Claudia J. Kurki, 70, of South Range, died Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth.

She was born March 14, 1944, in Superior, daughter of George and Carole (Koenig) Harris.

On January 2, 1965, in Milwaukee, Claudia Harris and John Kurki were united in marriage.

In addition to raising three children, Claudia worked as a telephone operator in Superior, a bookkeeper for the former First National Bank, Superior, advertising consultant for Harcourt-Brace-Jovanovich, Duluth, and retired from Douglas County Health and Human Services as a case manager, where she was well liked by coworkers and clients during her 18 years of service.

Claudia enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, tending to her plants and flowers, traveling, and dancing with her husband and friends. Claudia and John visited every state but four, Canada and Europe.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, George Harris.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, John; son, Michael (Patti) Kurki, Superior; daughters, Denise Meyer, Hopkins, Minn., and Carole Kurki, Duluth; 4 grandchildren, Kayla, Cody, Raina and Cole; sister, Diane (Robert) McMinn, South Range; brothers, Gary (Charlyn) Harris, Superior, and Kenneth (Gail) Harris, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 1 until the 2 p.m. service, Saturday, June 13, 2015, at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N. 19th Street, Superior.