Obit: Haaya, Emil (1882 - 1941)
Poster:  Janet Rogalski 

FINAL RITES READ FOR OWEN BUSINESSMAN

A week ago, Wednesday, the business places of this city closed their doors to the public for an hour from two o'clock until three p. m., out of due respect and honor to Email Haaya whose final rites were being read at the Finnish Lutheran Church.

Mr. Haaya, who a week ago, last Monday, would have celebrated his 25th anniversary as a resident and former businessman in the City of Owen, had met his death due to an accidental discharge of his gun while hunting birds on the Feloix Sapetta farm seven miles north of the city Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21, 1941.

Emil Haaya was born in Virolahti, Finland, on Sept. 4, 1882. He came to America as a young man and worked during his early manhood life in Michigan and northern Minnesota before coming to Owen in 1916. At that time the Mattson and Haaya grocery store was established in business in Owen. This partner ship continued until 1930 at which time Mr. Haaya and son, Donald, took over the business and continued to operate it until this spring.

Early this year, Mr. Haaya received serious injuries in a fall from the roof of his home where he was working, and fractured both of his ankles. Since that time, it had been hard for him to get about and he was unable to continue working.

He enjoyed daily visits up town and with his many friends. This fall he was eagerly awaiting the hunting season as a doctor had recommended hunting to him as a good means of exercising his feet by walking on soft soil to aid in loosening up the muscles and chords in his feet.

His accidental death came as a great shock to this community as he was a man that was loved by both young and old and enjoyed perhaps the greatest acquaintance and friendship of any one in the city.

During the recent Finnish crisis, Emil was an ardent worker among those helping in Finnish relief. He was one of the oldest members of the Finnish Lutheran church congregation.

His passing is mourned by his wife, Johanna, nee Johanna Mattson, whom he married on Oct. 27, 1908, at Eveleth, Minn., a son, Donald, and a daughter, Thelma, and a host of friends.

Among those from away that were here for the services were Mr. and Mrs. John Jackson and Miss Ronnie Jackson of Ishpeming, Mich; Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rahko of Duluth, Minn.; Mrs. Hanninen and Mrs. Axelson of Superior; and Mr. and Mrs. Werner Mattson of Stone Lake; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Haaya of Milwaukee; and Miss Thelma Haaya, Rock Island, Ill.

Source: The Stark Family Scrapbook.