Elma Dagmar Stengard of Ironwood, passed away at her home in Ishpeming, Michigan on Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at the age of 101. She was born in Ironwood, Michigan on July 8, 1915 to Victor S. and Sanna M. (Peltohaka) Niemi. She attended Oliver Grade School in Ironwood and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1933. She took evening courses at the Woodward Business College in Ironwood. Elma worked at the S.S. Kresge Store in Ironwood for a period of time at the notions and jewelry counter where she sold thread, buttons, needles, shoe laces and jewelry. Later she worked at the main office of Pickands Mather Mining Company in Ironwood for 18 years in the accounting department where she compiled reports on 7 local mines for the head offices in Duluth, Minnesota and Cleveland, Ohio. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood where her father served as custodian while she was growing up. She was a member of the Paula Circle, the Chancel Choir, and was a Sunday School teacher. On June 23, 1945, she was united in marriage to Carl H. Stengard in an evening candlelight ceremony at St. Paul Church by the Rev. Herman Matero. They were blessed with 68 wonderful years of marriage. Elma is survived by one daughter, Susan Radakovich, of Marquette, Michigan and one granddaughter, Amy Radakovich of St. Paul, Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Carl Johannes Niemi. Funeral services for Elma will be held on Monday, April 17, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ironwood with the Rev. Kurt Kovanen officiating. Public viewing will begin at 10 a.m. followed by services at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood. A noon luncheon will follow at the church.