LODGE, Kirsti L.

Kirsti L. Lodge (nee Kourula), 79, passed away in her home in Paradise Valley on Tuesday, April 20th, 2004. after a battle with cancer. She was born May 2, 1924 in Parikkala, Finland, the third child of a family of 7. She came to San Diego in 1961 on a Fulbright Scholarship, after teaching elementary school in Finland for 17 years, and married her husband that year. She graduated from San Diego State University in 1968. She started her career in Real Estate sales in California, and continued in Arizona when they moved to Paradise Valley in 1985. She will be remembered by her energy and vitality, colorful personality, and passionate approach to life. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Chester; son, Kristopher (wife Lora) and 5 grandchildren; daughter, Karla; and 3 sisters in Finland, Aira, Pirjo, and Seija and their families. Visitation Thursday, April 22nd, 2004 at Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, 8555 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Scottsdale. Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 24th at Phoenix Laestadian Lutheran Church, 32424 N. 43rd Street, Phoenix. Published in the Arizona Republic on 4/22/2004.