LuElla Ardith Jirik, age 83, of Mahnomen MN, died on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Viking Manor Nursing Home in Ulen, MN.

LuElla was born on September 24, 1934, the daughter of Martin and Beatrice (Ganzhorn) Vesledahl.  The oldest of four children, LuElla was raised on the family farm outside of Winger, MN.  After graduating from McIntosh High school in 1951, LuElla moved to Minneapolis, MN, where she attended airline school.  She then worked for Capitol Airlines as a reservationist.  On October 1, 1960, LuElla was united in marriage to Albert Jirik and they moved to a farm six miles east of Mahnomen.  LuElla was busy on the farm while raising her four children: Sharon, Lori, Cindy and Mike.  Countless hours were spent in the kitchen making delicious meals for her family, canning, baking, and freezing produce from the garden, and housekeeping.  She also made clothes for her children and herself.  She loved the holidays and always put in extra time to make them special.  In 1986, the family moved into Mahnomen and LuElla began working at the Mahnomen Health Center in housekeeping.  She then moved to Pelican Rapids, MN, where she was employed at Boe's Grocery Store and later managed the Terrance on the Green apartments in Moorhead, MN.

In 1996, LuElla returned to Mahnomen and began her career at the Shooting Star Casino as a cashier, where she was employed for 13 years.  During that time, LuElla was active in the Mahnomen Community as a member of the Rosedale Roses Homemakers Club, Catholic Daughters, and she faithfully wrote the "Remembering When" column for the Mahnomen Pioneer Newspaper.  During retirement, LuElla enjoyed caring for her home and yard, as well as going to Fargo on shopping trips.  Saturday evening Mass with supper to follow at the Red Apple with friends or family, was another activity LuElla greatly enjoyed.  She was a devoted grandma who was often found cheering at sporting events, concerts and plays.  LuElla always had a special treat in hand for her grandkids and never forgot a birthday.

Six years ago, LuElla moved to Viking Manor Nursing Home where she has happily made her home since.  Every day, she anxiously awaited the arrival of her Fargo Forum, with Wednesdays being the highlight due to the Hornbachers flyer.  She loved to make lists, play bingo, "put on her face" and get her nails done.  By far her favorite day of the week was always Thursdays, as LuElla was able to continue her weekly tradition of going the beauty shop and getting her hair styled.  As her health failed, LuElla truly appreciated her home in Ulen and cherished all of the staff and wonderful care she received there.

LuElla is survived by her son, Michael (Michelle) Jirik of Ulen, MN; her daughters: Sharon (Gary) Litzau of Mahnomen, MN, Lori (Jerry) Handyside of Lengby, MN and Cindy (Keith) Gruhot of Xenia, OH; her brothers, Manny (Carolyn) Vesledahl of Martinsburg, WV, and Ray Vesledahl of Minneapolis; her sister, Sonja (Gordon) Hogenson of Halstad, MN; 10 grandchildren: Logan (Kassandra) Handyside, Kal (Amanda) Handyside, Allie (Kyle) Maier, Alexa (Kevin Keller) Gruhot, Jessica (Ryan Roberts) Gruhot, Cassandra Gruhot, Michael Gruhot, Cole (Jillian Hershberger) Jirik, Ross Jirik, and Will Jirik; one great granddaughter, Bella Rose Handyside; and many nieces and nephews.

LuElla is preceded in death by her parents and many extended relatives.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.  Visitation was at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Tuesday May 15, 2018 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm and one hour prior to Mass on Wednesday.  Interment will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen.