The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Aliisa Diane Wirkkala (known to all as Nana), age 63, went to be with the Lord August 16th, 2019 at 7:05 a.m., in Portland, Oregon at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Aliisa was born on May 17th, 1956 to Lawrence C. Wallin of Portland, Oregon and Barbara A.(Christensen) Wallin of Ilwaco, Washington.

She is survived by father Lawrence and mother Barbara, brother Jeffery C. Wallin and wife Candy, sister Wendy S. Wallin, husband Arne L. Wirkkala, daughter Elsa Wirkkala husband Brian Wisdom, son Mitchell Wirkkala wife Kristian Penttila, and son Neil Wirkkala wife Chanel Ruch of Naselle, Washington. Grandchildren are Madison Reber Wirkkala age 22, Brianna Wirkkala age 19, Brice Wirkkala age 17, Tucker Wisdom age 7, Mason Wisdom age 3, Eva Wirkkala age 15, Kayli Wirkkala age 13, and Joey Wirkkala age 7. As well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Aliisa grew up in Ilwaco, Washington and graduated high school in 1974. Growing up she enjoyed being on her grandmother’s farm on Baker’s Bay riding horses, she was involved in the local Rainbow’s chapter, enjoyed playing guitar and piano, was a cheerleader at Ilwaco high school and was also Sunday school teacher for the Chinook Lutheran church. Her first job was as a cook at the Big Z drive-in, Long Beach Washington, which is where she met her soon to be husband of 45 years, Arne Wirkkala of Naselle. They were married June 8th, 1974 and went on to have three children of their own. Aliisa babysat and provided daycare for many local families in Naselle, she worked at the Bank of the Pacific in Naselle for several years and then went on to graduate beauty college in Astoria, OR and had her own nail salon at the Hair Villa in Naselle for several years. She went on to work for Jones New York in Seaside, Oregon, Naselle Rock and recently retired from TLC/Fibre credit union in Astoria and Seaside, Oregon.

She impacted many lives during her careers and developed many close relationships with clients and co-workers. She was a member of the Naselle Assembly of God church for 45 years. During this time she was involved with the Women’s Ministries, served as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher, Vacation Bible School organizer and kitchen queen for many of our church events. She supported countless Christian ministries and overseas children’s programs. Aliisa was a beautiful woman of strong faith who cared deeply for and loved her family, children, grandchildren and friends; as well as her family in Christ. She had a great impact on our community and in many lives. She was an amazing loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, auntie, and great friend to many. She was an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, and a mighty prayer warrior.

Psalm 27:4-5

One thing I ask of the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in His temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., August 31st, 2019 at Naselle Assembly of God church, located at 278 Knappton Rd, Naselle, WA. Graveside procession to follow at Peaceful Hill Cemetery on South Valley Rd. Food and fellowship provided after graveside proceedings at Naselle Assembly of God. Penttila’s Chapel by the Sea in charge of arrangements. If anyone so wishes, viewing will be open Friday the 30th of August at Penttila’s Chapel by the Sea in Long Beach, WA.

Her guestbook is available at http://www.penttilaschapel.com.

- Paid Obituary -