Relma Siirila

Relma Ethel (Deckert) Siirila was born on June 8, 1928 in Henning, Minnesota.  Her parents were the late Rudolph and Hulda (Schoenfisch) Deckert.  Relma graduated from Henning High School with the class of 1946 and then attended Teachers College in Great Falls, Montana.  In 1952 Relma married her high school sweetheart, Paul Siirila, of Sebeka, Minnesota.  The couple resided for most of their married life in Santa Clara, California before returning to Relma's beloved Henning.  In California Relma worked for Eastman Kodak as a film processor and Paul worked for Lockheed Martin as an engineer.  They raised 3 children in sunny California where Relma could enjoy the outdoors and Paul could play golf. In Henning, Relma enjoyed being back at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, spending time at Leaf Lake, and playing cards at the Senior Center.  One of Relma's great passions in life was her love of quilting - she was a regular and enthusiastic contributor to the annual Quilt Show and made over a thousand quilts that are still enjoyed by many, many friends and family.

Relma peacefully passed away in her sleep, early on the morning of January 1, 2025 at Our Home Your Home in Henning, Minnesota at 96 years of age.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.  Preceding Relma in death were her son, Joe; husband, Paul; siblings: Ernie Deckert, Elsie Pusateri and Art Deckert.

Relma is survived by her children: John (Emma) Siirila and Paula (Michael) O’Donnell; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; siblings: Helen Thiedich, Herman Deckert and Rodney (Mary) Deckert; sister-in-laws, Althea Deckert, Charlotte Deckert, Arlene Siirila and brother in-law, Rowland Bauck.

A memorial service will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Henning. Sweets and rolls will be served following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Lutheran Island Camp.

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