Obituary of John Edward Kuula

John E. Kuula Dec. 30, 1923 to Feb. 19, 2009 John passed away on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009 at St. Peter Hospital after suffering a stroke. He was born in Hurley, Wisconsin to John E. and Liisi Kuula. He was the youngest of 8 children. John was preceded in death by his wife Gloria, his parents, 3 brothers, Victor, Verner and Eino Kuula, 3 sisters, Ina Rinto, Ingrid Korpela and Helen Ahonen. He is survived by one sister Ellen Harris of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, nephews Raymond (Kay) and Richard (Eleanor) Kuula, Jerald and Lawrence Korpela, niece Dorris (Clifford) Ahonen, Jim (Chris) Clay of Bellingham, Washington, and many other nephews and nieces. He was raised in Ironwood, Michigan where he graduated from Hurley High School and shortly after served in the US Army during WWII with an “anti-aircraft unit”. Upon returning to the USA he attended Stout University in Menomonie, Wisconsin where he met and married his wife, Gloria Clay of Hillsdale, Michigan on Aug. 13, 1949. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial arts he and Gloria taught school at Maple, Wisconsin until moving to Seattle, Washington. There he worked at Boeing as a “Tool Engineer” until both accepted teaching jobs in Mossy Rock, Washington. They taught 4 years till relocating to Lacey, Washington, where he taught Industrial Arts at North Thurston High School for about 13 years, then completed his teaching career at Timberline High School till his retirement. He really enjoyed his students. His achievements were many and tending to his gardens, growing beautiful flowers, fruits and vegetables was a favorite interest. He and Gloria were active members of Friendship Force where their love of travel took them to several countries. Among them were, Finland (home to his family), Japan, Russia, England, Germany, Chili, Taiwan/China, and Australia. Their travels brought about many new friendships. He was active in Kiwanis Club and enjoyed delivering poinsettias during the Christmas seasons. He and Gloria were also active with Retired Teachers Association and charter members of their church at St. Andrews United Methodist. Both of them enjoyed spending a great deal of time at their condo on Long beach, WA. exploring the surrounding areas. They enjoyed their homes at “Thompson Place”, “Old Port”, “Vista Village”, and most recently “Woodland Retirement Center”. John was pretty good at being “Tour Guide” to friends and family at the many local sites. A couple of his favorites were the Farmers Market and Starbucks. From all the pictures of their adventures, John was handy with the camera too! A memorial service will be held Friday, March 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 540 School Street SE., Lacey. To leave a condolence for the family, click on View Guestbook below