Ernest Wilbert Muckala, 88, of New York Mills, passed away Nov. 24, 2007, at the Elders' Home in New York Mills.
He was born Dec. 9, 1918, in New York Mills. His parents were the late John and Minnie (Carey) Muckala. He grew up on the family farm in New York Mills. He graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 1938. He drove truck and also farmed in rural New York Mills. On May 19, 1940, he married Elsie Hanninen. They made their home in New York Mills. He was employed with the Wadena Silo Company and then owned and operated the Muckala Silo Company for 20 years. On July 3, 1984, he married Lorraine Zurbay. He and Lorraine resided in Detroit Lakes. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Nov. 28, at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills with the Rev. Don Salo officiating. The pallbearers were Wendy Windels, Merry Pat Beyer, Heidi Van Dyke, Richard Muckala, Dawn Doll and Gerry Muckala. The honorary pallbearers were Randall Jokela, Jennifer Muckala and Jason Muckala. He was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills. Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen and Son Funeral Home of New York Mills.
Survivors include his daughter, Patricia (Dale) Jokela of New York Mills; son, Daryl Muckala of West Covina, Calif.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers, Calvin (Pearl) Muckala of New York Mills; Milton (Priscilla) Muckala of Roswell; many other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Muckala; and sisters, Lillian Ailie, Edna Schirilla, Mary Johnson and Marcy Tweed.
