Viola Hazel Liljegren, 92, of Hermantown, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Edgewood Vista.

Vi was born in Duluth on February 11, 1934, to Laurie and Helvi Impola. She grew up in Duluth and graduated from Central High School. She met the love of her life, Dexter, and they were married in 1955.

Together, they owned Pike Lake Hardware, which Vi and Dexter operated for more than 20 years alongside their children.

Vi was known as the “Flying Finn” on the oval track at snowmobile races, where she honored her Finnish heritage through her steadfast will and determination.

Alongside her daughters and friends, Vi enjoyed being part of a bowling league. She also looked forward to monthly sewing and card club gatherings with the neighborhood ladies.

After retiring, Vi and Dex spent their winters in Texas, where they made many wonderful friends. Vi was a dedicated golfer who braved all kinds of weather to get out on the green, both in Brownsville and Duluth, for many years.

Vi was an amazing cook who loved providing for her family and friends. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in sporting events. Most of all, Vi cherished time with her family, always being there whenever they needed her. She had a caring and loving nature and was a devoted and dependable wife, mother, and grandmother.

Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Dexter; and her siblings, Doris, Nelmi, Elmer, Archie, Clarence, and Ray.

Vi is survived by her children, Brenda Peterson, Karen (Clay) Nading, and Jeff (Debbie) Liljegren; grandchildren, Megan, Bridget (Jon), Ryan (Katey), Derek, Melissa (Ryan), Laura, and Kyle (Alli); and great-grandchildren, Natalie, A.J., Kenzie, Layla, Maija, Landen, Trevyn, Macie, Noah, Logan, Emma, and Henry.

A committal service was held at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 4777 US-53, Saginaw, MN, on November 4, 2026.

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