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Jolene Rae Kivela
Jolene Kivela Obituary
Jolene Rae Kivela, age 67, died November 4, 2025, after a short battle with lung cancer.
Jolene was the second of five daughters born to Veikko and Judie (Benedix) Kivela, on September 20, 1958.
She attended school in Virginia and Cook and later attended Hibbing Community College. Jolene was a proud member of the Virginia Area Historical Society. She loved butterflies, flowers, the color orange, and furry friends of all sorts especially the squirrels near her apartment.
She is survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Dirk) Munson; sons, James Thomas Kochevar Jr. and Jacob (Gina) Sandnas; grandchildren: Jakob Munson, Wyatt Munson, Jazmin Kochevar, Jonathan Kochevar, Gabe Kochevar and Grace Kochevar; sister, Kim Pettinelli; brothers-in-law, Gordy Holkko and Gordy Imberg; former husband, James "Jim" (Laneta) Kochevar Sr.; former brothers-in-law, Gordy Nissila and Dave Pettinelli; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great- nieces and nephews.
Jolene was preceded in death by her grandparents, Veikko and Allie Kivela Sr., Leslie and Ragna Benedix; parents, Veikko and Judie Kivela Jr.; sisters, Carolyn "Happy" Holkko, Shelly Nissila, Diane Imberg; and beloved granddaughter, Bella Kochevar
We would like to say a special thank our uncle Dave Pettinelli, and Essential Health St. Mary's Hospice workers Brenna, Emily, and Jane for taking such wonderful care of our mother during her illness and final days.
No funeral arrangements have been made at this time. Please be kind to your neighbors and donate to the local food pantry in Jolene's honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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