegetable garden with extraordinarily large carrots. He was a man of few words, and considered wise. A bachelor, he devoted his life to caring for his widowed mother, Josephine, and mentally disabled brother, Alex. He and his brothers, Charles and Alex, also logged their own timber, had dairy cattle, and later beef cattle.
George Junttila was the son of John and Josephine Junttila. His siblings included Elizabeth Olson, Annie Buskala, Ida Sotka, Charles Junttila, and Alex Junttila. Alfred loved the land and worked hard, clearing bunch grass, digging ditches, and growing a beautiful vegetable garden with extraordinarily large carrots. He was a man of few words, and considered wise. A bachelor, he devoted his life to caring for his widowed mother, Josephine, and mentally disabled brother, Alex. He and his brothers, Charles and Alex, also logged their own timber, had dairy cattle, and later beef cattle.
Jack Junttila, age 68, died 1954
Jack was the son of Erick Junttila, born in 1885, and came to the United States with his sister Anna in 1894. Jack was crippled in a knife attack which killed his mother and brother just as they were preparing to leave for the United States to join his father. A survivor was a niece, Mrs. Sylvia (Elmer A) Palo of Astoria. Jack was a logger, working in Oregon and Washington.
Jack was the son of Erick Junttila, born in 1885, and came to the United States with his sister Anna in 1894. Jack was crippled in a knife attack which killed his mother and brother just as they were preparing to leave for the United States to join his father. A survivor was a niece, Mrs. Sylvia (Elmer A) Palo of Astoria. Jack was a logger, working in Oregon and Washington.
Johan (John) Bernhart Junttila, age 72, died December 11, 1919
John left his family farm in Finland in 1880 to become a sailor. He married Juusefiina (Josephine) Topple, a former neighbor in Finland, on July 28, 1880 in Laguna, Mendocino County, CA. In 1883, they sailed by ship Astoria, OR, where two of John's sisters lived, Sophia Jackson and Christina Takalo. John and Josephine first lived in the Youngs River and Blind Slough area, but moved to Eden Valley in 1891. John received his citizenship papers in on November 1, 1892. Their children included: Elizabeth Sophie, born November 16, 1884; Charles Gustav born April 13, 1888; and John Alexander born August 5, 1890;
John left his family farm in Finland in 1880 to become a sailor. He married Juusefiina (Josephine) Topple, a former neighbor in Finland, on July 28, 1880 in Laguna, Mendocino County, CA. In 1883, they sailed by ship Astoria, OR, where two of John's sisters lived, Sophia Jackson and Christina Takalo. John and Josephine first lived in the Youngs River and Blind Slough area, but moved to Eden Valley in 1891. John received his citizenship papers in on November 1, 1892. Their children included: Elizabeth Sophie, born November 16, 1884; Charles Gustav born April 13, 1888; and John Alexander born August 5, 1890;
John Alexander (Alex) Junttila, age 77, died January 27, 1968
John Junttila, born August 5, 1890 in Brownsmead, OR, was a farmer and the son of John and Josephine Junttila. His siblings included Elizabeth Olson, Annie Buskala, Ida Sotka, Alfred and Charles Junttila. John came to Eden Valley at the age of 2. He suffered a head injury at the age of 19 and lived with his bachelor brothers, Charles and Alfred at the Junttila 320 acre home in Eden Valley, logging their own timber and farming. John died in Long Beach, WA.
John Junttila, born August 5, 1890 in Brownsmead, OR, was a farmer and the son of John and Josephine Junttila. His siblings included Elizabeth Olson, Annie Buskala, Ida Sotka, Alfred and Charles Junttila. John came to Eden Valley at the age of 2. He suffered a head injury at the age of 19 and lived with his bachelor brothers, Charles and Alfred at the Junttila 320 acre home in Eden Valley, logging their own timber and farming. John died in Long Beach, WA.
