Effie Lavina Kliniski, 89, of Sturgeon Lake, died Monday, September 20, 2010 in Oakview Assisted Living, Moose Lake. She was born September 12, 1921 in Birch Creek Township to Harry and Clara (Peterson) Colton. Effie attended District 83 West Side School. Effie was united in marriage to Joseph Kliniski on September 19, 1939 in Pine City. Effie and Joe lived in Sturgeon Lake where they farmed and raised 9 children. Effie worked at the Moose Lake Treatment Center from 1975 to 1990. Effie loved to bake and made many patchwork quilts which she gave to her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren. She loved to play scrabble, word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. Effie also enjoyed listening to old time music, going to polka dances and was always eager to visit on the phone. Effie especially enjoyed watching her grandkids.

Effie is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; her parents; infant daughter, Debbie; 5 children, Robert, Dave, Phyllis Wolter, Carol Sack and Patty Smekofske; 2 grandchildren, Michael Smekofske and James Kliniski; 1 brother, Bill Colton.

Effie is survived by 3 daughters, Lois (John) Zezulka of Mounds View, JoAnn (Steve) Larson of Sturgeon Lake and Pam (Neil) Larson of Sturgeon Lake; 1 son, Victor (Helen) Kliniski of Sturgeon Lake; 21 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; 1 brother, LeRoy Colton of Bruno; son-in-law, Gerald Smekofske of Willow River; daughter-in-law, Judy Kliniski of Willow River; niece, Kathy Schmidt of Wyoming; nephew, Randy Colton of Waconia; numerous cousins.

Visitation was on Thursday, September 23, from 10 AM until the 11 AM service in Faith Lutheran Church, Birch Creek Township with Reverend Paul Reiff officiating. Interment was in Nordland Cemetery, Birch Creek Township. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.