Ishpeming- Bertha Elizabeth "Poochie" Eliassen, age 87 passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 at the Marquette County Medical Care Facility where she been a resident since January 2009.

Bertha was born on September 23, 1923 in North Lake to Gust & Mary (Niemela) Saari. Bertha worked for Bell Telephone for 2 years after graduation. She married Wilburt "Mudbox" Swanson in 1945 and was a stay at home mom until 1964. Bertha then went to work for Selin's Furniture for 10 years. She then went to Cleveland Cliffs in 1974 in the accounts payable department, retiring in 1984. Bertha married Art Eliassen in 1977.
Bertha was a member of the VFW Post 4573 Auxiliary and the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Bertha was a devoted mother, grandmother and aunt. She is survived a son Robert Swanson (Marilyn) of Palm Desert, CA, a daughter Sharon (Dean) Bocklund of Ishpeming, a step daughter Jessica Hawkins of Yorktown, VA, daughter-in-law - Marie Swanson, 6 grandchildren: Chris (Christine) Swanson, Lori (Mike) Lancour, Ron (Terri) Niemi, Shawn (Tammy) Swanson, Art (Erika) Hawkins and Shelly Hawkins, 9 great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews and one very special niece Robyn Nardi. Bertha was preceded in death by her first husband Wilburt Swanson, second husband Art Eliassen, a son Bruce "Hort" Swanson, 4 brothers: Rudy, Adolph, Paul and Bob Saari and 3 sisters: Hatti Rytkonen, Eleanor Darrow and Ruth "Babe" Ernell.

A memorial service will be held 11:00AM Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki officiating.

Friends may call the Bethel Lutheran Church on Wednesday from 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the Bethel Lutheran Church or the Marquette County Medical Care Facility- Activity Fund in memory of Bertha.

Bertha's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where her guest book may be signed.