Juusefiina (Josephine) Toppila Junttila, age 88, died December 25, 1945
Juusefiina came to San Francisco from Finland in 1882 to stay with her sister, Marianna Johnson, and married John Junttila on July 28, 1883, in Laguna, Mendocino County, CA. In 1883, they sailed by ship to Astoria, OR, and first lived in the Youngs River and Blind Slough area. The Junttilas move to Eden Valley in 1891. Their children included Elizabeth Sophie born November 16, 1884; Charles Gustav born April 13, 1888; John Alexander born August 5, 1890; Anna Josephine born November 17, 1892; Ida Maria born February 19, 1895; and George Alfred born November 30, 1896. The family farmed their 320 acre farm, shipping potatoes, veal, hogs, milk and cream by boat to Astoria, which they traded for groceries.
Juusefiina came to San Francisco from Finland in 1882 to stay with her sister, Marianna Johnson, and married John Junttila on July 28, 1883, in Laguna, Mendocino County, CA. In 1883, they sailed by ship to Astoria, OR, and first lived in the Youngs River and Blind Slough area. The Junttilas move to Eden Valley in 1891. Their children included Elizabeth Sophie born November 16, 1884; Charles Gustav born April 13, 1888; John Alexander born August 5, 1890; Anna Josephine born November 17, 1892; Ida Maria born February 19, 1895; and George Alfred born November 30, 1896. The family farmed their 320 acre farm, shipping potatoes, veal, hogs, milk and cream by boat to Astoria, which they traded for groceries.
Heikki Henrik "Henry" Kiviniitty, age approximately 72, died in 1931
Henry was born in July 1860 in Siikajoki, Auban, Loune, Finland. He married Kaisa Toppila in 1881 in Finland and came to the United States in 1894. Henry first landed in Boston and then moved to Eden Valley where Kaisa's sister Josephine Junttila lived. Henry also had a sister Elizabeth "Liza" Nelson who was married to Kate and Josephine's brother, Albert Toppila Nelson, living in Astoria, Oregon. Henry farmed for 40 years in Eden Valley and was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. His children included Kaisa Sophia Kiviniitty Oja and Henry Kiviniitty Jr (who changed his name to Henry Stone).
Henry was born in July 1860 in Siikajoki, Auban, Loune, Finland. He married Kaisa Toppila in 1881 in Finland and came to the United States in 1894. Henry first landed in Boston and then moved to Eden Valley where Kaisa's sister Josephine Junttila lived. Henry also had a sister Elizabeth "Liza" Nelson who was married to Kate and Josephine's brother, Albert Toppila Nelson, living in Astoria, Oregon. Henry farmed for 40 years in Eden Valley and was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. His children included Kaisa Sophia Kiviniitty Oja and Henry Kiviniitty Jr (who changed his name to Henry Stone).
Kaisa "Kate" Kiviniitty, age 74, died April 13, 1935
Kaisa Toppila was born on August 3, 1860 in Siikajoki, Finland. She married Henrik Heikki "Henry" Kiviniitty in 1881 in Finland, and came to the United States in 1894, first to Boston, then to Eden Valley where Kaisa'a, sister, Josephine Junttila lived. Kaisa also had a brother, Albert Toppila Nelson, living in Astoria, Oregon who was married to Henry's sister Elizabeth (Liza). Kate was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. Kaisa's children included Kaisa Sophia Kiviniitty Oja, and Henry Kiviniitty (who change his name to Henry Stone). Kaisa was a homemaker.
Kaisa Toppila was born on August 3, 1860 in Siikajoki, Finland. She married Henrik Heikki "Henry" Kiviniitty in 1881 in Finland, and came to the United States in 1894, first to Boston, then to Eden Valley where Kaisa'a, sister, Josephine Junttila lived. Kaisa also had a brother, Albert Toppila Nelson, living in Astoria, Oregon who was married to Henry's sister Elizabeth (Liza). Kate was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. Kaisa's children included Kaisa Sophia Kiviniitty Oja, and Henry Kiviniitty (who change his name to Henry Stone). Kaisa was a homemaker.
