Maj-Lis Birgitta Hagglund

Maj-Lis went home to be with her Lord on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the age of 91. She was born on May 29, 1932 to Werner and Elna (Forsell) Johnsson in Nedervetil, Finland. On June 12, 1955 she married Elmer Hagglund, he preceded her in death in 2017 after 61 years of marriage. They came to the United States by boat in July, 1958. She embraced and loved her new country. She never forgot about Finland and visited as much as she could. Maj-Lis worked at the former Little Mermaid Café in Appleton as Cook and Manager until closing in 1989. She was also a nanny for a few families. Maj-Lis was a charter member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Combined Locks where she was active in Bible study, Kings Silver, KnitWits group, and Crafty Friends. She loved to knit and sew. Her Scandinavian club was a blessing to her as it was her connection to Finland. Maj-Lis gained lifelong friends. Her last years were spent helping at Jake’s Diapers and Project Linus. Also making prayer shawls and love bears. Earlier years, she delivered meals on wheels with our dad. Her life revolved around her children/family, church, and her many friends.

Survivors include her children: son Steven (Doris) Hagglund of Freedom and their children, Dana (Steven) Jahr, Jennifer (Nick) Haen, and Paul (Whitney Klas) Hagglund; daughter Lynn (Gary) Holcomb of Kaukauna, and their children, Carly Holcomb, Cory (Katie) Holcomb, and Courtney (Estin) Holcomb; son David Hagglund of Darboy and his children, Cody and Brianna Hagglund; two sisters-in-law, Birgit Mattson of Menasha and Rose-Marie Johnsson of Finland; and ten great grandchildren: Macy (13), Lauren (11), Morgan (8), Ezra (7), Adelyn (6), Nora (6), William (4), Jack (4), Hazel (4), and Anneli (2). She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends here and abroad.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer; five brothers (two as infants); two sisters; five brothers-in-law; one sister-in-law; and many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sarah Marcoe, the staff at Theda Care Home Hospice, and the volunteers and staff at Cherry Meadows Hospice where mom spent her final days. Also, we can’t forget her wonderful neighbors and church friends who helped out so much! We will always remember your kindness.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 8, 2024 at CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH (601 Washington Street, Combined Locks) from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Funeral at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Nate Gauerke officiating. Committal Highland Memorial Park. A memorial fund will be established. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much.

Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.

Lift up your hearts and share with me.

God wanted me now, he set me free.