Ina Kuoksa

Ina Kuoksa, 93, passed away December 5, 2010 at Carefree Living in Brainerd. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Randall. We will begin with a visitation for family and friends at 10:00 am followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00am. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, MN at 12:30pm. Please join us for a luncheon at 1:00pm at Cabin Fever in Little Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to City of Grand Rapids Children's Public Library.

Ina was born April 21, 1917 in Virginia, MN, the daughter of Victor and Willhelmina (Malin) Williams. Ina graduated from high school and went on to Duluth State Teachers College where she earned her teaching certificate. After teaching in a one room school in Squaw Lake, she went on to teach first grade at Riverview School in Grand Rapids. In 1941, she was united in marriage to Wesley Kuoksa. Ina loved to knit and play bridge. She knitted hundreds of mittens for children in need with her knitting group and belonged to the same bridge group for over 50 years. Ina loved all things on (and in) the water. She and Wes lived on Pokegama Lake for 30 years-enjoyed many fishing trips on water and ice. With her sister, Irma, across the lake-swimming, canoeing and saunaing were regular events. She was an active member of the Grand Rapids Legion Auxiliary for 53 years, the Eastern Star, served on the Grand Rapids School Board and in the 60's, active in the Camp Fire Girls Council.

She will be missed by her daughter, Carol (Dale) Meredith, of Randall, MN; grandchildren, Lisa Meredith of Eagan, MN and Holly (Eric) Samshal; and great-granddaughter, Stella Samshal of St. Paul, MN. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Irma Mazzitelli; and brother, Arvo Williams.