Obituary: Shirley Lou Hemmila

Shirley Lou Hemmila, 96, passed from this life into the eternal arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Earl Hemmila; father, Edward Earl House; mother, Louisa Mae House; three brothers, four sisters and son Merle Hemmila. She is survived by her children Earl Hemmila, daughter-in-law Sue Hemmila, Keith (Judy) Hemmila, Bruce (Mary) Hemmila, and Jan (Tony) Heikkila; and 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Shirley's greatest joy was her family, church and community. She had many friends and showed a genuine interest and concern for others. She was a mother and grandmother figure to many in the community. Her influence will live on in the people she knew and loved.

She was married to the love of her life for nearly 65 years. After Howard's death, her breakfast group and circle of lady friends helped her engage and enjoy life as a single person.

Her family remembers her as a loving wife, mother grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Shirley loved life, enjoyed people, and had a great sense of humor.

She had an appreciation for style and always looked her best in public. She loved to play cards and rarely lost at Rummy 500. Her legacy will live on through her family and friends.

Shirley's family would like to thank St. Luke's Hospice for how they loved and cared for her during the last months of her life.

The public is cordially invited to join her family for visitation 1-2 p.m. and the 2 p.m. service on Sunday, Dec. 17 at Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St., Cloquet. Pastor Fred Goldschmidt will officiate the service. A brief committal service will be held at the end of the worship service, and burial will follow at a later date for the immediate family. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family in the fellowship hall for food and fellowship. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins-Northland Funeral Home. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Pine Knot News, Dec. 15, 2023