Henry (Pohjanoja) Oja, age 92, died in 1964
Henry came to the United States in 1893 via Hango, Finland, to Liverpool, England, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and by rail to Marionette, Wisconsin. He married Sophia Kiviniitty in 1898 in Eden Valley and they had three sons: Alexander Oja, William Oja (changed his name to William Brooks), and Carl Oja (changed his name to Carl Brooks). Henry was born in Pyhajoki, Finland in 1872, and was known to his family as "Pop".
Henry came to the United States in 1893 via Hango, Finland, to Liverpool, England, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, and by rail to Marionette, Wisconsin. He married Sophia Kiviniitty in 1898 in Eden Valley and they had three sons: Alexander Oja, William Oja (changed his name to William Brooks), and Carl Oja (changed his name to Carl Brooks). Henry was born in Pyhajoki, Finland in 1872, and was known to his family as "Pop".
Kaisa Sophia Kiviniitty Oja, age 84, died January 15, 1968
Kaisa was the daughter of Kaisa "Kate" Kiiviniitty and Henrik Kiiviniitty. Kaisa came to the United States in 1895 via Hango, Finland to Liverpool, England, to Boston, Massachusetts. Kaisa married Henry Oja in 1898 in Eden Valley. Their children included Alexander Oja, William Oja (changed his name to William Brooks), and Carl Oja (changed his name to Carl Brooks). Kaisa was known to her family as "Mom".
Kaisa was the daughter of Kaisa "Kate" Kiiviniitty and Henrik Kiiviniitty. Kaisa came to the United States in 1895 via Hango, Finland to Liverpool, England, to Boston, Massachusetts. Kaisa married Henry Oja in 1898 in Eden Valley. Their children included Alexander Oja, William Oja (changed his name to William Brooks), and Carl Oja (changed his name to Carl Brooks). Kaisa was known to her family as "Mom".
Alma Josephine (Buskala) Simonson, age 70, died August 5, 1990
Alma was the only child of John and Annie (Junttila) Buskala, born October 24, 1919, in Astoria, Oregon. Alma spent her early years in Rosburg, Washington and was a 1937 graduate of Naselle High School. She married Arvid Simonson on October 12, 1940. They had three daughters, Faye, Marlene, and Lyn and lived in Astoria for 14 years before relocating to Willamina, Oregon for 22 years. In 1976, Alma and Arvid returned to Rosburg. Alma was a homemaker who spent her life caring for family, home, and garden. She loved the outdoors.
Alma was the only child of John and Annie (Junttila) Buskala, born October 24, 1919, in Astoria, Oregon. Alma spent her early years in Rosburg, Washington and was a 1937 graduate of Naselle High School. She married Arvid Simonson on October 12, 1940. They had three daughters, Faye, Marlene, and Lyn and lived in Astoria for 14 years before relocating to Willamina, Oregon for 22 years. In 1976, Alma and Arvid returned to Rosburg. Alma was a homemaker who spent her life caring for family, home, and garden. She loved the outdoors.
Arvid Emil Simonson, age 96, died September 18, 2010
Arvid Simonson was fourth in the line of 12 children born to Emil and Maria (Oja) Simonson who emigrated from Finland. Arvid was born March 26, 1914 in Astoria and grew up in the Youngs River area. He was a 1932 graduate of Astoria High School. Arvid married Alma Buskala on October 12, 1940 and they had three daughters, Faye, Marlene, and Lyn, living in Astoria until May 1954. He and four brothers operating Simonson Brothers Logging Company, which relocated to Willamina, Oregon where the logging business continued until 1976 when he moved to Rosburg, Washington. He worked as a boom man, a shipwright, a pile buck, logging contractor, and operating engineer. During World War II he helped build the CRPA shipyard in Astoria. After Alma's death, Arvid moved to Seaside, Oregon. After retirment he enjoyed family, bowling, and his small homemade boat, which he hauled to local rivers.
