Cory Keskitalo

Cory Andrew Keskitalo was born on March 29, 1988 in Perham, MN. His parents are Randy and Carol (Ollie) Keskitalo. He attended New York Mills High School and graduated with the Class of 2006.

After High School, Cory gained an interest in masonry work, with the help of his uncle Dale Roers. They worked on a project together and then he decided he wanted to go to college for masonry. He graduated from the masonry program at Alexandria Technical College. At the end of the course he entered a State Masonry Competition in Minneapolis and won first place, which advanced him into a National Competition in Kansas City, MO, where he won third in the Nation. Cory eventually went on to open his own masonry business, Northern Relentless Creations. He was currently training in his nephew, Cohen Christiansen to help him with his business. Cory took such pride in his work and was meticulous about the placement of each stone. 

He was employed in the oil fields in North Dakota for a while and also, Morton Buildings putting up pole sheds and Andy Pettow Construction.

He was united in marriage to Jill Salo, and lived in Sabin, MN where they had two children: Braysen and Aevyn. They later divorced.

Cory resided in Underwood, and most recently in Henning, MN, with his fiancé, Brianna Paulson and children: Royce, Gage and Emma. He loved spending time with his family and kids; hunting, fishing, spending time at the hunting cabin, tapping maple trees and making maple syrup. He also enjoyed tending to his apple orchard; planting, pruning and grafting trees, gardening and woodworking. He loved building things and helped build numerous deer stands and three saunas. One of Cory's passions was power paragliding. He loved the peace and tranquility of the wide open skies. Cory flew over We Fest with it one year, while camping there with his cousins and family members. They had several "cousin" camping weekends and made so many wonderful memories.

Cory will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love for family, and his kindheartedness. He was a beautiful soul who never knew his own worth.

On July 21, 2024 Cory passed away at 36 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Preceding Cory in death were his grandparents: Melvin and Mildred Ollie; Emil and Sylvia Keskitalo; aunts: Alice Ollie, JoAnn Cichy, Carol Christenson and Judy Paju; uncles: Steve Keskitalo and Paul Keskitalo; cousins Eric Schumacher and Jamie Christenson.

Cory is survived by his loving parents: Randy and Carol Keskitalo of New York Mills; fiancé Brianna; children: Braysen, Aevyn, Royce, Gage and Emma; brother, Chris and Stefanie (Peltier)  Keskitalo of Detroit Lakes; nieces and nephews: Makiah, Cohen, Mila and Otto;  numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

An account has been set up for memorials at:

Magnifi Financial

P.O. Box F

New York Mills, MN 56567

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