Joseph “Smuzzy” Erland Guyer July 18, 1952 ~ October 22, 2020
After a courageous fight with Small Cell Lung Cancer, Joseph “Smuzzy” Erland Guyer, 68, of Coleraine, passed away Oct. 22, 2020, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born July 18, 1952, to Dale “Doc” and Elma (Jokinen) Guyer in Grand Rapids. His early years were spent in Taconite, Trout Lake, and Holman Location. As a very young child, he believed he was a member of the Taconite Fire Department because they gave him his own hook for his jacket. He attended their meetings regularly. He was also the first to know when the donut man came to restock the Taconite Grocery Store; he would often help unload the truck while getting paid in donuts. Smuzzy graduated from Greenway High School in 1971 and from the Bemidji Area Vocational Technical Institute carpentry program in 1973.
He worked as a carpenter until 1978, when he then became employed as a maintenance millwright for Minnesota Power. Following his 2008 retirement from MP, he worked part-time with Guyer Business Services, Lakeview Cemetery Association, and Martin Gager Plumbing & Heating. Smuzzy also served 20 years as a Coleraine Fire Fighter/First Responder, was an Itasca Ski & Outing Club member, and was a proud Elder of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
In 1979, he married Holly (Hansen) Guyer. They made their home in Coleraine “Mesabi Nation” where they raised Jennie Marie, Dale William, and Trevor Lauren Guyer. He was a loving, supportive husband and father. With all he enjoyed in life, he most highly valued his family time. He worked hard and always made it possible for Holly to work part-time around the kids’ schedules. He was always ready for a challenge, whether it was all-star wrestling in the living room, teaching the kids to fish and hunt, wiping the rust off his skates for either a father-son hockey game or a figure skating show, or strapping on jumping skis and flying like “Eddie the Eagle” at an end-of-the-year ski jumping tournament. His strong work ethic, kind and giving nature, sense of humor, and wit are evident in each of the kids. One accomplishment of which he was especially proud was spending time with family and friends while building Dale’s home – including the three diamonds, catwalks and all.
He was a kind man with many friends. Over the years, he enjoyed sitting around the campfire, fishing with his brother Peanut, picking wild blueberries, spending time with the “Friends of the Whitetail”, being a part of the LOW guys weekends, his and Holly’s most recent travels including combing the beaches with his metal detector for pieces of sunken ships, and working on Sudokus. He loved canning and cooking, especially holiday dinners and old family favorites. He excelled at the Thanksgiving pie making contest against his sisters. As a skilled carpenter, Smuzzy was also known for his excellent problem-solving skills. When asked where he stored all of his knowledge and his various ideas, he would reply, “It’s in the ‘vault’” (while pointing to his head). He was a saver; if you needed it, he probably had it.
Smuzzy is survived by his wife of 41 years, Holly; sons Dale “Doc” of Lawrence Lake and Trevor (JayLee) of Bovey; his sisters Trika (Ken) Smith and Cricket Guyer, both of Coleraine; niece Kendra (Dustin) Arthur (and children Aurelia Marie, Warren, and Abram); and nephew Corey (Amber) Smith and children (Ethan and Carson), along with many others that lovingly called him “Uncle”; brother-in-law Mike Hansen of Crystal Lake, IL; numerous Guyer/Jokinen cousins; and many close friends.
He will forever be in our hearts, and his humor will always color our world. We weren’t ready to let him go, but we find comfort knowing he is now reunited with Jen, his parents, his brother James “Peanut” Guyer, his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Provatus and Smuzzy’s exceptional nurses and staff turned friends (telling each he/she was his “favorite”) at the Grand Itasca Infusion Center, Itasca Hospice, Hibbing Radiation Center, and St. Mary’s 8th floor medical team, as well as all who were recently able to visit or call just to check in on him. In lieu of flowers, donations in Smuzzy’s memory to Blandin Employees for Life at GRACF, 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 would be greatly appreciated.
Arrangements by Peterson’s Funeral Home. Due to COVID-19, a private interment for immediate family will take place at Lakeview Cemetery.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Donna Marie Ranger 1933 ~ October 19, 2020
Donna Marie Ranger, age 86, of Bovey, MN passed away Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at her home surrounded by family.
Donna was born in 1933 to Arnold and Gladys Jacobson in Park Rapids, MN. Donna graduated from Grand Rapids High School and married Duane Ranger in 1957. Donna and Duane then settled in the midway area. She worked as a dental hygienist and homemaker and was like a mother to many. Donna was a member of the First United Church in Coleraine, MN, and the Itasca Community Chorus. She liked reading and loved visiting with family and friends. She had a passion for cooking and baking. She enjoyed attending concerts and Broadway plays. Donna always had a smile and a kind word for everyone she came in contact with.
Preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marilyn Kolp; nephew, Brian Kolp; and niece, Roxanne Gibeau Nelson.
Donna is survived by her husband of 63 years, Duane; son, Gary (Lynn) Ranger of Grand Rapids, MN; sister, Carole Newton of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Aaron Voges of Grand Rapids, MN, Starr (Paul) Burch of Sioux Falls, SD; great granddaughter, Brilyn Burch; nephews, Brad (Amy) Beier, Jeff (Sandi) Beier; niece, Becky (Don) Andrews. Other close family members important to Donna and Duane are Pam (Mike) Mallum, Jim (Linda) Gibeau, Colen (Cindy) Gibeau, Tom Nelson, Jim Hendrickson, Mary Rivers, Kirsten Hendrickson, Teresa Kohman, Alice Hendrickson, and extended family, Patty Jo (Gary) Bush and Jill (Wayne) Hanks.
Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 11 a.m. memorial service. Rev. Arlin Talley will officiate.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Lloyd W. Miller October 20, 1927 ~ October 8, 2020
Lloyd W. Miller, 92, died Oct. 8, 2020 at home, rural Nashwauk, Minn. He was born Oct. 20, 1927 in Kalona, Iowa to John A and Lydia (Shetler) Miller.
He was united in marriage to Arliss Trast on Aug. 2, 1955. Lloyd worked in the timber industry, at Rantala Dairy, and as a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed visiting his family, aviation, traveling, and reading.
Surviving are his daughters, Mary (Donnie) Muhlnickel, Susan (Kevin) Johnson; two sons, Gene (Lisa) Miller, and Gordon (Lyn) Miller; four grandchildren, Nate (Caroline) Miller, Emily, Ali, and Kara Miller.
Preceding Lloyd in death were his parents; wife Arliss in 2003; daughter Lois in 2014; siblings Mary Yoder, Mabel Bontrager, Ernest Miller, and Ora Miller.
Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, at Peterson Funeral Chapel, Coleraine, MN. Pastor Jack Tillotson officiated. Burial was in the Nashwauk Cemetery.
Michael Joseph Marok April 23, 1961 ~ October 11, 2020
Michael Joseph Marok, age 59, of Bovey, MN, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020.
Michael was born on April 23, 1961 in Grand Rapids, MN to Daniel and Kathleen (Madson) Marok. He graduated from Greenway High School in 1979 and continued his education at a technical college. After attaining his degree, he moved first to Florida, and later Wisconsin, before returning to the Grand Rapids area to open his business, “Norcotronics.”
Mike enjoyed being a business owner and lived by the motto: “work hard, play harder.” He had a passion for music and playing the drums and loved rocking out with his friends. The thing he cherished most in life was time spent with his daughter, Kaley. Mike was giving to a fault and had a strong sense of faith. He was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and valued his relationship with the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel Marok.
Michael is survived by his daughter, Kaley (Tyler Pynnonen) Marok of Bovey, MN; mother; Kathleen Marok of Dubuque, IA; sisters, Teresa (Jerry) Ganser of Farmington, MN, Marybeth (Mark) Wagner of Dubuque, IA, Patricia Bergman (special friend John Lewis) of Champlin, MN, Becky (Mark) Cieslewicz of Green Bay, WI, Jeanette (Greg) Smith of Eau Claire, WI; brothers, Tom (Pam) Marok of Soldotna, AK, Bob (Blanche) Marok of Fairbanks, AK; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and many other loved ones.
Visitation was on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020 at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN, followed by the 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Fr. Blake Rozier officiated. Burial was at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.
Mike inspired those who knew him with his favorite quote, “Begin. The rest is easy,” and he will be dearly missed by those he left behind.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneral
homeandcrematory.com.
Roy Lundstrom Jr. July 25, 1926 ~ October 6, 2020
Dad, your dash is complete.
Roy Lundstrom Jr., 94, lifelong Minnesota resident was released into the loving arms of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2020 at the Franciscan Health Center in Duluth, MN.
