Timothy James Kivela, age 67 of Eagan, MN passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 11, 2026 in White Bear Lake, MN. Tim was born on July 23, 1958 in Escanaba, MI to Jack and Kathleen (Kepler) Kivela and spent his early life in Marquette, MI.

After leaving Marquette, Tim moved to Washington and later to Santa Barbara, CA where he had a successful career in government security

In 1990 Tim made the decision to move to Minnesota where he met Dawn Ferguson-Carranza and they were married on May 18, 1991. Tim was a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service in Edina, MN before his retirement in 2020.  Tim made lifelong friends on his mail route.

Tim and Dawn enjoyed cruises, the beach, going to their favorite lodge and cabins on the Gun Flint Trail. Tim enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting with his friends from CA along with  friends from his childhood in the Upper Peninsula of MI and his brother Jon from Wyoming.

Tim is preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Michael Muirhead. He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; step-son, Eric Carranza (fiancé, Molly Brandt); granddaughter, Ellie Carranza; siblings, Kristine (Nick) Gualazzi, Kathleen Muirhead, and Jon Kivela, nieces-Paloma Caskey, Krysta Kivela, nephew Troy Kivela and other family, and friends.

There will be a private family memorial.

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com