Elaine LaForge passed away the evening of February 26th, 2025. She was surrounded by her four children, their spouses, numerous grandchildren, and even great grandchildren. Elaine died peacefully the way she wanted – in her home with her dog Charlie by her side.
Saima Elaine Perttu was born on Wednesday, April 15th,1931. Elaine was the eleventh child of sixteen children born to Charles and Hilma Perttu. Elaine enjoyed school and living and working on the family farm.
Elaine met Victor LaForge in Bruce Crossing, where he was working construction near her family farm. Victor was drafted into the Army and spent time on the front line in Korea. While Victor was away, Elaine worked in Detroit.
They married in September of 1952. They traveled across Michigan for Vic’s work, eventually building a home in Ishpeming. Over the next 12 years, they were blessed with three girls and one boy.
In the mid 1960’s Victor and Elaine moved the family to Hugo, Minnesota. Elaine worked part-time while raising the children.
In the mid 1970’s Victor and Elaine moved to Montana with their two youngest girls. They settled in Helena, Montana where they purchased their dream home surrounded by views of foothills and mountains.
Elaine joined her husband in the construction business where she worked as a construction flagger, directing traffic on each site.
Elaine retired in late 1987, she and Victor would spend the next thirty years in Yuma, Arizona. They purchased a beautiful home in a gated senior community. They loved to travel in their motorhome and they enjoyed many cruises in the Caribbean.
Elaine enjoyed water aerobics and flower gardening. She would spend endless hours in her beautifully maintained gardens. Elaine also enjoyed painting, bike riding, and cooking delicious meals for her whole family.
After Victor’s death in 2017, Elaine would continue her life in Yuma Arizona – always with an adorable dog by her side. In late 2021, Elaine moved to The Villages, Florida to be closer to two of her daughters. Elaine purchased the “best house ever” and continued to enjoy her flower gardens, sunshine, and her favorite salmon dinner.
Elaine leaves behind her four children – Barbara LaForge-Edwards, (Ken) Mike LaForge, (Kathy) Vickie Custer, (Mark) and Cheryl Snyder (Duke). Elaine also leaves behind three sisters – Evelyn, Helen and Elsie. Elaine will be missed by her nine grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
Elaine was an extremely loving and giving person. She was, and always will be, the ‘glue’ that held the family together.
A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Friday, July 18th at Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Fort Harrison, Montana. It will be here where Elaine will join her beloved Victor for all of time.