He was born July 25, 1926 to Roy and Florence (Sandberg) Lundstrom Sr. in Duluth, MN. After attending Central High School, Roy, a WWII veteran, served aboard the naval destroyer J.C. Owens in the Pacific Theatre. He married Mary Carol Harrom May 5, 1950. Roy was first employed with Northern Pacific R.R. as a switch operator and would have a second career in his calling as a chemical dependency councilor and director of the Lake Venoah halfway house in Carlton, MN. He was a member of the Nashwauk Alliance Church, the American Legion, and AA (recently celebrating 50 years of sobriety). In their retirement Roy and Carol enjoyed their winters in San Tan Valley, AZ, and their summers in Nashwauk, MN. Roy loved fly-fishing, picking blueberries, and their beloved dog Patty. Along with playing guitar and mandolin, Roy was a skilled artisan in knife forging, woodcarving, and song writing.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, “Saint” Carol Lundstrom; children, Steven (Ellen) Lundstrom, Nashwauk, Gary (Tim) Lundstrom, Duluth, MN, and Mary Kay (Troy) Forsberg, Barnum, MN; sister, Patricia Rae Ogston, Pike Lake, MN; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Roy was preceded in death by his daughter, Bonnie Roy Lundstrom; parents, Roy and Florence; and two sisters, Marilyn Larson, and Bernice Lillo.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Franciscan Health Center for their compassionate care which knows no bounds. And to Essentia Hospice for their compassionate care as well.
Graveside services for Roy will be 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth, MN. A celebration of Roy’s life will be scheduled at a later date. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent in Roy’s name to the Duluth Bethel c/o Dennis Cummings, 23 Mesaba Avenue, Duluth, MN, 55806, or www.Duluthbethel.org. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence.
Marcia Ann McDermond December 15, 1956 ~ October 10, 2020
Marcia Ann McDermond, age 63, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020 at the Fairview Southdale Hospital ICU, after fighting her battle with COVID-19.
She was born Dec. 15, 1956 to Robert and Alice Hulbert. Marcia was a secretary with Strite Anderson and Jobs Corps in St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minn. for many years. She was retired for 20+ years. She enjoyed her retirement by playing in a bowling league, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, crocheting, the “art of emoji” and painting ceramics. Marcia was known for her taste in fashion and was always “dressed to the nines.” Marcia was given a second chance at life after receiving a lung transplant in 2015, and she truly lived that life to the fullest through the simple pleasures; sending jokes to friends and family via Facebook, spending time with family, online shopping, and making memories with fellow Deer River Meddler, “double cousin” Linda!
Marcia is survived by her husband, Bob McDermond; children, Tammy (Tina) Gould and Scott McDermond; her numerous grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren; father, Robert (Nancy) Hulbert; brothers, Jim (Debbie) and Jeff Hulbert; sisters Marian Reasoner (Cliff) and Cheryl Hulbert; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Marcia is preceded in death by her mother, Alice Hulbert.
In Marcia’s honor, family and friends will be holding a celebration of life at Morris Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 12 to 5 p.m. The family asks that the hour from 12 to 1 p.m. be reserved for those who are vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, to pay their respects and celebrate Marcia safely. The rest of the festivities will commence after 1 p.m.
She is to be buried at Olivet Cemetery in Deer River, Minn.
John Edward Carlson October 16, 1949 ~ October 14, 2020
John Edward Carlson, age 70 of Marble, MN, passed away on Oct. 14, 2020 in St. Paul, MN.
He was born in Grand Rapids, MN on Oct. 16, 1949 to Donald Edward Carlson and Eleanor Irene (Ruotsala) Grozdanich. John grew up in Nashwauk and graduated from Nashwauk High School with the class of 1968. He went on to get his bachelor’s degree at Bemidji State University and was a big history buff. John spent 30 plus years living in Marble, MN, where he married his wife, Roberta, on June 25, 1977. He enjoyed spending time with his beloved Bassett hound, Emma, and four wheeling and camping. John loved his family and was so proud of his grandchildren and all they have accomplished within their sporting activities. He loved to joke around and tease his friends and family and was always on the look out for Bigfoot and alien activity.
John is survived by his wife; Roberta (Erickson) Carlson of Marble, MN; children, Casey (Sam) Carlson of Pengilly, MN and Jennifer (Pete) DeNucci of Nashwauk, MN; siblings, Ken (Diane) Carlson of AZ, Patty (Ted) Rancourt of Bovey, MN, Barbie (Ken) White of Side Lake, MN and Mary (Ron) Holm of Two Harbors, MN; grandchildren, Dylan, Ezra, Beau, and Drake Carlson and Sophia and Maxx DeNucci; many nieces and nephews and Emma the Bassett hound.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Eleanor; and his step-dad, Buddy Grozdanich.
A gathering of family and friends will take place on Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 at the Peterson Funeral Chapel in Coleraine, MN, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Myrtle N. Purkat October 17, 1925 ~ October 7, 2020
Myrtle N. Purkat, 94, longtime resident of Hibbing passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020 at Essentia Health-Virginia, just 10 days before her 95th birthday.
She was born Oct. 17, 1925 to Charles and Ebba (Berquist) Johnson in Keewatin, MN. Myrtle married John Purkat on Feb. 2, 1945 in Hibbing, notably during a blizzard. A homemaker by trade, she and her husband raised their family in Hibbing. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Hibbing.
