Edwin Oscar Korkia, age 85, of Bovey passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Home and Comfort in Coleraine.  Home and Comfort has been Edwin's home for the past four years.  Prior to living there, he lived in rural Bovey.

Edwin was born in 1938 to Einar and Hilda (Heiniemi) Korkia, in rural Bovey. He attended Trout Lake Grade School and graduated from Grand Rapids High School where he was an active member of the wrestling and cross-country teams. After graduation he continued his education by receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree, University of MN, in Child Psychology in 1969. He then went on to receive a Masters Degree in Social Work from Wayne State University, Michigan, in 1974.

Between the years of his Bachelor of Arts degree and receiving his Masters of Social Work he worked as a counselor at Anoka State Hospital and counselor within the MN Residential Treatment Center in Lino Lakes MN.  After receiving his Masters degree Edwin held the directorship of West Bloomfield, Michigan, "PAD "Programs for Alternatives to Drug" and later director of the Sanctuary, a licensed runaway shelter in Pleasant Ridge Michigan. In 1980, after the closing of the facility he returned to rural Bovey where he took up his engineering interest and had a patent on a pollution-free waste reclamation furnace that would turn petroleum derivatives back into oil.  Unfortunately for Edwin he never received any funding to pursue his dream.  He also pursued his love for running.  Edwin began running in many marathons.  He ran in 28 Grandma's Marathons, nine Trail Mix 50K marathons, 11 Ice Age 50K Marathons and was a member of the 500-mile club, seven Super Trail Endurance Runs, 42 Ultra 50K Marathons, Pike's Peak Marathon in Colorado, and between 1990 and 2013 he ran 23 years in the FANS Ultra Races and was a member of the 1000-mile club.  During this time, he also was the service manager of Bruno's Truck Stop in Swan River, an independent construction contractor, and later on in his career worked as a maintenance man for West Range Oil Company.  Edwin was always willing to lend a hand and his generous heart to anyone who asked.  He thoroughly enjoyed company, coffee and conversations with friends and family.

Family and friends would like to thank the staff and management at Home and Comfort for their loving kindness and care of Edwin during the last four years he resided there.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Einar and Hilda; two infant brothers; and brothers, William and Leo. He is survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Warba, MN, beginning at 10:00AM, lasting until the 11:00 AM funeral service. Burial will be at Trout Lake Community Cemetery. Rev. Mark Wagner will officiate.