Elaine (Black) Ollikkala, International Falls, Minn., passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Sunday, June 1, 2008 at St. Mary’s Hospice in Duluth.
Elaine was born Aug. 4, 1954 to John and Ailie Saarikoski.
She attended the Cook school and in recent years worked as the manager of the Pizza Barn in the Falls.
Elaine met her special friend Joe Black and for the past 12 years developed a loving companionship together.
Elaine loved gardening and her flowers. She also enjoyed fishing, boating, cooking and most of all spending time with her family and friends especially her grandchildren.
She was a warm and caring person with a clever sense of humor.
To the dismay of many, she was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents and sister, Judy.
Elaine is survived by her daughters, DeeAnn (Greg) Spoden, Shanda (Rodney) Anderson and Danielle (Matt) Drozdek, all of Duluth, Minn.; step children, Joe (Amie) Black, Jim (Amber) Black, and Tia (Dave) Devorak; step mother, Deanne Saarikoski; sisters, Kathy (George) Paavola and Lori (Clark) Nurni; brother, Dan (Laura) Saarikoski; grandchildren, Cameron, Paige, Emma, Ethan, Parker, Madalena and Jackson; step grandchildren, Brianna, Jalyn, Faith, Alyssa, Brett, Hunter, Holden, Natalee and Joelle; special nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at Zion Lutheran Church, International Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.