Advanced Search:


Regular Search
❮ Go Back to Listings
NIILO ENSIO HARTIKAINEN Obituary pic

NIILO ENSIO HARTIKAINEN

Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2019

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

NIILO ENSIO HARTIKAINEN 1925 - 2019 On Friday, March 15, 2019 Niilo Ensio Hartikainen, our beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather, peacefully passed away. He will be greatly missed by his children, Kari (Karen) and Helen Loeb (Randy); his grandchildren, Kevin (Michelle), Ken (Ella), Kimberly (Dean), Melanie (Travis) and Justin; his great-grandchildren, Roman, Lola, Willow, Cohen, Brady, Samuel, Evan and Drew. Sadly, his daughter Anita passed away in 1964. Niilo was predeceased by his wife Laura, his parents, Johan and Katri, as well as three brothers and one sister. He is survived by three sisters, and many nephews and nieces in Finland. Born in Finland in 1925, he was the eldest of seven siblings. He met his wife, Laura, in Helsinki and they were married in 1948. In search of better work and housing opportunities at the time, they, with son Kari, moved to Canada in 1952. He began his lifelong career with Princess Auto shortly after their arrival in Canada. He held a variety of positions there until he retired as Vice-President of Surplus in 1988. After purchasing their cottage at Pointe du Bois in 1988, time spent with family and renovation projects became the focus of his retirement. Relaxation meant fishing and the traditional Finnish sauna. Niilo and Laura enjoyed 47 happy years living in their dream home, which he helped to design and build in Middlechurch, before moving to Concordia Village in 2010. His backyard vegetable garden was his pride and joy. In 2017, as a surviving Finnish war veteran living abroad, Niilo was awarded the Knight, First Class, of the Order of the White Rose of Finland. He was honoured to receive this prestigious medal. A true gentleman, he was always smiling, positive, hardworking and generous. He lived his life with "sisu"... the Finnish spirit of independence. He will be greatly missed by his family who will cherish their memories of him forever. A memorial service for Niilo will be held Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, 3486 Raleigh St., East St. Paul, north of Hoddinott. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery 204-338-7111
Publish Date: Mar 23, 2019

NIILO ENSIO HARTIKAINEN On Friday, March 15, 2019, Niilo passed away at Concordia Hospital, at the age of 94 years. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 25, 2019 at 11:00 a.m., at Abundant Life Lutheran Church, 3486 Raleigh Street, East St. Paul, north of Hoddinott. Complete obituary to follow in Saturday's paper. Glen Eden Funeral Home and Cemetery 204-338-7111
Publish Date: Mar 20, 2019

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2019, Mar 23, 2019

Condolences & Memories (7 entries)

  • My condolences Kari and family, with the loss of your dad. Hal Regnier (hydrocracker) - Posted by: hal regnier (co-worker with Kari at esso) on: Jun 06, 2020

  • Helen , Randy & family. My condolences on the passing of your beloved father and grandfather. May you find peace and comfort in your memories. Thinking of you all. Janet & family - Posted by: Janet Stacey (Cousin ( Randy Loeb ) ) on: Mar 25, 2019

  • My father fairly recently passed on himself, Ike Permut and Niilo worked together for so many years at Princess Auto, that it is almost hard to think of one without the other. As a kid and young adult, I remember his wonderful smile, and great disposition. I am sure you are all missing him greatly. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Marsha Permut (acquaintance) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • We remember Mr. Hartikainen as a gentle soul with the biggest smile. We send our love and sincere condolences to the family at this time. - Posted by: Larry & Debbie Schultz (Neighbour & family friend) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • Helen and Randy and family: Our condolences to your family. Sorry to hear of the passing of your father/grandfather. Harold said what a perfect picture of your dad. He always had that smile on his face and time to chat. Keep this picture of him in your minds and hearts. Your friend and Neighbor: Harold and Vera Romanychyn - Posted by: Harold and Vera Romanychyn (Friend) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • We’re saddened to hear the loss of your Grandfather. It is without doubt that was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends! It’s not easy saying goodbye to someone like that and our prayers are with you now and always🙏 - Posted by: Horst and Gerilyn Durhack (Father-in-law of granddaughter ) on: Mar 23, 2019

  • I was deeply saddened to hear of Niilo's passing. He was a wonderful man! I feel both honored and blessed to have known Niilo. Although he was retired from Princess Auto, he was often around, always with a smile, and always willing to share in a conversation and offer some guidance. His gentleness and kindness were natural for him and he always made you feel, whatever question you asked, it was a valuable one. The influence and impact he had made, live on in our philosophies and values. My heart goes out to the family in this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Tammy Brown (Co-worker) on: Mar 20, 2019

❮ Go Back to Listings