Hans E. Pellikka

Hans was born September 2, 1923 in Menahga, MN to Joseph and Emelia Pellikka. He grew up and attended school in Menahga, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the service and was a paratrooper in the Philippines during World War II. Following his military discharge he earned his Bachelors degree in Business Administration at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. After graduation he was employed at the S.S. Kresge Company, where he met his wife, Dorothy. They were married April 18, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1955, Hans and Dorothy moved to Minneapolis where Hans was promoted to a management position. In 1958 they moved to Hawley to open their own Coast to Coast Hardware Store, which they owned and operated until 1976. He then sold his business and he ended his career at Metropolitan Bank, retiring in 1998. While in Hawley he served the community as Chairman of the School Board, Chairman of the Rodeo Committee, and as a member of the City Council. For the past year he has lived at Hawley Senior Living with his wife, Dorothy. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy, Hawley, MN; one daughter, Karen Fred Montana, Minneapolis, MN; one grandson, Adam Miller; one sister, Alicia Wiediger, Hoyt Lakes, MN; sister-in-law, Lorraine Kraus, Hawley, MN; and brother-in-law, Ben Donna Lenzen, Grand Forks, ND. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Joseph & Edwin; one sister, Ruth Ristinen; one brother-in-law, Emil Kraus; and a nephew, Dick Kraus.