G. "Betsy" Elizabeth Suomala

G. Elizabeth "Betsy" Suomala, 86, formerly of Duluth, passed away Monday, March 5, 2012 in Crystal Lake Home in Grand Rapids, Minn. She was born June 19, 1925 in Jacobson, Minn. to Victor and Laimi (Kayra) Bjorkquist. She graduated from Hill City High School in 1943. After high school Betsy worked at the Floodwood Co-op. On November 18, 1944 she married Tauno R. Suomala in Floodwood. She and Tauno moved to Tofte where he worked in the logging industry. In 1948 they moved to Duluth where Betsy was a homemaker for many years before working as a waitress at London House and other banquet facilities. She retired from UMD Food Services in 1980. She and Tauno wintered in Meza, Ariz. for many years before his death in 2004. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 59 years, Tauno; a daughter, Sharon in 1948; and her only brother, Viljo "Mike" Bjorkquist. She is survived by three sons, Donald (JoAnne) and Richard (Harriet) both of Jacobson, and Gerald (Robin Schiavone) of Duluth; eight grandchildren, Dawn Ahonen, Dana Wanner, Diana Obrigewitch, Jessi Rakness, Jon Suomala, Daniel Suomala, Dale Suomala and Chris Suomala; 18 great grandchildren; and a sister, Kathryn Peterson of Duluth. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 in the Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet. A time of lunch and fellowship followed in the Fireside Room of the funeral home. Burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Van Buren Township. Memorials may be made to Jacobson Community Center or Carmel Lutheran Church. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com