Gertrude Hietala

Gertrude Z. “Gertie” Hietala, 88, Two Harbors, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010, in the Barross House.

She was born June 30, 1922, to Joseph and Eda (Allert) Riley in Knife River and grew up and attended schools there and later in Two Harbors.

She married Arthur Hietala July 10, 1948.

Through the years, Gertie worked at the Liberty Café, New Life Café, Paramount, Co-op Store, Lex Bakery, and Helgeson’s Ben Franklin until retiring in 1989.

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arthur; a daughter, Barbara Suomi; and sisters, Virginia Olson and Agnes Rafn.

She is survived by a daughter, Susan (Curt) Schmitz of Two Harbors; grandchildren, Tammy Suomi of Brookston and Scott Suomi of Duluth; a great-granddaughter, Jackie DeFoe of Cloquet; a great- great-grandson; a brother, Ernest (Delinda) Riley of Two Harbors and many nieces and nephews.

There will be a gathering of family and friends 5-7 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 2) at Cavallin Funeral Home in Two Harbors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Tags: obituaries