Westside Stories

Lisa Yeager | May 01, 20250

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Edwin Wirkkala sits on his John Deere lawnmower. Edwin was grandfather to Westend resident Lisa Yeager and was a long-time Westend resident himself.

My grandpa, Edwin Wirkkala, was one of the most important men in my life. A few years before his death, since I was living in Colorado, I committed to visiting him at least every six months. Thankfully, with the support of my husband, a job that allowed me to travel, and sufficient financial resources, I was able to keep that promise. The last time I saw him in person was in Feb. 2020. I had planned to visit again in March with my brother, sister-in-law, and sister, but due to the pandemic, we were unable to go.

In early April, we started having family Zoom calls, which evolved into Sunday afternoons with grandpa. During these virtual gatherings, he was able to see and talk to all his children, all but one of his 15 grandchildren, and several of his great-grandchildren. His health was failing due to the effects of cancer, which had taken a toll on his well-worn body.

Around noon on April 30, I received a call from my Uncle Steve informing me that the end was near. Even though grandpa was not awake, I asked Steve to hold the phone up to his ear so I could tell him one last time how much I loved him and how much I would miss him. 20 minutes later, he passed from this earth to eternity at the age of 96. I don't recall ever sobbing that much in my life.

Due to the pandemic, his friends and most of his family members were unable to attend the graveside service, as he was buried at Seal River Cemetery in Rosburg the Sunday after his passing. Many of us participated in the service through Zoom, which I was grateful for, but it just wasn't the same. I needed to be there in person.

In June, Mark, our dog Luna, and I hooked up our travel trailer and embarked on a three-week road trip. We had many adventures, enjoying beautiful scenery and visiting family along the way. One of the highlights of the trip was being able to visit Grandpa's grave and say my final goodbyes. While the primary purpose of the trip was to find the closure I needed, it also became the catalyst for our move to Grays River.

I was close to my grandpa. I loved listening to his numerous stories about World War II, our family, and the people he knew in the community. Visits to the cemetery were always filled with tales, as were his stories about his logging days. His smile and laughter could light up the room, and he gave great hugs that included warm pats on the back.

When we were growing up, he liked to "teach" the grandkids Finnish words, which we later discovered were just words he had made up. My favorite was "klim" and "seikoocs," which were "milk" and "cookies" spelled backward. One summer, while we were visiting, we went to the beach, where he told us that the water was "squirgitating" between the holes in his Crocs.

He was deeply loved by his family and served as the patriarch of our Wirkkala clan, being the last surviving of his siblings. He was kind and gentle, a truly sweet spirit. However, like everyone, he had his flaws. There were things we needed to forgive him for and let go of.

He was a cherished long-time resident of the west end of Wahkiakum County, where he grew up in Seal River and later raised his family in Rosburg on Raistakka Road. As a dedicated logger for many years, he earned the deep respect and affection of those in the community. In his retirement years, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, often seen meticulously mowing the lush grass in his yard, maintaining various cemeteries, and tending the grounds at Naselle and Rosburg Schools. He took pride in nurturing his garden and enjoyed daily walks along his peaceful road. Known for his infectious wit, he filled the air with laughter and delighted those around him with captivating stories from his life experiences.

He was an active participant in the American Legion and regularly attended senior lunches at Rosburg Hall, where laughter and stories were shared. His faith was a cornerstone of his life; he was a devoted member of Valley Bible Church and also spent many years as part of the Naselle Congregational Church.

I know many of you miss him as much as I do. Thank you for this opportunity to honor his remarkable memory on the fifth anniversary of his passing.

Rosburg Community Club Fundraiser

On Sunday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., there will be a chicken dinner fundraiser at Rosburg Hall. The meal includes chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans, salad, a roll, dessert, coffee, and punch. The cost is $12.50 per adult.

Seal River Cemetery Annual Meeting

On Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m., the Seal River Cemetery Association will hold its annual meeting at the Grays River Fire Hall, located on N. Hull Creek Rd. Later that day, at 1 p.m., there will be a cemetery cleanup, and volunteers are welcome to join.

Westside Happenings

May

2 – Adults Create, Naselle Library, 3:30 p.m.

3 – Knappton Cove Heritage Center

Open House, 1 – 4 p.m.

3 – Painting Party at Naselle Community

Center has been postponed.

4 – Chicken Dinner at Rosburg Hall,

11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

9 – Messy Art, Naselle Library, 3:30 p.m.

10 - Seal River Cemetery Association meeting,

Grays River Grange, 10 a.m., cemetery cleanup at 1 p.m.