The Queen Is Dead, Long Live The Lumberjack Queen.

Ella Signora Lindquist, 99, of Bemidji, died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2010, at Home Front Care in Bemidji. Today I missed her funeral by a handful of feet and minutes. I send my deepest condolences to her friends and family. She was a local hero. I remember first meeting Ella in church. This had to be no less than two decades ago. She was wearing a sash and explained that she was The Lumberjack Queen. I never had any reason to doubt. I cannot claim to have known Ella on any deep, abiding level. What I can tell you is that she was a graceful and kind woman. A dear. Her spirit and her energy surrounded her in a proud veil. A picture of dignity and poise. I cannot say I knew The Lumberjack Queen, but I can say that I met her, and the world is less for her passing.

-JT Liend 03-05-10