Arvid Simonson was fourth in the line of 12 children born to Emil and Maria (Oja) Simonson who emigrated from Finland. Arvid was born March 26, 1914 in Astoria and grew up in the Youngs River area. He was a 1932 graduate of Astoria High School. Arvid married Alma Buskala on October 12, 1940 and they had three daughters, Faye, Marlene, and Lyn, living in Astoria until May 1954. He and four brothers operating Simonson Brothers Logging Company, which relocated to Willamina, Oregon where the logging business continued until 1976 when he moved to Rosburg, Washington. He worked as a boom man, a shipwright, a pile buck, logging contractor, and operating engineer. During World War II he helped build the CRPA shipyard in Astoria. After Alma's death, Arvid moved to Seaside, Oregon. After retirment he enjoyed family, bowling, and his small homemade boat, which he hauled to local rivers.
Abram Sotka, age 79, died May 8, 1942
Abram Sotka was born April 9, 1863 in Pudasjarvi Oulun Laani, Finland. He had three brothers and two sisters. He arrived in America in 1881, first to Michigan, then to Astoria, Oregon in 1883. He married Eva Mary Tano in Astoria 1886. They operated a boarding house in Astoria until they purchased land in Eden Valley for a dairy in 1895. Inch by inch, they cleared the land for farming. Abram and Mary and three sons, Fred, August, and Ernest. They also had three daughters, Ida, Hilda, and Martha. Ida and Hilda died early in childhood, Abram and Mary produced milk, eggs, and lots of potatoes which they took by boat to sell in Astoria. Abram lived a healthy life and died of pneumonia.
Abram Sotka was born April 9, 1863 in Pudasjarvi Oulun Laani, Finland. He had three brothers and two sisters. He arrived in America in 1881, first to Michigan, then to Astoria, Oregon in 1883. He married Eva Mary Tano in Astoria 1886. They operated a boarding house in Astoria until they purchased land in Eden Valley for a dairy in 1895. Inch by inch, they cleared the land for farming. Abram and Mary and three sons, Fred, August, and Ernest. They also had three daughters, Ida, Hilda, and Martha. Ida and Hilda died early in childhood, Abram and Mary produced milk, eggs, and lots of potatoes which they took by boat to sell in Astoria. Abram lived a healthy life and died of pneumonia.
August Enoch Sotka, age 58, died August 30, 1953
August was the second son of Abram and Mary Tano Sotka. He moved to Eden when he was 8 months old, and attended Eden Valley School. He married Ida Junttila on August 25, 1921 and they purchased the Erick Junttila farm. The farm had a log house, and soon August and Ida also purchased Fletcher Olmstead's adjoining house and farm of 60 acres. They had two daughters. Evelyn was born October 8, 1922, and Mae, was born August 1, 1930. August was drafted into the Army, and was stationed at Fort Vancouver and served in the Spruce Division at Tillamook during World War I. When he received his WWI veteran's bonus from the government in the 1930's, he built a new round roof barn. He was innovative and built a dam and water wheel on the north fork of Crooked Creek to furnish electricity for the farm, which operated until about 1946. As County Commissioner, he was instrumental in getting a road connecting Crooked Creek and Rosburg, as well as building the Rosburg Bridge. August died of heart damage, caused by rheumatic fever which he suffered while in the service.
August was the second son of Abram and Mary Tano Sotka. He moved to Eden when he was 8 months old, and attended Eden Valley School. He married Ida Junttila on August 25, 1921 and they purchased the Erick Junttila farm. The farm had a log house, and soon August and Ida also purchased Fletcher Olmstead's adjoining house and farm of 60 acres. They had two daughters. Evelyn was born October 8, 1922, and Mae, was born August 1, 1930. August was drafted into the Army, and was stationed at Fort Vancouver and served in the Spruce Division at Tillamook during World War I. When he received his WWI veteran's bonus from the government in the 1930's, he built a new round roof barn. He was innovative and built a dam and water wheel on the north fork of Crooked Creek to furnish electricity for the farm, which operated until about 1946. As County Commissioner, he was instrumental in getting a road connecting Crooked Creek and Rosburg, as well as building the Rosburg Bridge. August died of heart damage, caused by rheumatic fever which he suffered while in the service.
Ida Maria Junttila Sotka, age 89, died May 29, 1984
Ida was the third daughter born to John and Josephine Junttila, born on February 19, 1895, near Crooked Creek. She attended Eden Valley School and received the highest award in the county when she graduated from the 8th grade. She married August Enoch Sotka on August 25, 1921. For their honeymoon they traveled to Brookfield where they boarded a sternwheeler for Portland. Ida and August had two daughters: Evelyn, born October 8, 1922, and Mae, born August 1, 1930. Ida was instrumental in forming the Eden Valley Orchestra, which began in their home with Ida on the violin, August on the harmonica, and Evelyn chording on the piano. When the orchestra grew to approximately 19 people, they then met at the Eden Valley School. Ida was a devout Christian and a Sunday School teacher. She gave piano lessons and enjoyed playing the organ in later years. Ida was also very helpful to her mother, brothers, and daughter Mae when they needed help with household chores or childcare. Ida was a homemaker and lived in Eden Valley her entire life.
Ida was the third daughter born to John and Josephine Junttila, born on February 19, 1895, near Crooked Creek. She attended Eden Valley School and received the highest award in the county when she graduated from the 8th grade. She married August Enoch Sotka on August 25, 1921. For their honeymoon they traveled to Brookfield where they boarded a sternwheeler for Portland. Ida and August had two daughters: Evelyn, born October 8, 1922, and Mae, born August 1, 1930. Ida was instrumental in forming the Eden Valley Orchestra, which began in their home with Ida on the violin, August on the harmonica, and Evelyn chording on the piano. When the orchestra grew to approximately 19 people, they then met at the Eden Valley School. Ida was a devout Christian and a Sunday School teacher. She gave piano lessons and enjoyed playing the organ in later years. Ida was also very helpful to her mother, brothers, and daughter Mae when they needed help with household chores or childcare. Ida was a homemaker and lived in Eden Valley her entire life.
Mae Josephine Sotka Wirkkala Streifel, age 63, died May 10, 1994
Mae was the the second daughter of August and Ida Junttila Sotka. Her older sister is Evelyn Sotka Schoonover. Mae attended school at the Eden Valley and Rosburg schools and graduated from Naselle High School in 1948. She married Willard Harvey Wirkkala on July 31, 1948 and their children included Maria Christine (born May 27, 1949), Lois Jeanette (born January 12, 1952), Randy Willard (born June 27, 1953), Julie Mae (born November 2, 1958) and Suzanne Reeta (born January 1, 1961). Willard died in 1964 of melanoma. Mae worked as a bookkeeper, where she then met Nick Streifel, whom she married May 23, 1974 in Boise, ID. They owned and operated a Shell gas station in Naselle. When Nick died in 1980, Mae continued operating the gas station for a time, after which she worked as a grocery clerk. Mae had a gift of music, playing piano by ear at a very young age. She loved Eden Valley, living in the home she grew up in for all but five years of her life. Mae died of sarcoma, in Woodland, WA.
Mae was the the second daughter of August and Ida Junttila Sotka. Her older sister is Evelyn Sotka Schoonover. Mae attended school at the Eden Valley and Rosburg schools and graduated from Naselle High School in 1948. She married Willard Harvey Wirkkala on July 31, 1948 and their children included Maria Christine (born May 27, 1949), Lois Jeanette (born January 12, 1952), Randy Willard (born June 27, 1953), Julie Mae (born November 2, 1958) and Suzanne Reeta (born January 1, 1961). Willard died in 1964 of melanoma. Mae worked as a bookkeeper, where she then met Nick Streifel, whom she married May 23, 1974 in Boise, ID. They owned and operated a Shell gas station in Naselle. When Nick died in 1980, Mae continued operating the gas station for a time, after which she worked as a grocery clerk. Mae had a gift of music, playing piano by ear at a very young age. She loved Eden Valley, living in the home she grew up in for all but five years of her life. Mae died of sarcoma, in Woodland, WA.
