Eero Latvala

Eero J. Latvala, 93, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, February 4, 2012 at the Heritage Pioneer Senior Cottage in Fergus Falls. He was born November 10, 1918 in Helsinki, Finland to Nick and Maria (Willgren) Latvala. He sailed to America at the age of five and lived in Superior, Wisconsin, New York Mills, and Calumet, Michigan. Eero was employed by Northwestern Publishing Company, the Wadena Pioneer Journal, the New York Mills Herald, and as a typesetter for the Finnish language newspaper. In 1940 he married Bernice Bernu. They moved to Fergus Falls in 1960. Eero worked at the Daily Journal until he retired in 1983. Eero and Bernice loved dancing. They were instructors for the Rounduets Dance Club in Fergus Falls for 20 years, and were leaders for the Fargo-Moorhead Round-A-Vous Round Dance Club. In Fergus Falls they taught ballroom dance classes through the Community Education program. Bernice died in 2004. Eero was an avid bowler, and enjoyed woodworking. He was a member of Augustana Lutheran Church. Eero’s final years were spent at the Pioneer Cottages, where he found new romance at the age of 91. Eero is survived by his special soul mate, Lillian Franke, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Bernice, his parents, and brothers Carl and Vic. His funeral will be at the PioneerCare Center Chapel at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012, with a visitation one hour prior. Eero will be buried at the Woodland Cemetery in New York Mills. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.