Aune Esther Rahja

Aune Esther Rahja, 87 of Floodwood and Evergreen Terrace, Grand Rapids died Sunday, May 22, 2011 in Grand Rapids. She was born in Gowan Township, Minnesota on January 29, 1924 to Charles and Jennie Louhela. She attended school in Gowan and graduated in 1941 from Floodwood High School. Aune married Ragnar L. Rahja on February 16, 1944. They purchased the Rahja family farm, where they worked and raised their family. Aune, whose nickname was "Pinky", had the most pleasant nature toward all who touched her in life. She was a hard worker and instilled that belief to everyone. Aune was preceded in death by her husband Ragnar; sisters, Tyne Plotnik and Anna Siikanen; brothers, Henry, John, Matt and Edwin Louhela; granddaughter, Jennelle Kay Rahja; and son-in-law, Tom Farrell. She is survived by sons, Dale (Margaret) Rahja of Grand Rapids, James (Lee) Rahja of Cloquet, Robert (Pamela) Rahja, and Steven Rahja both of Floodwood; daughters, Donna Farrell and Beverly (Gary) Kjoberg both of Floodwood, Delores (Leo) Ojibway of Esko, and Diane Rahja of Eagen; 15 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren and one on the way; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, May 26, 2011 in Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. A luncheon followed in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery in Van Buren Township.