Irma Toftey

Irma Lorraine Toftey passed away on Saturday February 1, 2014 at Cook County North Shore Care Center at 91 years old. She was born November 13, 1922 to Thomas and Aleda Marie (Lindberg) Joynes in Grand Marais. She graduated from Cook County High School (Grand Marais High School) in 1940, and was baptized and confirmed in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Irma married Henry Lloyd Toftey on August 20th, 1945. They met when she was sliding down the hill on her Toboggan, he jumped on and rode to the bottom of the hill, and that was it! They were married 55 years when Henry passed on January 21, 2001.

Irma worked in the lumber camps as a cook, for her brother Howard Joynes at the Bargain Barn and then in the Notions and Fabrics at the new Joynes-Ben Franklin. She started the Donut Shop in the basement of what is now Dockside Fish Market, and then into the vacant Bargain Barn Building and later worked as a baker for the IGA. She made many loaves of rye bread and Fatigman for Church Fundraisers and for folks around town who needed a pick me up.

Irma was a member of the Eastern Star, a past Worthy Matron and held several other positions as a more then 50 year participant. She belonged to the Deborah Circle of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and was a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts. She loved being a Grand Mother and spent as much time as she could with them, and she loved entering the County Fair with her baked goods, flowers and sewing/crafts projects. She and Henry fostered several local children and helped out when they could.

Irma was preceded in death by her parents; husband Henry, brothers Floyd, Glen and Howard and special nephew Dick Joynes who she was a nanny to, as well as Aunt.

She is survived by her sons, Harley (Shele') of Grand Marais, Jim Toftey of Duluth, brother Norman (Alta) Joynes of Austin, MN; sister Donna Willett of Grand Marais and half sister Eileen. Grandsons; Benjamin, Donovan and Charles; Granddaughters Hannah and Sarah and great-grand-children Hudson and Reagan.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday February 8, 2014 at 1PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date.