Kaarlo Oivanki

Kaarlo Arthur Oivanki passed away on January 7, 2016, in Covington, Louisiana.

Kaarlo was born September 3, 1924, to the late Charles Arvid Oivanki and Lydia Soivio Oivanki in Astoria, Oregon, and spent most of his life in Baton Rouge, later moving to New Orleans and to Mandeville to live with his daughter, Paula.

He was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Marion Audrey Barbay; an infant son, Daniel Philip Oivanki; and his sister Nell Oivanki Kluth.

Kaarlo and Marion met at a USO dance in Baton Rouge, and they were married in the chapel on Harding Field. Kaarlo was an Army veteran of World War II, having served in the European, Pacific, Pan Asian, and Philippine theaters.

He is survived by two sons, Stephen M. Oivanki (Jan Metrailer), and Gregory T. Oivanki (Sarah Henderson), and four daughters, Paula Oivanki Cannon (C. Scott Cannon, deceased), Mildred Oivanki Bailey (Dr. Kirk M. Bailey), Lisa M. Oivanki, and Anna Oivanki Lucas; he has eleven grandchildren, Lauren Oivanki Thomas (Steven), Melissa Oivanki, Amanda Cannon Foster (Matthew), Rachael Cannon Koske (Philip), Jane Cannon Schauer (Gaylen), Geoffrey Bailey (Kendall Weilbacher), Dane Bailey (Kelly Martin), Claire Bailey Thompson (Jason), Lydia Bailey, Ian Stone, and Gregory Lucas; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Kaarlo earned a degree in architectural engineering from LSU and enjoyed a long career as an architect in Baton Rouge, where he participated in design and construction of the LSU Student Union and the Diocesan Catholic Life Center. He worked with several private architectural firms in Baton Rouge, for the Louisiana State Dept. of Institutions, where he participated in construction and remodeling on campuses and medical institutions across the state, and as an independent architect. He retired with the Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control after 26 years of state service.

He was very proud of his Finnish heritage. He and Marion visited Finland to reconnect with relatives there and to visit the birthplace of his parents. He spoke Finnish as a second language and, until recently, received the Finnish language newspaper published in the U.S. He and Marion loved to travel, and they visited most of the continental U.S. and Canada, and most of the National Parks. Epcot Center in Florida was also a favorite destination, and they were often accompanied by grandchildren. As a member of St. Gerard Parish in Baton Rouge, Kaarlo was active in the choir, and he and Marion conducted Pre-Cana lectures for engaged couples.

From square dancing to camping, Kaarlo and Marion engaged their children and grandchildren in travels to pan for gold, ski Mt. Hood, hike the Grand Canyon, explore numerous underground caverns, marvel at aerobatics at local air shows, and generally enjoy the outdoors. The corner house that Kaarlo designed and built himself on Hanks Drive was frequented by their many friends, grandchildren, and neighborhood children. Friendships with people he and Marion met through work and travel continued for decades.

For Kaarlo, the unfamiliar path was often his first choice. Whether driving to the State Capitol or trekking the highways from Louisiana to Oregon and other points west to visit relatives, it was a given that new sights, different routes, and out-of-the-way points of interest were in store for those fortunate enough to share Kaarlo's sense of adventure and love of new places and people. He chronicled all of his travels and daily life in pictures, for he was an avid photographer, and left a legacy of thousands of color slides for his children and grandchildren to enjoy.

His zest for living, generous and affectionate nature, devotion to providing a good life for his children, as well as his keen intellect and sense of humor, will be missed and remembered by all who shared his life. A special thank you to Tracey Marcum, for her care of our father. Even a daughter could not have been more unstinting and affectionate.

Visiting hours will be observed on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Visiting hours will resume on Friday, January 15, 2016, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 865 Hatchell Lane, Denham Springs, Louisiana, from 10:00 AM until the time of services.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

A private interment will follow at a later date.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, January 14, 2016
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
865 Hatchell Lane
Denham Springs, LA  70729
Friday, January 15, 2016
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Service

Mass of Christian Burial

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
865 Hatchell Lane
Denham Springs, LA  70729
Friday, January 15, 2016
11:00 am