Doris Mae Erkkila

Doris Mae Erkkila, 95, of Cloquet, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020, at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.

 Doris was born on August 26, 1924, in Cloquet to Carl and Mae (Luoma) Laaksonen. She grew up in Cloquet and graduated from Cloquet High School.  In 1944, Doris joined the US Navy Reserve “WAVES” and served two years of active duty during World War II.  After her discharge, she married Toivo on May 27, 1947.  Together they owned Toivo’s Munger Tavern until 1988 when they retired.

 Doris found pleasure in playing the accordion, especially polka and waltz music. She enjoyed dancing, taking a sauna, and swimming. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Doris was a longtime caregiver, putting others before herself. She was a lifetime member of Finlandia Beach Club in Saginaw and also a lifetime member of the American Legion.

 Doris is survived by her daughter Carla Ann (Allen Anderson) Nygren; grandchildren Jenna Myklestad of Cloquet, Austin (Samantha Sue) Nygren of Duluth, and Lyle John Nygren of Duluth; great-grandchildren Clayton, Breann, Shiloh, Maysie, Gage, Ashton and Ava. She was preceded in death by her husband Toivo and her parents.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.  

 A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 11, 2020, from 2 to 6pm at the Hebert-Kennedy VFW in Cloquet.  Funeral arrangements are being handled by Souder-Handevidt Funeral & Cremation Service serving the Cloquet area.

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