Eleanor Aileen Linnerud

Eleanor Aileen Linnerud (Yuhala), age 89, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and an unforgettable spark of life.

A proud "Finnlander" through and through, Eleanor spent the majority of her beautiful life embracing the rhythms of northern Minnesota, calling both Duluth and Nashwauk home. She carried the true spirit of sisu—determination, resilience, and grace—in everything she did. She was happiest at the cabin, where she kept her Finnish roots alive by stoking the heat of a good sauna and enjoying a relaxing pontoon boat ride.

To know Eleanor was to know her spunk. She possessed a sharp, delightful sense of humor that could brighten any room and bring a smile to anyone's face. She was famously creative and well-known for the custom “Bitch” bag purses she crafted—which were a perfect reflection of her cheeky wit. Eleanor paired a quick wit with a massive heart, loving everyone fiercely and unconditionally. This natural empathy drove her life’s work as a devoted nurse, where she spent years bringing comfort, healing, and selfless care to countless individuals.

Eleanor truly shone when she was sharing her love of good food and games with others. Whether she was welcoming guests with a fresh batch of pulla, pannukakku or vipapurra, or sitting at the card table as an avid cribbage player, she brought people together. She loved nothing more than sharing stories and countless laughs with her dear friends and family.

Her greatest joy, by far, was her family. She is survived by her devoted children, Charlie Linnerud, Linda Swensen (Sheldon), Joyce Fowler (Bruce), Chris Linnerud (Jill), and son-in-law Dale Griffin; her cherished grandchildren, Melissa Wolf (Chris), Nicolas Griffin (Sara), Ellie Fowler (Hunter Hager), Amanda Fowler, Nicholas Hoffman, Joseph Hoffman, and her beloved great-grandchildren, Madeline & Morgan Wolf, Sulo Hager, and Callie Hoffman who lovingly called her GG. All of them carry forward her lessons of love, kindness, and a little bit of mischief.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clayton Linnerud; her daughter, Valerie Griffin; and her siblings, Armas Yuhala, Arnold Yuhala, and Helen Scott.

A visitation will be held on Saturday July 18th from 11:00 to 12:00 at Redeemer Lutheran Church 9503 Grand Avenue Duluth MN 55808, followed immediately by a celebration of Eleanor’s vibrant life. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. Please bring a favorite memory, story or photo of her to share. The family will be gathering these pieces of your love and laughter to create a keepsake memory book that we will cherish forever. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.