Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

Blanche Mae "Sue" Karjala, 90, of Cloquet passed away May 25, 2023, at Essentia Health Miller-Dwan, with her family by her side. She was born on March 29, 1933, in Jamestown, North Dakota to Herman and Minnie (Dietz) Clemens.

Blanche loved many things, but her life centered around her love for her family, and her family centered around her. Taking the camper to the lake and fishing is a common family memory, along with rowdy games of marbles and Yahtzee around her kitchen table. You could always find her at Walmart, at her sons' softball games, and her grandkids' hockey games and baseball games. She had a love of music and playing the accordion with her family. Blanche never forgot a birthday or special event. Food, treats, laughs and love were always best at Grandma Blanche's house, and she will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward; son Eddie; and many beloved siblings.

Survivors include her daughter, Susan; sons Jeff, Laurie (Nandene), Kevin (Holly) and Kim; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held May 31

at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet.

Downs Funeral Home in Superior assisted the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence, visit http://www.downsfh.com.

Pine Knot News, June 2, 2023