Kermit Ylitalo

The funeral service for Kermit Ylitalo of Sebeka will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, at the Laestadian Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Balmi Cemetery, Wolf Lake, MN. Kermit Mitchell Ylitalo, of rural Sebeka, passed away on June 15, 2026, in Wadena, MN. He was born in Park Rapids, MN on December 6, 1953, to Jack and Edna Ylitalo. The first 24 years of Kermit’s life were spent at his childhood home in Wolf Lake, MN. As the youngest in his family, he experienced the love and joy of both his siblings and his nieces and nephews. Kermit attended elementary school in Wolf Lake, and high school in Menahga, graduating in 1971. Following high school, he completed a two-year carpentry course at the Detroit Lakes Tech School. On August 12th, 1978, Kermit married the love of his life, Jean Waaraniemi. This union was blessed with twelve children: daughters, Amanda (Phil) Hoium, and Krista, and sons, Nicholas (Pearl), Kirk (Liisa), Isaac, Anthony (Kristen), Ashley, Carl (Ashley), Daniel (Kara), Joshua, Jacob and Micah. Kermit loved his wife and family dearly and served them selflessly. Kermit devoted his working years to his career in construction. He shared his talents by helping with projects and teaching his trade to others. His quality standard was: perfect is close enough. The Ylitalo homeplace in Redeye Township is filled with signs of Kermit’s handiwork. Blessed with contentedness, Kermit preferred staying close to Red Eye Township and hosting at home. He was a good listener, showing interest through questions and his warm, steady gaze. He enjoyed the work of maintaining and caring for the homeplace. Kermit was a member of the Laestadian Lutheran Church of Menahga. He faithfully served in various capacities in his local congregation and in the national organization. In later years, Kermit’s wife Jean became ill with early onset dementia. He retired early and transitioned into the role of full-time caregiver. Those who knew him marveled at his patience and dedication in serving Jean. Retirement years also brought joy. He loved his grandchildren, spending time with them and sharing in their lives. He was welcoming and generous. Hosting annual hunting camp was a highlight. The doors to Red Eye were open to all. To those in his life, Kermit gave more than he received. Kermit was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, son Micah, infant grandson Gabriel, his parents Jack and Edna, brothers Ralph, Chester, Paul, Edwin, and sister Doris, parents-in-law John, Viola and Esther, five sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law. Left to mourn are his dear children, 44 dear grandchildren, siblings Vincent (Marcy), Annette (Walter) Johnson, Howard (Brita), Florence (Paul) Parks, Bernice (Robert) Johnson, Leslie (Sharon), Mavis (Daryl) Simonson, Linda (Carl) Greku, sister-in-law Priscilla Ylitalo, and a host of relatives and friends in faith. Kermit was steadfast in his life and in his faith. He left a precious testimony and has gained the victory which has been promised to all who remain faithful to the end.

Kermit Ylitalo

December 6, 1953 - June 15, 2026