Elsie Liimatta

MEMORIAL SERVICES : 11:00 A.M. Saturday, July 2, 2011 at the Assembly of God Church in Menahga, MN with Reverend Art Wood officiating.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MinnesotaSURVIVORS : Her four children: Beverly (Larry) Shaver of Greenwood, IA, Toini (Delbert) Bach of Underwood, IA, Jimmie Liimatta of Sebeka, MN and Joni (Justin) Toppari of Richville, MN; ten grandchildren and 15 precious great grandchildren; one sister, Hilma Hill of Duluth, MN. ELSIE MILLIE LIIMATTAOctober 27, 1919 " April 8, 2011 Elsie Millie Liimatta, age 91, a long time resident of the Huntersville, MN area, was born into eternal life on April 8, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Battle Lake, MN with her daughter, Joni and son, Jimmie at her side. Elsie was born on October 27, 1919, the third of four children born to John and Hilda (Sivula) Ojala, finnish emigrants who farmed in McKinley Township, Cass County, MN. As a small child, Elsie moved with her family to a farm near Huntersville, MN, just a stone throw away from where she lived out the rest of her life. She attended the District #59 Country school, a two mile walk from her childhood home. As a young woman, Elsie did housework for several neighboring families. At the age of 18, she ventured to the big city of Minneapolis where she worked as a nanny. She returned to the home two years later, where she met a handsome young farm boy, Fritz Liimatta in 1940, just before he left to serve in the army for a one year stint. When World War II broke out, his enlistment was extended until 1945. So Elsie and a friend ventured on a Greyhound bus to California where they worked as welders on a Victory Ship. After Fritz"s honorable discharge, they were married on April 26, 1946 in Park Rapids. This union was blessed with four children. Elsie devoted her life to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious home cooking and baking; especially her pies and breads. She also worked along side her husband in feeding and milking their dairy herd and caring for their other livestock. She also spent many long hours working in the fields to harvest the crops needed to feed their herd. In addition, she worked at the Badoura State Tree Nursery for a number of years. Elsie was well known for her incredible hospitality. She always made friends and family feel right at home and made sure they were well fed and had a comfortable place to sleep. Elsie endured the heart break of Fritz"s death in 1982. She continued to make her home on the farm; but lived at times with her daughter, Joni in Fergus Falls and would also take cross county trips with her son, Jimmie in his semi. Elsie enjoyed attending the Menahga Assembly of God Church. Each spring, she looked forward to planting a large vegetable garden which she would nurture into fruitful abundance to can for the needs of her growing family. She also enjoyed raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy. In her spare time, Elsie enjoyed working with her hands, knitting, sewing and doing embroidery work. She always loved to travel and to go visiting family and friends. Above all, Elsie dedicated her entire life to her husband, her children and her grandchildren who she loved with all her heart. She will be lovingly remembered by her four children: Beverly (Larry) Shaver of Greenwood, IA, Toini (Delbert) Bach of Underwood, IA, Jimmie Liimatta of Sebeka, MN and Joni (Justin) Toppari of Richville, MN; ten grandchildren and 15 precious great grandchildren; one sister, Hilma Hill of Duluth, MN; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Elsie was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; l brother, Axel and l sister, Mabel. Memorial services will be held 11 AM Saturday, July 2nd, 2011 at the Menahga Assembly of God Church with the Reverend Art Wood officiating. Mary Hanninen will serve as the pianist. Her daughters, Joni Toppari and Beverly Shaver and granddaughter, Terri Poulas will be sharing tributes. Interment will be made in the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids. Following the services, a luncheon will be hosted by the Menahga Assembly of God Church.