Myrtle is survived by her children, John (Marlene) Purkat, Annandale, VA, Randy (Denny) Belluzzo, Hibbing, MN, Jane (Larry Lemmerman) Rule, Mebane NC, and Susan (Robin) Wilson, Durhan, NC; sister, Valencia (Rudy) Schlefsky, Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren, Tiphanie Purkat (Paul ) Stefanski), Lacey (Eric) Lynd, Nicholas Purkat, Rachel (Steve) Jameson, Alex (Ashley) Hilliard, Jenn (Adam Lindley) Hilliard; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Lee Purkat; husband, John Purkat, Aug. 16, 2013; parents Charles and Ebba; twin brother, Norman Johnson; sisters, Margaret Johnson, Marian Meier, and Mona Acres; and her brother, Bobby Johnson.
Per Myrtle the family’s request, there will be a private memorial service at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Steve Tomberlin will officiate.
Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Peter George Stupar July 12, 1923 - Sept 27, 2020
Peter Stupar was born on July 12, 1923 in Nashwauk, MN to George and Mary Stupar.
He graduated in 1943 from Nashwauk High School. Peter married his high school sweetheart, Margaret Peggy Sutich on July 2, 1944 at the Serbian Orthodox Church in Chisholm, MN. Margaret passed away Sept. 10, 1998. They were married for 54 years. Peter retired from the City of Nashwauk as the Street Commissioner in 1987 putting in 25 years. He retired in 1972 from the Nashwauk Fire Department after 20 years of service. He was Fire Chief for 10 years. Peter enjoyed hunting and fishing, our family trips will have lasting memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Stupar, Nashwauk; MN, brother, Stanley (Marge) Stupar, Grand Rapids, MN, Sam (Angie) Stupar, Las Vegas, NV, Mike (Julia) Stupar, Nashwauk, MN, Dorothy (Steve) Vukmir, Kelly Lake, MN, Sophie (Milan) Chupurdia, Pengilly, MN; nephew, George Stupar; niece Kathy (Gary) Mattson, Nashwauk, MN; and son in law, Alex A. Hammell, Roseburg, OR.
Peter is survived by his two children, Peter A. (Karen) Stupar, Monticello, MN, daughter, Marlene “Susie” (Alex) Hammell, Roseburg, OR; two grandsons, Steven Stupar, Aaron (Michelle) Stupar, Becker, MN; four greatgrandchildren, Abby Stupar, Chase Stupar, Carson Stupar and Kennedy Stupar.
Peter’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Aunt Sophie Chupurdia, cousins, Kathy Mattson, Barbara Branum and Tom Stupar for all your love and devotion you showed our father after our mother passed away. John Ketola for all the time you spent helping out around the house and the hours you spent visiting. To Ralph Uhlenkamp, thanks for taking the time to come visit, he enjoyed your company.
He was a lifetime member of Nashwauk American Legion Post Walter Riley 307. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steven Stupar, Aaron Stupar, Abby Stupar, John Ketola, Ralph Uhlenkamp, Tom Stupar, Chuck Mattson and Scott Brazier.
Burial will be held at the Nashwauk Cemetery at a later date.
To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
John Jacob “Skip” Egerdahl April 3, 1958 ~ September 22, 2020
John Egerdahl, age 62, of Keewatin passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth.
Skip was born in Grand Rapids, MN on April 3, 1958 to Anthony and Louise (Bertram) Egerdahl. He was raised in Pengilly and attended Greenway Schools. In 1975 at the age of 17 Skip enlisted in the Marine Corps, at one point he was stationed in Guam where he was a guard at the embassy. While he was serving, Skip was trained as a pipefitter, a career that he continued after an honorable discharge from the Marines. Skip’s work in the Pipefitters Union took him to many places across the United States including the Virgin Islands. He was a hard worker with a great work ethic and was known as a top-notch pipefitter. Skip was known to work associates as the “Hillbilly from Pengilly” due to a southern drawl he acquired after many years living in North Carolina. Skip was an avid fisherman and a member of the National Honor Guard. He had the ability to tell great stories that usually ended in laughter and his smile would light up a room.
He is survived by his children, John (Ashley) Egerdahl, Richmond, VA, Faith Egerdahl, Crystal, MN; mother, Louise Coady, Buhl, MN; siblings, Greg Egerdahl, Bemidji, MN, Deborah Egerdahl, Minneapolis, MN, Doug (Lizz) Egerdahl, Hibbing, MN; grandchildren Ella, Addy, Sailor, Ayjah; several nieces, nephews extended relatives and friends.
