Shawn Saarela

Shawn Saarela, 29, of Long Prairie died August 25, 2015.
Shawn was born December 23, 1986, in Long Prairie to Johnny & Kelly (Hepokoski) Saarela. He graduated from Wadena Technical College in 2006. Shawn pursued a career as an electrical lineman and later as an electrician. Shawn developed a passion for firefighting and the Long Prairie Fire Department at a very young age. He was a founding member of the Long Prairie Fire Department Explorers and officially joined the Long Prairie Fire Department on March 6, 2008. He was currently the Assistant Fire Chief, had been a past Training Officer, past Secretary of the Relief Association and also served on several fire department committees.
Shawn was very family oriented and loved spending time with his nieces and nephews. When he wasn’t with family and friends he could be found at the fire hall or working on demolition derby cars with his brother and friends.
Shawn is survived by his parents: Johnny and Kelly Saarela of Long Prairie; siblings: Melissa (Jeremy) Burch of Long Prairie, Nick (Kristin) Saarela of Long Prairie; grandparents: Judy (Jerry) Tomford of Park Rapids; nieces and nephews: Katylin, Ashley, Evan, Corbin and Kinzey; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Shawn is preceded in death by his grandparents: Eino & Esther Saarela and Donald Hepokoski; aunt: Connie Hepokoski; uncle: Larry Saarela; and his dog Carmen.
Ambrose Kruzel was the Urn Bearer. Honorary Urn Bearers were: Andy Brinkman, Jim Kreemer, Brandon Hudalla, Kyle Bodle, Mark Blom, Jim Ritter, Chris Ebnet, and the Long Prairie Fire Department.