Ilah M. Brodin John, 99, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Dec. 2, 2021 at Franciscan Health Center.

Ilah was born to Edwin and Lena Brodin on March 10, 1922 in Clitheral, MN, and graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1940. She met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) James John at a dance. They married in 1941 and were happily together for 71 years, during which they spent many Saturday 'date nights' dancing to the music of Lawrence Welk.

Ilah was a faithful member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in Circle. She had been a den mother, Brownie leader, a member of Eastern Star and on the council of Job's Daughters. She was a talented bowler, enjoyed gardening, crocheting, golf and volleyball and was an avid bingo and cribbage player. Ilah also enjoyed traveling and participating in Shriners' activities with her husband.

Ilah's greatest joy in life was spending time with her family, including visits, phone calls, celebrations and cheering at sporting events. She was extremely proud of each and every family member.

Ilah was preceded in death by her husband; parents; siblings, Glenn Brodin, Elton Brodin, Ruby Brodin Miller, Ralph Brodin and Jewel Brodin, who died in infancy; and great-grandson, Joseph Eschweiler.

Ilah is survived by sons, Robert Jr. (Jane) of Marquette, MI, Willard (Jan) of Circle Pines, Donald (Mary) of Duluth and Richard (Lynda) of Duluth; daughters, Linda (Gary) Simonsen and Pam (William Dale) Koivisto both of Duluth; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren with another due in May; brother-in-law, Richard John of Duluth; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers, nursing staff, and Kathy Anderson for their kindness and compassionate care at Mount Royal Pines III, Ilah's home for the past six years. They'd also like to thank the Franciscan Health Center and Essentia Hospice for making Ilah's last few weeks comfortable and giving support to her family.

Visitation will be held at 11 AM on Monday, December 13th at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, 2105 Woodland Ave, with Funeral service to follow at 12 PM and Rev. Robyn Weaver officiating. Masks are required for the visitation and service. Entombment will be at the Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miller Trunk Hwy, with a light lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Glen Avon Presbyterian Church or to a charity of choice.