Mabel L. Harju

Funeral service for Mabel Lorraine Harju, 89, of Palo, will be 1pm Monday, July 1, 2013 at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora with Hospice Chaplain Bonnie Schandorf officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Rauha Cemetery in White Township, MN. Mabel died Thursday, June 27, 2013 at her home. She was born March 10, 1924 in Embarrass, MN to Sam and Ida (Lintula) Heikkila. Mabel worked for Boeing Airlines in Washington as a riveter prior to World War II. Following the closure of the riveting plant, she waitressed. Mabel returned home and married Lauri Harju on June 21, 1947 in Virginia, MN. She was a homemaker and worked in the woods along side her husband, during the times he was laid off from his job. Following her husband's death in 1976, she began working for White Township and remained there until her retirement. Mabel was devoted to her family and enjoyed gardening and canning food and vegetables. Survivors include her four sons: Roger Harju of Virginia, Gary (Marge) Harju of Palo, Dale (Patti) Harju of Aurora and Donnie (Lori) Harju of Palo; nine grandchildren: Lori, Jeremy, Taija, Anna, Bobbie, Kristy, Brent, Wesley and Ashlie; eleven great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lauri; siblings: Helen, Hilda, Reino, Viola, Lydia, John, Gertie and Roy; and her loving dog, Poika.