Loretta Jean Aileen (Hautala) Kallevig

Loretta Jean Aileen Kallevig (nee Hautala) went home to be with Jesus in the glory on November 30, 2017, at age 78.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Laurie and Aileen Hautala, and her sisters Arlette and Sharon. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 60 years, John; her children: Faun (Michael) Bonewits, Peter (Barb), Susan (Hinshaw) Brandt, and Austin; and her grandchildren: Billy Hinshaw, Michelle (Chris) Arnett, and Chaz R. Hinshaw; as well as her brother-in-law, Thomas Benefield and her nephew, Jeffrey Benefield and his family, and her niece, Kimberly Luke and her family.

Loretta was born, and raised in Virginia, Minnesota. She married John July 28th, a week after she turned 18 on the hottest day of the year.

They moved to Seattle, Washington after John graduated from the University of Minnesota. They had two children while there. Then they moved to Minnesota and had the other two children.

Loretta was a happy homemaker while the children were in school. She was enjoyed many hobbies including basket making, gardening, knitting, painting, and sewing. In the process of sharing these talents, she helped found the Weavers Guild of Minnesota and Minnesota Basket Weavers Guild that are still active in conjunction with the Textile Center of MN.  She loved hitting all the garage sales and festivals and boutiques. She and John were very active in their church and community.

As a lifelong learner, she began to attend Lakewood Community college years till the counselor encouraged her to choose a vocation and earn a Bachelor's. She chose Occupational Therapy. She attended the University of Minnesota and obtained her Bachelor of Arts then her Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at the College of St. Catherine’s.

Loretta was the Director of the Occupational Therapy on the psychiatric floor at Hennepin County Medical Center for ten years, after which she retired when the couple moved to Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. The moment Polk County found out she was an Occupational Therapist, she was in demand for her expertise. She drove the many miles to the nursing homes, and also served in the Special Education Department in the county schools. Her skills were also utilized at the St. Croix Regional Medical Center.

 Her recent volunteer work included the Salvation Army, Friends of the Library, and the Polk County Jail. Loretta sat on the board of council at the Balsam Lake Library, and Faith Lutheran Church of Balsam Lake.

She loved all her pets, holding many in her arms as they passed onward. After she moved to Balsam Lake, she enjoyed her pet chickens and roosters and turkeys. The family home was never empty of four-legged furry ones.

Loretta will be remembered for her beautiful smile, as she focused on the one person in front of her. She was devoted to her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as her friends and coworkers. She gave of herself with God’s unconditional love flowing through her. She made others feel good about themselves. She had a compassionate heart for the poor and needy, and was very generous, especially with kind words and hugs.

Loretta’s Celebration of Life begins with a visitation at 10 am till the Memorial Service starting at 11 am. Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Faith Lutheran Church of Balsam Lake with Pastor Diane Norstad officiating.  

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

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