Skip was preceded in death by his father Tony. Funeral service was held 12 noon Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. Visitation was one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Interment was at the Nashwauk Cemetery. Mid-Range Honor Guard will accord military honors. To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Denise Marie Bergren May 5, 1961 ~ September 19, 2020
Denise Marie Bergren, age 59, passed away Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth, MN surrounded by family.
Denise was born in St. Paul in 1961, on the fifth day of the fifth month and was the fifth daughter born to Donald and Lois Severin. She grew up with her siblings in Mahtomedi, MN. In the summer of 1979, Denise met and married Bill Bergren. She moved to Balsam, MN with Bill where the couple built a home together and raised their three children.
Denise found happiness in the simple things in life. She enjoyed yard work, gardening, a simple walk in the woods, or sitting on the riverbank. She loved to search for her favorite rocks, agates, or fossils. Denise was the ultimate “rockhound”. Her greatest joys were her children and grandchildren. She took a lot of pride in watching them grow and become successful adults.
She is preceded in death by her father, Donald Severin; paternal grandparents, George and Alice Severin; maternal grandparents, August and Louise Moliter.
Denise is survived by her children, Jacob (Brooke), Jessica, Jerrad (Angela); her mother, Lois; sisters, Bonnie, Geri, Vickie (Jim), Sandra; brother, Joel; and five grandchildren, Alexandrea, Brooke, Max, Caden, and Lily.
A visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN beginning at 12 p.m. until the 1 p.m. Memorial Service. Rev. Patty Jo Ervin will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) https://mnovarian.org.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Dale James Arola October 9, 1933 ~ September 8, 2020
Dale James Arola, eight-six years old of Phoenix, Arizona, died peacefully in his home on September 8, 2020, of Parkinson’s Disease.
Dale was born on October 9, 1933, in Nashwauk, Minn. He graduated from Nashwauk High School, Hibbing Junior College, the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a BS in Mathematics and Chemistry, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior with an MS in Education. Dale served two years in the Army in Oahu, Hawaii, and a second term in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then taught Senior High Mathematics in the Proctor School District for thirty years. He was a man of many talents and interests. Some of them were deer and duck hunting, fishing, camping, traveling, gardening, wood carving and being in nature. Dale married Patricia Schullo of Nashwauk on June 9, 1956, and they celebrated sixty-four years together. They had two daughters; a premature baby who died shortly after birth, and Kathleen Mary Arola-Johnson of Phoenix.
Dale was preceded in death by his parents.
Edward and Fannie Arola of Nashwauk; and sister Dorothy Knott of Marcell, Minn.
He is survived by his wife Pat, his daughter Kathleen and her spouse Stan, all of Phoenix; as well as brothers Donald of Sartell, Minn., and Duane of Nashwauk; sister Deanna of Black Duck, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews.
At a later date, Dale will be buried in the Nashwauk Cemetery.
The family welcomes memories, stories and photos on Dale’s tribute page at https://www.messingermortuary.com/obituary/Dale-Arola.
Timothy Alan Dasovich July 1, 1981 ~ September 20, 2020
Timothy A. Dasovich, 39, lifelong resident of Nashwauk died Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in Nashwauk, MN.
He was born July 1, 1981 to Stephen and Julie (Leimer) Dasovich in Hibbing. Tim graduated from Nashwauk in 1999 and later received two degrees from Hibbing Community College, graduating in 2002. Tim worked for various places throughout his career, most notably, traveling IT for State Farm Insurance, the IT department for Weber Shandwick Health Easy, and most recently, he was IT for the American Bank in Nashwauk. Tim was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk, the Knights of Columbus, and was a former member of the Nashwauk Fire Department. Tim’s favorite pastimes were listening to music, comedy, biking, snowboarding, hunting, and making beer, he especially enjoyed fishing, and spending time with his nieces and nephew. He also enjoyed running and completed a Grandma’s Marathon.
He is survived by his parents, Steve and Julie Dasovich, Nashwauk, MN; his brothers, Joe (Rachel) Dasovich, and Jeremy Dasovich, both of Nashwauk; his nieces and nephews, Lily, Mara, and Henry Dasovich, all of Nashwauk; his deer shack crew, Roger, Riley, and Reid Savolainen, all of Nashwauk; and his many cousins, aunts, uncles, and many very close friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandma and grandpa, Lillian and Steve Dasovich; and his beloved aunt, Helen Dasovich-Smith.
Funeral services for Tim will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020 at the Nashwauk Rec Center. Deacon Richard Johnston will officiate. Visitation will be 6 and 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 2020 at the Rec Center. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the memorial service at the Rec Center on Saturday. Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery in Nashwauk.
Tim’s family would like to send a sincere thank you to all of the Nashwauk First Responders, and volunteers that were involved during this difficult time. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, masks are recommended at the visitation and service for Timothy.
