Elsie Elizabeth Leaf

Elsie E. Leaf, 89, a longtime resident of the Town of Lakeside and Superior, died June 6, 2009, at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center, where she had resided since 2006.
She was born in Town of Lakeside, WI, on April 12, 1920, to Priita (Korpela) Kurki and Henry Kurki, both Finnish immigrants. Elsie graduated from Superior Central High School in 1938.
Elsie worked in the home and, in addition to her own three children, had cared for more than 25 foster children in her lifetime. She was an avid gardener, traveler and regular participant in activities at the Amnicon Senior Center.
She is survived by a daughter, Leilani “Missy” (Leroy) Brevig of Goodyear, AZ, formerly of Hawthorne; a son, Gregory (Catherine) Leaf, of Hudson, WI; numerous foster children including Louis Livangood and David Polaski, both of Superior; four grandsons, Tony (Kelly) Brevig, Bemidji; Brandon Leaf, St. Louis Park, MN; Hunter Leaf, St. Paul, MN; Jackson Leaf, Hudson, WI; one granddaughter, Heather Brevig, Buckeye, AZ; a great granddaughter, Riley Bresina, Bemidji; a caregiver niece, Ida Mae Korhonen, Superior; and other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 57 years, Reino E. Leaf, who passed away in 1995; a son, Gerald, 1963; a brother, Henry W. Kurki, Jr., 1975; and her sister, Anna M. Nelson, 2002.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. June 20 at the Lakeside Cemetery, Town of Lakeside with Pastor H. Duane Aslyn, officiating.
Memorials suggested to Amnicon Senior Center, Wentworth.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Middle River Health and Rehabilitation Center for their kindness and caring over the past three years.
Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guest book, please visit
www.lenroot-maetzold.com.