Obituary of Elma Hage

Elma (Syrja) Hage passed away of natural causes December 23^rd at Viewcrest Nursing Home where she had resided for over 5 years. She was 6 weeks shy of her 104th birthday.

She was born in Superior, Wisconsin, and grew up in Wentworth. She lovingly referred to Wisconsin as God’s Country. A staunch Packer and Brewer fan, a highlight of her life was visiting Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Elma, her daughter Mary and granddaughter Kelli, would take annual vacations in “God’s Country” visiting various family and locations.

She loved to polka and had annual birthday parties at her residences with the Blue Water Big Band playing the music she loved and so she could dance at least one polka. Her most recent polka was for her 103^rd birthday last February.

Elma was loved by many and accepting of all. She was a liberal Democrat and was proud to vote in the recent election.

Elma was a volunteer at “St Mary’s” until age 94. She was a daycare mom for several children in the West Duluth area as well as her own grandchildren. She loved to watch ball games at Wheeler Field and was her grandson Jerimy’s biggest Esko basketball fan.

She was kind and generous and although she never had wealth, she would share whatever she had with anyone, including her famous “biscuit” and coffee.

Elma was preceded in death by her parents, Matti and Wihelmiina Syrja, husband Tracy Sr, and children Judy (Earl) Patton, Nancy (Richard) Listiak and Tracy Jr (Deb) Hage. She is survived by her daughter Mary (Jerry) Hallsten as well as 9 grandchildren and many great- and great-great grandchildren.

Due to the pandemic, a future date and site will be planned for a Memorial service.