“Andrew (Andy) Wirkkala, 71, a resident of Ilwaco since 1923, went to his reward Wednesday morning, Oct. 23, 1959, at Ocean Beach Hospital after a very short illness, suffering a paralytic stroke at his home on Sunday.

“Andy was born in Kaustenen, Finland, on January 7, 1888, and came to United States at the age of 12, arriving at Knappton, Wn., where he received his education and later became a logger, and was the first school bus driver in that area, using a horse and buggy to transport students.

“He married Miss Tekla Elizabeth Kolback on June 12, 1909, in Naselle where they established their home until 1923 when they moved to Ilwaco where Mr. Wirkkala engaged in the auto repair business, now known as Wirkkala Auto Repair; he also engaged in gillnet fishing for many years, and drove Ilwaco school bus for 35 years. Before marrying he spent a little time in Alaska mining.

“The Wirkkalas celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last June. Mr. Wirkkala is survived by his wife; two sons, Werner and Warren, Ilwaco; daughters Mrs. Albert (Viola) Seidler, Portland; Mrs. Leona Koski, Astoria; Mrs. Armas (Muriel) Niskanen, Astoria; … 17 grand- and two great grand-children.

“Pallbearers are to be: Jack Petit Sr., Wayne Aho, Wayne Suomela, Carl Aase, Jim O’Neil, and Hugo Aho; honorary pallbearers: Ken Inman, Severi Wiitala, Charles Wirkkala, Charles Neimi, Ivan Holm, Oscar Nyberg, Ed Saunders, Matt Wirkkala and John Jacobsen.”

-Oct. 23, 1959