RISTOLA, David E. (April 7, 1942 - September 19, 2009) David E. Ristola, age 67, of Birchwood, WI, died Saturday, September 19, 2009 at his home. David died after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. He was born on April 7, 1942 in Owen, WI to Eino and Bernice (Kennow) Ristola. David entered the US Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam Era from 1964 - 1966. He was married to Bonnie Herbst on June 10, 1967 in rural Ellendale, MN. David worked for Crystal Motors in Crystal, MN as a truck mechanic. He owned & operated Ristola Trucking in Crystal. David and Bonnie later owned & operated the Starlight Motel in Rice Lake from 1982 - 1993 and then from 1998 - May 2005. He also worked as a truck mechanic at the Almena Truck Center in Almena, WI. They moved to the Long Lake area in 1993 where he continued to enjoy his lifetime passion for hunting and fishing. The last 4 winters he spent in Texas which he enjoyed greatly. David Ristola is survived by his wife, Bonnie Ristola of Birchwood, WI; a son and daughter-in-law, Brian & Allison Ristola of Thornton, NH; 2 sisters and a brother-in-law, Carolyn Brossow and Susan & Doug Lenander all of Colby, WI; and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eino and Bernice Ristola; and a brother, Eino Ristola. Funeral Services will be held 12:00 noon Thursday, September 24, 2009 at the Long Lake Lutheran Church in the Sarona Township near Long Lake, Rev. Mary Strom officiating, with interment in the Long Lake Cemetery where Military Rites will be accorded by the Birchwood American Legion Post. Friends may call from 10 AM - 12 PM Thursday at the Church.

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