Shirley Anne Marie Soukkala, 69, of Cloquet passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at home. She was born in Duluth on Feb. 2, 1953, to Walter and Edith Enger. She grew up in the Duluth and Cloquet area and attended Carlton School. Shirley worked in health care as a certified nursing assistant. She was a very caring and kind woman and became a mother to all that crossed her path. She enjoyed crafting, painting, baking, sewing, camping, parties and picnics, and loved watching the hummingbirds. Most of all, she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Shirley was very proud of her 34 years of sobriety.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and brother John Enger. She will be deeply missed by her significant other, Albert Earls; brother Billy "Tinker" Enger; sons, Terry (Pam) Soukkala and Trent (Jess) Soukkala; daughter, Tammy Soukkala; grandchildren, Torin (Heather) Schwartz, Justin (Brady) Schwartz, Jordin Schwartz, Katie Soukkala, Josh Soukkala, Jadin Sullivan-Soukkala, Averie Soukkala, Arianna Soukkala and Aurora Oleary; and great-grandchildren, Isabella Esala, Melody Esala, Kyler Schwartz and Kooper Schwartz.

A celebration of life will be held at the Big Lake golf course at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, Cloquet. To sign the guestbook and leave an online tribute, see http://www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Pine Knot News Jan. 20, 2023