Ida Snofreid Makela

Ida S. (Larson) Makela completed her 98-year journey on this earth on December 19, 2011, passing away peacefully in her home. Born on March 14, 1913 during a Minnesota snowstorm, her middle name, Snofreid, is Swedish for "snow peace." Her parents, Louis J. and Swedish-born Ida (Hjerpe) Larson had 10 children, on the homestead farm near Fertile, Minn. At age 5, Ida's childhood was shaken by the death of her mother. Two years later she joined the loving family of Emma and Joe Rasmus, in part to attend school in town. With this foster family, she blossomed into a talented young woman with interests ranging from golf to guitar. Her nickname "Smiles," as well as her positions as Toastmistress and class President, reveal how well liked she was. In Deer River, Minn., Ida worked at the Marshal- Wells store where she met the love of her life, Kal Makela. When he was to ship overseas for WWII, Ida drove to his California Army base and they were married. During his nearly 3-year absence serving in the war, she worked in a defense plant. Upon Kal's return from the war, they lived in Minnesota, later moving to Kansas. She dedicated her adult life to raising their three children. A lifelong Lutheran, she developed a deep faith that was a foundation to her life, helping her meet difficulties with her signature sweet smile and stoic determination. She enjoyed camping and the household arts in her younger years, followed by word games and poetry in her later years. A love of nature was reflected in gardening and bird watching activities throughout her life. She is survived by her adored grandchildren, Daniel, Annie, and Molly Makela of Louisville, Ky.; by son, Steve Makela and his wife Martha, also of Louisville; by daughter, Kathy Kosse and husband Tim of Surprise, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by Kal, her husband of 67 years, and daughter, Linda Makela, and by all of her siblings. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m., both at the Overland Park Lutheran Church, 7810 N. 79th St., Overland Park, KS 66204. Interment will be at Johnson County Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Overland Park Lutheran Church or to the Little Norway Lutheran Church, (the church of Ida's childhood) 10802 423rd St., Fertile, MN 56540.

The family thanks many friends, including Gertrude Andreason and Debbie Cook. We also thank Carol Buller and Ricky Turley and his staff, who gave her such excellent care at Lakeview Village Assisted Living, following the death of her husband less than two years ago. Condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhogememorialchapel.com McGilley & Hoge Johnson County Memorial Chapel, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204, 913-642-3565

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?n=ida-s-makela-larson&pid=155209246&fhid=11267#storylink=cpyArrangements under the direction of McGilley & Hoge, Overland Park, KS.