To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Linda L. (Gangl) Patterson August 18, 1949 ~ September 10, 2020
Linda Patterson, age 71, of Nashwauk, MN passed away Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.
Linda was born Aug. 18, 1949 in Hibbing to Tom and Bernice (Finken) Gangl. Linda was a lifelong resident of Nashwauk; she was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church and of the bowling league at Stadium Lanes in Nashwauk. Linda was joined in marriage to Terry Patterson in 1973 at the Lawron Presbyterian Church in Lawrence Lake. Linda was a homemaker who liked doing crosswords, camping and fishing and loved spoiling her grandchildren. Christmas was Linda’s favorite time of year. She always went overboard.
Linda is survived by her husband, Terry; sons, Pete (Marie) Patterson, Jon Patterson and Marc (Elizabeth) Patterson; daughter, Dena, mother; Bernice Chellico; brothers, John Gangl, Tom Gangl, Louis Chellico, Mike Gangl, Vince Gangl; sisters, Gina Plaisted, Kim Bailey, Amanda Gangl; stepmother, Anna Gangl; grandchildren, Tim (Stacy) Griesbach, Kelsey (Lance) Gibson, Brody Patterson, Halle Patterson, Nathan Patterson, Elleanore Patterson, Eli Patterson; great grandchild, Easton Gibson.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Tom Gangl; step-father, Louie Chellico; sister Rose Moore; nephew Aaron Gangl; and niece, Jillian Plaisted.
Father Joseph Sobolik celebrated the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the beginning of Mass at 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at the Nashwauk Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Marie Elva Scheer July 22, 1938 ~ May 6, 2020
Marie Elva Scheer, 81, was born on July 22, 1938 in the log cabin built by her parents near Bigfork, MN.
She died unexpectedly on May 6, 2020.
Celebration of Life will be Saturday, Sept. 19 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Bigfork City Hall. The family will share her artistic endeavors from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and honoring her life at 2:30 p.m.
Her watercolors will be on display and a selection available for a goodwill offering to a memorial in her honor to the Edge Center for the Arts in Bigfork.
A private family service at the cemetery will follow.
Sandra Elizabeth (Falbo) Saari April 7, 1942 ~ September 3, 2020
Sandra E. Saari, 78, Grand Rapids, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020 at Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids, MN.
She was born in Hibbing on April 7, 1942 to Louie and Mary (Schneider) Falbo and raised in Keewatin, MN. Sandra graduated from Hibbing Junior College. She was employed as a secretary by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Duluth and St. Louis County-Veteran Service Office in Hibbing. Sandra was active with the Business & Professional Women’s Club (BPW), holding the offices of Secretary and President. She was a devoted member of the Hibbing Catholic Community.
Sandra was survived by her two children, Chris and Kelly, both of Hibbing, MN, and countless family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and other family members.
Funeral services for Sandra will be at 12 noon, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home on Saturday. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. An open house will be held at 2020 East 31st Street in Hibbing immediately following the funeral service on Saturday. Everyone is invited to attend. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Kelly Saari, 2020 East 31st Street, Hibbing, MN, 55746.
To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
P. Gary Perrella June 7, 1941 ~ August 30, 2020
Gary Perrella, 79, lifelong resident of Keewatin passed away due to surgical complications with family by his side on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.
He was born June 7, 1941 to Peter and Tyne (Impila) Perrella in Hibbing, MN. He entered the Sacrament of Marriage with Louise Blanchard on March 26, 1960 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Kelly Lake. Gary was employed with National Steel, and later owned and operated Perrella Plumbing and Heating in Keewatin. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keewatin, a former city council member, the Keewatin Police Commission, the local Plumber’s Union, and a longtime member of the Moose Club in Keewatin. Gary was an inventor. He held a patent for compression socks. Gary was also very artistic, he enjoyed painting. He also enjoyed gardening as one of his pastimes. If Gary wasn’t working, he was seen sitting in his backyard sipping warm beer, enjoying the outdoors.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Perrella, Keewatin, MN; three daughters, Deborah (Kevin) Durken, St. Cloud, MN, Sheila Perrella, Sebeka, MN, and Rebecca Unzeitig, Keewatin, MN; sister, Connie (Ron) Gangl, Marble, MN; four grandchildren, Jeff (Amy) Nagle, Nowthen, MN, Amanda (Jake) Stalboerger, Keewatin, MN, Courtney (Travis) Murphy, Henning, MN, and Bradley Unzeitig, Keewatin, MN; his great-granddaughter, Mya Stalboerger and a great-grandson of Courtney and Travis on the way; nieces and nephews, Roxanne (Virgil) Johnson, Tammy Godec, and Rory (Diana) Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his son, Gary “Gopher” Perrella, parents, and brother, Anthony Perrella.
