In 1983, Susan began sewing prototypes for the 1986 Steger International North Pole Expedition with her own designs and patterns. The success of the expedition led others to inquire about her garments, especially the anorak. It soon became her signature item of the apparel line called Wintergreen Northern Wear.  Her Swedish heritage and love for the outdoors is reflected in her Nordic designs.   

Originally from the Babbitt/Embarrass area, LaVerne has lived in Ely for almost 40 years. For her, the summers are great, but as for winter, she says, "I can't wait to retire." 

As the Lead Sewing Instructor & Sewing Room Manager, LaVerne is very knowledgable about our more complicated designs. She finds the hardest thing to sew is the Cotton Anorak.

LaVerne has worked for Wintergreen for 24 years and loves it because, "I get to sit and sew and get paid for it."

Originally from Babbitt, MN, Dave moved to the Twin Cities right out of high school and worked in the record business for 20 years. Tired of the stress of city life, Dave returned to Babbitt and has been back for 16 years. 

One of Dave's biggest jobs is cutting the rolls of fabric into clothing-sized pieces. He finds the hardest thing to cut is the Baby Booties because "they're made of extremely small, curved cuts."

Dave has 13+ years of experience with Wintergreen, and loves it because every day is a new day with new challenges.

Gina was born and raised in Ely. She loves the solitude and beauty of the northwoods. She has 2 sons, a daughter-in-law and a beautiful grand-daughter.

Gina has worked at Wintergreen for a little over a year. She loves that Wintergreen is a small, family run business where everyone's opinion matters. Her favorite garment is the original Expedition Fleece Anorak.

Originally from Arizona, Valarie has lived in Ely for 30 years. She loves life's pace here and enjoys getting out on the lake, paddling, and listening to the loons - "it's almost heaven." 

Valarie has worked on and off for Wintergreen for 25 years, doing a variety of jobs. She enjoys being in a creative and caring work place that focuses on thoughtful, functional, well made clothing that that inspire fun and adventure for all.

Dayna has lived all over the United States but her favorite place by far is Ely, Minnesota, where she has resided for 18 years. 

Dayna loves the fact that Wintergreen clothing is made right here at 205 E. Sheridan Street and that she personally knows the sewing technicians that make the garments.

"The purchase of a Wintergreen item will be the best thing you ever buy... fifteen years later and all my Wintergreen items still look great and are used constantly. Worth every penny!!"

Sola is from Tower, MN, and has lived there most of her life. She loves the area because she can take a short walk from her house and be surrounded by forest. Her favorite Wintergreen garment is the Trail Shorts – “I basically live in them.”

Sola has worked at Wintergreen for two years, and loves it because everyone is fun to work with. Her recommendation to customers – “Always ask us questions, and we’ll help you find what fits your needs.”

Having lived in the area since the late '80s, Northern Minnesota has become one of Daina's favorite places in the world. She has one beautiful son and a couple of cats. She and her husband also have their own sled dog kennel.

Daina first worked at Wintergreen in the very beginning when the Sheridan Street location was just purchased. She enjoys working at a local company where quality and workmanship remain cornerstones of the business. Her favorite garments are the Flex Neck Gaitor, the Half-Zip Guide Pants and the Boundary Waters Shell Pants.

With a passion for design and photography, Berit, the youngest of the Schurke kids, has enjoyed helping out with the family business. If she's not in the photography studio, you'll find her photoshopping remotely or out on a photoshoot!

Outside of Wintergreen, Berit is following in her mother's footsteps and pursuing a career in design as a landscape architect. 

Originally from Richfield, MN, Marlene has lived in Ely for almost 40 years and has worked for Wintergreen for over 17 years. She loves Ely for its pine trees and lakes. She likes sewing anoraks and the process of figuring out how to put garments together. She's the owner of the "best dog on the planet"- Jimmy.

Michele grew up in Richfield, MN but has lived in Ely for almost 40 years. She likes living in Ely because it's a small town and close access to the outdoors.

Michele has enjoyed working at Wintergreen for 20 years because she gets do what she loves and has the satisfaction of making quality products. Her favorite product to make is the Shell Anorak.

Michele is originally from Hibbing, Minnesota and moved to Ely in 1975. She loves Ely because of its beautiful northern lights, it's peace and quiet, and the wonderful winter sports such as snowmobiling and cross country skiing. Michele has 2 English Springer Spaniels, 3 kids, and 7 grandkids.

Michele has worked for Wintergreen for two years and loves the family atmosphere and the satisfaction of making garments that others can enjoy. 

Sarah is from Wisconsin, and has lived in Ely for 8 years. She loves having the wilderness at her back door and living in a small town community with the charm of local stores. She has 1 retired sled dog, a rescue cat, 4 rabbits and 5 chickens.

She enjoys working with a good crew and in a great environment which she says is "truly made in America!"

Ellen is from Minneapolis, but has lived in Ely since 2007. She loves that the area has so much public land to explore - which she does frequently with her retired sled dog, Betty.

Her favorite Wintergreen garment is the Anja Hoodie. Ellen's advice to customers? "Make sure you choose a color you love because your clothing is going to last a long time!"

Bria is the oldest daughter of Paul and Susan Schurke and enjoys helping out with the family business when she can. If she's not out leading mountaineering expeditions in Alaska or scaling big walls in Yosemite, you'll find her behind a desk trying to figure out how to resize images for the website. Some of you may have watched her grow up in the old paper catalogs.