Elna Cole

Elna Mattson Cole died peacefully on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 surrounded by family.

She was proud of her hometown of Fertile, MN, where she was born on February 28, 1914. Elna attended Moorhead State Teachers College and taught school for many years. She married Hughlun Cole in 1939. They moved to Two Harbors in 1955, where Elna taught special education for 14 years. She was a talented accompanist who enjoyed playing the piano and gave lessons to many. Elna was an active member at the United Church of Two Harbors where she sang in the choir. Elna was very proud of her Swedish heritage and to be a "stubborn Swede". She was a wonderful baker. Elna was active in several organizations including VASA, the VFW, teachers' sororities, and the American Legion.

Elna was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Lennart, and her parents John and Ester Mattson. Elna is survived by her son John (Leanne) Cole, five grandchildren: Jay Cole of Duluth, MN, Jeannie (Mark) Nelson of Little Falls, MN, Angela (Todd) Bata of Two Harbors, Andrea Cole of Henderson, NV, and Amber Moore of Two Harbors. She is also survived by 8 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-granddaughters, a niece, three nephews, and many loved ones.

Services are at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at United Church of Two Harbors. Graveside services to follow at Lakeview Cemetary. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are given to United Church.