Our Founding Family
Yalmer Karvonen 1893-1973
Ina Karvonen 1896-1980
Yalmer August Karvonen was born on July 24, 1893 in New York Mills, Minnesota. Ina Katherine Sillanpaa was born on January 19, 1896 in Oulu, Finland. On October 26, 1913 they were united in marriage in New York Mills. In 1926 they established the Karvonen Furniture Store & Funeral Home in New York Mills, Minnesota. Their care and concern for the families they served set a family tradition of Funeral Service Excellence.
Second Generation
Harold Karvonen 1928-2008
Harold Edwin Karvonen was born on September 15, 1928 in New York Mills, Minnesota. Nancy Ann Lee was born on June 15, 1931 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. On June 20, 1947 they were united in marriage in Wadena, Minnesota. On June 15, 1949 Harold graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Mortuary Science. Harold and Nancy operated the family furniture store and funeral home in Sebeka, Minnesota. In 1954 they made their home back in New York Mills where Harold joined his father, Yalmer in the family furniture store and funeral home. With the help of his wife, Nancy, she has contributed a woman’s touch to funeral services. In 1999 Harold was honored by the State of Minnesota, Mortuary Science Unit for 50 years as a Minnesota Licensed Funeral Director.
Our Founding Family
Greg David Karvonen was born on July 28, 1968 in New York Mills, Minnesota. Susan Rae Salo was born on October 2, 1972 in Wadena, Minnesota. Greg and Suzi are both graduates of the New York Mills High and married on August 24, 1991 in New York Mills. Greg graduated with honors in 1992 from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana. In 1993, Greg and Suzi joined the family funeral firm and in January of 1998 purchased the family business. We are proud to able to continue what has become a family tradition.
