Kathleen Tahja

On November 30, 2025, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brought His daughter, Kathleen “Cookie” Zelazny Tahja, to join Him at His eternal banquet. Cookie passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by honesty, wit, and a deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

Cookie was born to John and Berniece Zelazny on August 9, 1944, the fourth of six children. She carried with her a lifelong fondness for where she came from and for being Polish. Growing up on the farm shaped her—teaching hard work, practicality, and the value of appreciating what you have. She often spoke of those days with warmth, remembering early mornings, long working days, and the simple, honest way of life.

She was joined in Holy Marriage to Don Tahja on August 31, 1963. Together they raised six children: Jane (Tomas) Weidmer, John (Shelly) Tahja, Greta (Fred) Kaufman, Jess (Tom) Rich, Nathan Tahja, and Ben (Elizabeth) Tahja. She and Don have 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

While raising her family, she chose careers that reflected her love of children and cooking. She ran a home daycare where she truly considered the children as her own, helping many families form and raise their little ones. She was also a caterer and worked as a cook and baker at Bridgeman’s. A high point in her work life was when she and her sister Debbie helped launch the Wednesday Bakery in Superior, WI, for Rich Cuisine. She is the “Cookie” behind “Cookie’s Pies.”

Faith, family, and community meant everything to Cookie. She was always present to those around her—loyal, dependable, and steadfast. Cookie was a lifelong member of St. Louis Church in Floodwood and was relentless in bringing her love for the Lord to youth by teaching religion classes for over 30 years. She played guitar, providing music ministry for many years. Her service to the community stands as an example to all: serving over 20 years on the Floodwood School Board, being a member of the Floodwood Lions Club, and participating in the Homemakers Group. She was always willing to step in and help where needed.

Everyone who came to her door was invited in for a visit. She and Don were known for their sense of humor and would rarely pass up the opportunity for a good practical joke. She was always ready for Don’s new adventures, enjoying several trips into the wilderness of Canada. Cookie found joy in everyday moments—gardening, spending time with family, watching her grandchildren grow, and sharing the stories that made up the fabric (and quilts) of her life.

One of her greatest legacies is “Grandma Day,” when she babysat her grandchildren, ensuring their close relationships with one another. She babysat her great-grandchildren right up to the end. When Cookie turned 50, she thought it might be best to go by her birth name, Kathleen, since it sounded more mature—especially for a grandmother. It never stuck, because she was always known as our dear Cookie, Cooks, and Grandma Cookie.

Cookie’s spirit will live on in the people she loved, the lessons she passed down, and the stories that will be retold for generations. She will be deeply missed and remembered with love, respect, and a smile for the gusto she had for life.

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Berniece Zelazny; her mother- and father-in-law, Waino and Betty Tahja; and her sisters Maggie and Dorothy.

 Cookie is survived by her husband Don Tahja; her brother Bill (Sharon) Zelazny; and her sisters Debbie Ruzynski and Alice Johnson, as well as her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 105 E 4th Avenue in Floodwood, MN and continue until the 12:00 noon Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Fr. Joseph Sobolik as celebrant.

Cookie found great joy in decorating the church altar for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. Christmas-themed floral arrangements and plants are welcomed and will remain in the church for Christmas services as a tribute to her love and devotion to Jesus.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E 5th Street in Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.