Betty Backlund

Betty C. Backlund, 86, passed away on June 7, 2013 at the North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais. She was in declining health in the past 9 months, but achieved her wish of staying in her home with help, for the past 6 months.

Betty was born on July 5, 1926 to Carl and Elizabeth "Lizzie" (Engelsen) Carlson in Tofte, Minnesota. She attended her early years of school in Tofte and graduated from Cook County High School class of 1944. On May 25, 1946 she married Sidney Backlund, her high school sweetheart. They raised 5 children and had 2 grandchildren, Ty and Seth Backlund. A highlight for Betty and Sid was a trip to Norway and Sweden in 1996 in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. Betty was very proud of her 100% Norwegian ancestry. She was the granddaughter of Hans Engelsen, one of the early settlers of Tofte, Minnesota. Family came first to Betty and Sid. She was known throughout the county as one of the best bakers/cooks. She was instrumental in providing her recipes and help, along with Sid, in the early days of Sven and Ole's Restaurant, which was started by their sons, Sid and Terry in 1981. She was an active member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church for many years and also the Lioness Club. Betty was an avid sports fan, especially the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. She even knew the rules of the games.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband Sid in 2004, her parents, grandparents, and her brothers, Norman, and Carl Jr., and a baby sister.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Bob) Cotterman, Judy (Dennis Williams) Backlund, and Susan (Peter) Dixon; her sons, Sid C. (Dolly Smith), and Terry (Lori); grandsons, Ty and Seth Backlund; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Sterns, Ruth Backlund, and Pat Backlund; many nieces and nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Betty will be missed so much by all who knew her.

A Memorial Service will be held 3 PM Friday June 14, 2013 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Burial will be in Poplar Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, North Shore Health Care Foundation, or the Tofte Fishing Museum.