Elvi H. Ruotsala

Elvi H. Ruotsala, 96, passed away August 30, 2022, at Woodside Lutheran Home, Green Bay, WI. 

Elvi was born on March 15, 1926, in Floodwood, MN, to the late Emil and Mary (Kantola) Heiskari. She grew up on her family farm. She graduated from Floodwood High School in 1944. She married Albert Ruotsala on June 30, 1950, in Duluth, MN. She graduated from Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing in 1950. Al and Elvi moved to various places in their early years of marriage, for Al’s schooling and jobs, before locating to Houghton, MI, where they lived for the majority of their lives. Together they raised four sons.

Elvi was many things to many people. She gave all of herself to those who needed help. She was a registered nurse and taught nursing students for many years. During her time in Houghton, she was involved with International Neighbors and taught many foreign students the English language. She made many international friends with whom she kept in touch. Elvi also managed a Hallmark store and owned and ran her own craft store. She loved to sew, cook, bake, and entertain others. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Houghton, where she developed many close friendships.

Al and Elvi traveled extensively during their time together--both within the USA and overseas. In 1972, they lived in South Africa for a year. They also traveled to Scandinavia to connect with relatives and friends. Al and Elvi moved to Escanaba, MI, and owned and operated Drury Lane Bakery with their oldest son, Jim, from 1996 to 2000. Elvi moved to the Green Bay, WI, area after Al’s death in 2000. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Green Bay. She enjoyed making blankets for charitable causes, going to the YMCA, and being a member of the Sons of Norway. She was also a caregiver for her special friend, Margit, for many years. Her greatest pleasure was spending time with family and friends and telling stories of her life.

She is survived by her four sons: James (Birgit) Ruotsala, Green Bay, WI, Charles Ruotsala, Crandon, WI, Erick (Laura) Ruotsala, Sobieski, WI, and Mark (Tonya) Ruotsala; Sault Ste. Marie, MI; four grandsons: Zachary, Nolan, Luke, and Adam Ruotsala; nieces and cousins.

Elvi was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Al, on April 13, 2000, her daughter-in-law, Paula, and special friend, Margit.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2700 Babcock Rd, Green Bay, on Sun, Sept 4, 2022, at 2:00 pm. Visitation will occur from 1:00 pm until the time of service. Pastor Josh Fite will officiate. Burial will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery, Escanaba, MI.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, EMTs and the staff at Woodside for their service to Elvi through the years.

The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

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