Elvira Elizabeth Svoke

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Elvira E. Svoke, 79, of Ironwood, passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2020, at her home surrounded by family.

Elvira was born on June 30, 1941, in Ironwood Township, the daughter of John and Ruth (Grandahl) Minkin. She attended Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood and graduated in 1959.

On May 12, 1962, Elvira was united in marriage to Jacob W. "Butch" Svoke. She was a lifelong  member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

Elvira spent her life in service to others. This is reflected in the many jobs she held in her lifetime, from a telephone operator, department store clerk, to Powderhorn Lodging, and her last position at the Brite Spot.

While she worked hard for others, her main focus in life was her family and friends. She always opened her home and had a spot at her kitchen table for anyone who wanted to stop by for a visit. The coffee was always on, the baked goods always fresh, and the conversation always lively. She never turned anyone away, or said she didn't have time for them. She was a constant in the lives of those around her. She loved cooking and baking and no one could outdo her. She took pride in serving meals that nourished the body and the soul.

Her love for her husband, children and grandchildren shone through in everything she did. She was a planner and she made sure ordinary days were great and holidays were amazing. Everything from Christmas at the farm complete with a visit from Santa, to 4th of July picnics, she put her heart into making sure memories were being made. Elvira left a handprint on our hearts and will be greatly missed by those blessed to have known her.

Elvira is survived by her dear husband; two sons, Jack (Michelle) Svoke, Weston, Wisconsin, and Jerome (Kristin) Svoke, South Range; two daughters, Tammy Svoke, Mitchell, South Dakota, and Pamela DeNeve, McMinnville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jack Svoke, Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, Jessica Svoke, Minocqua, Wisconsin, Tyler (Courtney) Svoke, McKenzie Svoke, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin, Brookelyn, Beau and Maverick Svoke, Weston, Elisabeth, Emily and Kalynn Svoke, South Range, Nicole Rodvold, Crystal, Minnesota, Katelyn (Eric) Rau, Mitchell, Mark (Joe) DeNeve, Madison, Wisconsin, and Kendelle (Sean) Hanke, Verona, Wisconsin; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jordyn, Jefferson, Jameson, Riley, Reagan, Adelynn and Gavin; brother, John (Joan) Minkin, Ironwood; brother-in-law, Dennis Svoke Sr., Ironwood; nephews, Tim Minkin, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Dennis (Lisa) Svoke, Jr., Ironwood, and Jason (Jade) Svoke, Gile, Wisconsin; niece, Theresa (Brian) Amos, Ontonagon; great-aunts, Mae Hendrickson, Gile, Melba (Bill) Hendrickson, Cottage Grove, Oregon, and Adele Kivi, Escanaba; special cousin, Donald Morin, Tucson, Arizona, who introduced Butch to his cousin, which created this great family; and numerous other cousins, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Out of respect for Elvira's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.