Verner Pyhala

Verner Pyhala was born to an immigrant Finnish family in Embarrass, Minn. on May 17th 1918, and went to be with our Lord on Aug. 11, 2008 in Midwest City. Verner is survived by three sisters: Jennie Traffie, Martha (Judy) Wise, and Marian Saranpaa; a daughter, Lois Minton; two sons, Stanley and David Pyhala; three grandsons, Danny and Scott Minton, and Matthew Pyhala; and three great grandchildren: Kerstin, Sam and Matthew Minton. Verner is preceded in death by his parents, Mikko and Anna Pyhala and thirteen of his siblings. Verner was a veteran of the U.S. Army and graduated from BIOLA University. After graduating, he became a missionary and pastor in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He later returned to San Diego where he eventually started his own business, “Accomplished Painting and Construction Co.” and over 40 years helped dozens of youth get off the street by training them in the construction business. He retired in 2000 and moved to Midwest City where he completed writing and publishing a collection of stories of his life called “God Led My Steps.” Verner enjoyed baseball, playing the Hawaiian Steel Guitar and showing gospel magic. Everyone whose lives he has touched has benefited in some way or another and God truly did lead his steps. He loved people in general and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank Dr. William Bernhardt, Dr. Greg McKinnis, and Crossroads Hospice for their compassionate care of Verner. Verner’s wish was to donate his body to the advancement of science. Memorial Services were conducted at Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City under the direction of Ford Funeral Service, Friday, Aug. 15th at 1 p.m.