In Remembrance

Elaine Karen Pohto, 81, passed on from this earth peacefully to the afterlife at Golden Horizons of Sandstone on June 18, 2026. Elaine was born to Esther Laila Ojanen and Einar Oiva Pohto on July 12, 1944 in Cook Minnesota. Survived by her two sons Zachary James Vincent Ziesing and Isaiah Thomas Vincent Ziesing and two grand children Isaiah Thomas Vincent Ziesing II and Sophie Ann Ziesing. Elaine grew up in the sticks of the Northwoods on the Iron Range with her two brothers Davy and Jimmy Pohto along with many Finnish relatives and being one of forty two cousins. Later to join the U.S. Navy also attending the Minnesota State University of Moorhead and graduating from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing to become a lifelong registered nurse. She reached high levels in her many years of a nursing career, in intensive care and neuroscience achieving many awards and mentoring. She was a highly respected preceptor of novice students and peers among her field. In many cases, outstanding beyond doctorate knowledge because of her long time experience. She was quite achieved and regarded so. During her time at Windham Hospital in Connecticut and Saint Mary’s Hospital in Duluth Minnesota. She was a fully fledged member of the United Steelworkers Union as well.

An avid reader, she digested multiple books at a time with a particular love of nature and the universe, still being a learned student. She enjoyed golf, bowling, travel, a plethora of classes and adventures throughout her life. Along with her early husband and father of children living in Key West Florida, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. And then late husband throughout Connecticut and New England until returning to her midwestern roots of Minnesota and Wisconsin. She was a beloved nurturing mother to her sons and grandchildren, as well as many members of her family and friends. A matriarch, she will be remembered greatly upon all she’s touched throughout her years of life.