Elsie E. Pearson, 93, of Superior died March 14, 2010 at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth.

Elsie was born in Menahga, Minn. on June 5, 1916 the daughter of Aale and Selina (Karkinen) Grangruth.

Growing up Elsie attended a rural, one room school but being raised on the family farm is where she received a real education. In addition to farm chores she learned to sew, knit, crochet, embroider and make rugs on a homemade loom. She enjoyed entering her crafts every year into the fair and was always excited when she received a ribbon especially a blue one. She was also an excellent cook, baker and canner and used these skills working in many area restaurants throughout the years including, the Arrow Cafe, Cronstroms, Langes Cafe, Co-op Restaurant and the Airway Inn. She also enjoyed gardening with her husband Allan at their home on 28th Street. She was proud to be an American and of her Finnish Heritage.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Allan on Dec. 31, 1998; her parents; granddaughter, Cory Root; brother, Edward Grangruth; and step-dad, Isaac Wiita.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Lynn Pearson of Superior; sister, Sylvia (Wally) Kyllonen of Menahga; granddaughter, Laura (Mike) Coyle of Superior; grandsons, Michael (Janet) Stevenson of Milwaukee and Benji (Sarah) Pearson of Superior; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Spencer, and Reese Coyle, Steven, Elizabeth and Andrea Pearson; nieces and nephews and many cousins; and the Almer kids.

Visitation will be on Fri. March 19, 2010 from 5-7 p.m. and will resume on Sat. March 20, from 10 until the noon funeral service at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be, Benji Pearson, Rick Pearson, Savannah Coyle, Spencer Coyle and Don Almer. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wally Kyllonen and Leroy Grangruth.