Matt L. Kesti

Matt L. Kesti, age 81, of Esko, died Thursday, October 2, 2003 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. He was born April 2, 1922 in Cloquet to Hans and Ida (Pengtila) Kesti. Matt served with the U.S. Navy during World War II as an Electrician's Mate First Class. He was united in marriage to Martha Strom on May 15, 1948 at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet. Matt was a lifelong area resident; a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko; the Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 of Carlton; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 31 and Local 242 Retirees. He also served for 20 years on the Esko Volunteer Fire Dept.; and enjoyed hunting, fishing and going to the cabin. Matt was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John, George, and Ben Kesti; and one sister, Sylvia Kraushaar. He is survived by his wife Martha; two daughters, Carole Armstrong of New Brighton, Minn., and Barbara (Gene) Bilderback of New Market, Minn.; one brother, Leslie (Dorothy) Kesti of Esko; three sisters, Elna Korby of Esko, Astrid (Ambrose) Culliton of Carlton, and Ruth (Kenneth) Koski of Cloquet; 6 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews. VISITATION:5-8 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2003 at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Visitation will resume on Monday, October 6, 2003 from 12 noon until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko with Rev. Jeffrey Walther officiating. Pallbearers will be Duane Eldien, Kenneth Nynas, Leo Grochow, John Maki, Roy Bohren, and Leslie Kesti. Military Honors will be accorded by the Nicholson-Sellgren VFW Post 2962 of Carlton. Interment services will follow at St. Matthew's Cemetery in Esko. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Matthew's Church building fund. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. (online guestbook at www.legacy.com).