Evelyn Toftey Sjoberg passed away at the age of 98 on Aug. 26, 2016 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. She was born to Joseph and Christina (Englund) Murphy on May 6, 1918, in Duluth, Minnesota.
Evelyn lived in Grand Marais as a baby, actually across the street from her future husband. She grew up in Washington, attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
She moved back to Minnesota where she met and married Norman Toftey in 1941 and they shared 32 years together before Norman passed away in 1973. During that time they raised a family, owned and operated the family grocery store, Ed Toftey Co. In addition Evelyn attended UMD to attain a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and taught many years in Grand Marais.
Evelyn found love again with John Sjoberg. They were married in 1989 and enjoyed 16 years together until John’s death.
Her life was active enjoying bridge, card games, word games, crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She was a voracious reader and loved watching her Minnesota Twins. She golfed, curled, cross-country and downhill skied, bowled, and always wanted to be better at whatever she did.
Traveling was a passion of Evelyn’s. She took many trips with family and friends including the Olympics in Montreal. When she turned 80, mother daughter trips became an annual tradition. She experienced balloon rides, river rafting, and whale watching.
Evelyn is survived by her daughters Janice Toftey, Diane (Jerry) Loh, Cheri (James Johnson) Toftey and Deborah (Dave) Melhado, and son, Robert (Gail) Toftey; her step-children Ann Curtis, Alan (Amy) Sjoberg, Bill Sjoberg, Kate (Jim) Wicklund, Jean (Dean) Gulden, Muggs (Kurt) Helin, Carline (Pete) Gresczyk, Becky (Kelly) Bouman, Tom (Kecci) Sjoberg, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Oct. 4, 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Memorials preferred to Bethlehem Lutheran Church.
Leave a Reply