Elvira Lillian (Merchen) Rajala
GLADSTONE — Elvira Lillian (Merchen) Rajala, age 87, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully Monday, March 24, 2024 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Elvira was born September 19, 1936, the daughter of Leslie Arthur Merchen and Nellie Jane (Gibson) Merchen. She was born in Rapid City, S.D. and graduated from Shepherd High School near Billings, Montana. Her family called her Sis. After graduation, she worked at her father’s greyhound racetrack for the summer. Her parents then informed her they couldn’t support her anymore, so she enlisted in the Navy and left two days later. She joined September 6, 1956, managing to barely pass the swim test.
While in the Navy she met Duane Rajala and said he was “just another smart sailor.” They were united in marriage on May 3, 1958. She followed him to Michigan. Elvira said she never wanted to be married to a police officer, but he became a state trooper and she followed him all across Michigan as he was transferred from post to post, finally landing in his hometown of Gladstone, Mich. After his death, she moved to Big Rapids, Mich. to be closer to her beloved great-grandchildren, Jurek and Liilia.
Elvira is survived by her daughter, Theresa (Steve) Rajala-Halsey of Marquette; grandchildren, Elvira (Mark) Rajala-Wilk and Kristen Halsey; great-grandchildren, Jurek and Liilia Wilk and Chloe and Jaxsen Lupinski; brothers, George and Arthur; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane Rajala; son, Douglas Arthur Rajala; parents, Nellie and Les Merchen; sisters, Ann and Maxine; and brothers, Mike, Larry, and Louis; brother-in-law, John Dennis Rajala, and sister-in-law, Betty Stemick.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m. with Pastor Elisabeth Daniels officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Elvira will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery with Military Honors at 2:30 p.m.
The Rajala family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. To leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.Skradski funeral homes.com.