Nickalous Mathis Streifel, age 57, died March 26, 1980
Nick was born to Mathias (Matt) and Theresia Marquart Streifel. His siblings were John, Barbara, George, Lizzie, Teresa, Katy, Agie and Joe. He married Virginia A. Hoffart. Their children included Jeanne, Ronald and Bob. They later divorced and Nick married Mae J. Sotka Wirkkala on May 23, 1974, in Boise, ID. He lived most of his life in Portland, Oregon, for some time in Long Beach, Washington, and for six years in Eden Valley. Nick was born May 20, 1922 in Zeeland, North Dakota and worked as a mechanic. He died of lung cancer.
Nick was born to Mathias (Matt) and Theresia Marquart Streifel. His siblings were John, Barbara, George, Lizzie, Teresa, Katy, Agie and Joe. He married Virginia A. Hoffart. Their children included Jeanne, Ronald and Bob. They later divorced and Nick married Mae J. Sotka Wirkkala on May 23, 1974, in Boise, ID. He lived most of his life in Portland, Oregon, for some time in Long Beach, Washington, and for six years in Eden Valley. Nick was born May 20, 1922 in Zeeland, North Dakota and worked as a mechanic. He died of lung cancer.
Henry Kiviniitty Stone, age 84, died January 25, 1959
Henry was the son of Kaisa "Kate" Kiiviniity and Kendrick Kiiviniiti and the brother of Kaisa Sophia Kiviniity. He came to Eden Valley in 1896 from Finland, via Boston, Massachusetts, and resided there until his death. Henry was an excellent boat builder and played the piano, often composing his own songs and music. He also worked as a logger, mechanic, and farmer. Henry was born November 27, 1884 in Siikojoki, Finland. Cause of death is unknown. (Differing spellings of Kiiviniitty come from source information.)
Henry was the son of Kaisa "Kate" Kiiviniity and Kendrick Kiiviniiti and the brother of Kaisa Sophia Kiviniity. He came to Eden Valley in 1896 from Finland, via Boston, Massachusetts, and resided there until his death. Henry was an excellent boat builder and played the piano, often composing his own songs and music. He also worked as a logger, mechanic, and farmer. Henry was born November 27, 1884 in Siikojoki, Finland. Cause of death is unknown. (Differing spellings of Kiiviniitty come from source information.)
Willard Harvey Wirkkala, age 37, died April 30, 1964
Willard was the only son of Harvey and Jennie Larson Wirkkala. He had a sister Patricia. Willard was born September 30, 1926 in Astoria, Oregon. His first home was in the the logging camps in Deep River, WA; his family later moved to Naselle, WA where he graduated from high school in 1943, one year ahead of schedule so he could join the Navy. He married Mae J. Sotka on July 31, 1948. They bought a farm in Rosburg, WA, but moved to Eden Valley in 1953 when Mae's father died so they could help Mae's mother with the farm. Their children included Maria Christine (born May 27, 1949), Lois Jeanette (born January 12, 1952), Randy Willard (born June 27, 1953), Julie Mae (born November 2, 1958) and Suzanne Reeta (born January 1, 1961). Willard served in in the Navy in World War II, and worked as a log truck driver, feed truck driver, feed store manager, and farmer. He died of melanoma at age 37.
Willard was the only son of Harvey and Jennie Larson Wirkkala. He had a sister Patricia. Willard was born September 30, 1926 in Astoria, Oregon. His first home was in the the logging camps in Deep River, WA; his family later moved to Naselle, WA where he graduated from high school in 1943, one year ahead of schedule so he could join the Navy. He married Mae J. Sotka on July 31, 1948. They bought a farm in Rosburg, WA, but moved to Eden Valley in 1953 when Mae's father died so they could help Mae's mother with the farm. Their children included Maria Christine (born May 27, 1949), Lois Jeanette (born January 12, 1952), Randy Willard (born June 27, 1953), Julie Mae (born November 2, 1958) and Suzanne Reeta (born January 1, 1961). Willard served in in the Navy in World War II, and worked as a log truck driver, feed truck driver, feed store manager, and farmer. He died of melanoma at age 37.