Alvin F. Paavola, age 91, of Buffalo, formerly of Annandale and Minneapolis, died Thursday, August 24, 2017 at the Buffalo Hospital.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Thomas Queck officiating. Burial will follow at Corinna Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel, Annandale and one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Alvin Fridolf Paavola was born August 8, 1926 to Eli and Hulda (Puukangas) Paavola in New York Mills, Minnesota. He was baptized on August 28, 1926 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Alvin grew up in New York Mills where he also attended school. He was confirmed in his faith on June 20, 1941 also at Trinity Lutheran. On May 10, 1947 he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Kumpula at Trinity Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Alvin and Mary Lou moved to Minneapolis where he worked for various companies as a carpenter for 45+ years. Alvin was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #1644. After residing in the Twin Cities for 42 years, Alvin & Mary Lou moved out to Annandale in 1989. They became members of Zion Lutheran Church, where Alvin was a part of the fellowship club as well as a trustee of the church. Both Alvin and Mary Lou gave of their time by delivering Meals on Wheels. Mary Lou preceded Alvin in death in 2010. He continued to make his home in Annandale until 2012 when he moved into the assisted living facility at Lake Ridge Care Center. Alvin loved music and baseball, especially the Minnesota Twins. He enjoyed working with wood and often times gave away his creations. Alvin always had a story to tell, which often gave those listening a glimpse of his sense of humor. As a true caregiver, Alvin graciously provided care and support for many of his family members.

Alvin is survived by his children and their spouses, Richard and Carole of Minneapolis, Linda and Kevin Dorsey of Buffalo, and Robert and Colleen of Little Canada; 6 grandchildren, Joseph, Lisa, Kristi, Gary, Matthew, and Reed; 5 great grandchildren, James, Wyatt, Jackson, Aubree, & Eli; many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Nelmi Hentila, Delores Wormas, and Irja Paavola, and brothers, Milton, Elmer & Marvin Paavola.

Joseph Paavola, Gary Marsyla, James Thompson, Matthew Paavola, Reed Paavola, and Jeff Thompson will serve as pallbearers. Rev. Ken Tatkenhorst will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

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