Edith Rajala (my maternal grandmother)

EDITH L. RAJALA, 84, of L'Anse and formerly of Watton passed away Thursday, February 12, 2009 at Bayside Village where she had been a resident patient for 2 years. She was born in Arnold, MN. on May 13, 1924, the daughter of the late Eric and Martha (Jonsson) Wedin. Edith graduated from Michigamme High School in 1942. On November 11, 1944 she married Eino (Robert) Rajala in Negaunee. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2008. Edith was employed as a clerk at the Watton Post Office in 1964. In 1974 she was promoted to Postmistress until her retirement. Edith was a Gold Star mother, a 4-H leader for many years, and was a volunteer on the Covington Ambulance crew. She served on the Baraga County Memorial Hospital board prior to its opening. Edith enjoyed traveling, including trips to Sweden, camping, spending time with her family (especially with her grand and great grandchildren), and was an avid puzzler. She was active in all crafts and taught adult sewing classes.

Mrs. Rajala is survived by her loving daughters, Gladys (Max) Beck of Watton and Jane (Dale) Kofoed of Arlington Heights, IL., 8 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and brother, Richard Wedin of Michigamme. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her son Stanley during the Vietnam War in 1969 and brothers, Erick, Carl, and Olaf Wedin, and sisters, Ruth Plattenberg, Erma Wedin, and Ellen Skoglund.

A memorial service for Mrs. Rajala will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Pastor Mark Reinsch officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Covington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral chapel on Saturday from 1 p.m. until time of the service. Following the service, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Covington. Memorials in Mrs. Rajala's honor may bedirected to Alzheimer's Research. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.