Funeral services for Gary were 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Richard Johnston officiated. Visitation was one hour prior to the memorial service at the funeral home on Tuesday. A private family interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. Due to COVID restrictions, there will be no formal reception for Gary. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence for Gary, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Wayne A. Perreault May 31, 1952 ~ September 1, 2020
Wayne A. Perreault, 68, longtime resident of Nashwauk, passed away on Sept. 1, 2020.
Wayne Allan Perreault was born on May 31, 1952 to Vern and Merlyn (Fredrickson) Perreault in Crookston, MN. He attended school in Red Lake Falls, MN until 1966, when the family relocated to Nashwauk, MN. Wayne graduated from Nashwauk-Keewatin High School in 1970, from Hibbing State Junior College in 1972 and from the College of Forestry at the University of Minnesota in 1974. Throughout his high school and college years, he excelled in football receiving All Conference and Tri-State honors. He was also one of the lead singers for the band, The Incredible Ides, from 1967-1970 (who opened once for The Monkeys!), and later for the band, The Clock Struck Six.
Wayne was united in marriage to Patti Clusiau, whom he often referred to as “The sunshine of his life,” on June 8, 1974. The couple spent a summer in Avery, Idaho before moving back to MN, eventually making their home on beautiful O’Leary Lake in 1976. Wayne worked as a District Forester for Itasca County for 34 years until retiring in 2014.
Those who knew Wayne will remember a fun, compassionate and hard-working man, who loved to make people laugh, loved the outdoors, animals, wildlife and music, but above all else, he loved his family. His children could hardly leave the driveway without having their cars checked for safety and being told, repeatedly, to be careful. Wayne had an unrivaled work ethic, often working late into the moonlit hours, perfecting the beautiful trails that channel the 20 acres of land that he was so very proud of, or tinkering with some other project from his never-ending ‘to-do’ lists or just basking in the beauty of what he always called his “wilderness experience.” Of all of the honors Wayne had in his life, we are quite certain that being “Papa Wayne” to his two beautiful granddaughters was his most esteemed.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Patti; children, Nicole (Grant) Perreault Bygd, Jolene (Jake) Casey and Aaron Perreault; granddaughters, Sophia and Evie Casey; siblings, Dennis (Debra) Perreault, Lyle (Diane) Perreault, Mary (John) Kleven, Lori (Dan) Wavra, Bruce (Gwen) Perreault; countless relatives and friends.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Merlyn.
Funeral services for Wayne will be 11 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2020 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk, MN. The Rev. Fr. Joseph Sobolik will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation was from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 4, 2020 at St. Cecilia’s. The visitation then continued one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made at: alivingtribute.org., where you can plant a tree in his honor.
Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
John “Jack” Marcellus Schmitz February 17, 1936 ~ May 6, 2020
John “Jack” Marcellus Schmitz, 84, of Hibbing, Minn. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. A memorial service will be held Satureday, Sept. 26 at MJ’s Lodge and Resort on Swan Lake in Pengilly starting at 2 p.m. Dinner at 3:30 p.m. The family is hoping to have live music from 5 to 8 p.m. Dad loved a good party and we would like to honor him with one final one.
Luke James Serich November 30, 1980 ~ August 28, 2020
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Luke James Serich passed away Friday, Aug. 28, 2020 in his home with his mother and children at his side.
Luke was born on Nov. 30, 1980 in Grand Rapids, MN to Roberta and Jud Serich. He graduated from Greenway High School and prior to being disabled, he worked in the North Dakota oil fields. Luke was mechanically inclined, taking after his father. Luke loved to take things apart and put them back together. This ability led him to spend much time in his “beloved garage” working on motorcycles, lawnmowers, four wheelers, and anything with a motor. The sound of a motorcycle was music to his ears along with loud good music, the louder the better. Luke was the proud father of three children, Harley, Gracie, and Jud. They were his pride and joy. He took care of them, and they took care of him. Luke acquired diabetes at a young age and struggled with it all his life with his exceptional mother at his side. Together, they battled many surgeries, kidney problems, and other health issues. Luke will be remembered as being kind and gentle with a soft heart and would help out anyone that needed it. He had many wonderful friends and a community that supported him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and remembered for not wanting to smile for any camera or making gestures known to all with a smile.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Joseph “Jud” Serich; and his grandparents, MaryAnn and Jud Serich and Robert and Lenore Steager.
Luke is survived by his mother, Roberta Serich; his children, Harley, Gracie, and Jud; their mother, Rikki Pascuzzi; and many close relatives and friends.
Luke believed in one universal product we all use, “Never be without Duct Tape”.
Visitation will be 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine and will continue Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2020 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral mass in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Nashwauk.
Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Billy Dean Perryman October 5, 1951 ~ August 30, 2020
Billy D. Perryman, 68, known to most as 39, longtime resident of Nashwauk died Sunday, Aug. 30, 2020 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s in Duluth, MN.
He was born Oct. 5, 1951 in Kansas City, MO. Billy resided in Nashwauk for the past 43 years, coming from Missouri. He was a brick mason by trade and worked for Reintjes Refractory and United Refractory throughout his career. He was a member of the Local Bricklayers Union #1. Billy was a kind soul who would light up a room. He loved NASCAR, taking walks, old cars, especially his Model A, driving, being around people, animals, the outdoors, and most importantly his beloved children and grandchildren. Billy’s work ethic was second to none, he would be determined to fix anything that he got his hands on. He also was known as the Nashwauk Supervisor, always making sure the projects downtown went as planned.
He is survived by his children, Chris Perryman, Missouri, Saffron (Zak) Apel, Hibbing, and Cole (Amanda) Perryman, Nashwauk, MN; his six grandchildren, Paige Perryman, Alyssa Noelle and Breelyn Nicole Apel, Conner, Teagan, and Kade Perryman; his brother-in-law, David (Glenda) Maki, Minneapolis, MN; sister-in-law, Lynda Mae (John Kmiech) of Duluth, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Marie (Lord) Perryman; father; his wife, Brenda on June 10, 2019; two sisters; eight brothers, and his beloved dog, Maddi that walked along side Billy for 17 years.
Funeral services for Billy will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Richard Johnston will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. service at the funeral home on Saturday. A gathering of fellowship will be at O’Brien Lake Reservoir Pavilion located at 34613 Hwy. 169 in Nashwauk immediately following the funeral service. Everyone is invited to attend. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence for Billy, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Kenneth James Derfler 1949 ~ August 29, 2020
Kenneth James Derfler, of Nashwauk, MN, passed away at his home on Big Sucker Lake surrounded by his loving wife and children after losing his battle to cancer, on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020, at the age of 71.
Ken was born in 1949 to Arthur and Mildred Derfler in Grand Rapids, MN. He graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1968 and competed in baseball, cross country, and gymnastics. He served two years in the Army, and married Patricia Ann Derfler on Feb. 3, 1973, on the family farm in Hill City, MN.
Preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Mildred (Berg) Derfler.
Survived by his loving wife, Patricia of more than 47 years; four children, Tina (Joe) Pocrnich of Andover, MN, Jessica (Gary) Cook of Andover, MN, Sarah (Ken) Decoster of Coleraine, MN, and Anton (Deb) Derfler of Pengilly, MN; nine grandchildren, Gage, Augustus “Gus”, Logan, Alexia “Lexi”, Jack, Luke, Zoe, Ellivia “Livi”, and Ryder; two sisters Phyllis (Mike) Lipscy of Hill City, MN, and Darlene (Fred) Tanner of Bovey, MN; four nieces, a nephew, and close cousins.
Ken and Patty moved to the Iron Range from Princeton, MN in 1978. Ken worked as a maintenance mechanic on the “Bull Gang” at Hibbing Taconite and retired after 32 years of service.
Ken enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting big bucks and fishing. He attended many of his kids’ and grandkids’ activities and always enjoyed watching Minnesota Twins Baseball, MN Vikings Football, and MN Wild Hockey teams as well as Nascar. He was a member of the American Legion Post 307, participated in the Honor Guard, and marched in the Nashwauk Memorial Day Celebration and annual Nashwauk 4th of July parades. Ken was always a hit whenever he brought out his guitar and sang around the campfire, perhaps enjoying a Blatz or two or more.
Services at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids, MN as follows: Visitation: Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral service to be held at 1 p.m. Military Honors and Interment immediately following funeral at Nashwauk Cemetery. Celebration of Life with refreshments immediately after interment at Lone Pine Hall in Pengilly, Minnesota.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Fairview Range Home Care and Hospice, Mesabi Mall Hibbing, 1101 East 37th Street Suite 27, Hibbing, MN 55746. The family of Ken Derfler would like to give a special thank you to the hospice team who provided exceptional care of Ken, with a special thank you to RN “Gus” K.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Donna R. Hames June 18, 1944 ~ August 3, 2020
Donna R. Hames, 76, Nashwauk, formerly of Armona, CA died Monday, Aug. 3, 2020 at her home in Nashwauk.
She was born on June 18, 1944 to Donavon and Ivy (Anderson) Mason in Vancouver, BC. Donna married Michael Hames on Oct. 17, 1980 at the United Methodist Church in Armona, CA. She held various positions over her lifetime including; a teachers aide in special education and library assistant at Parkview Elementary in Armona, CA, secretary for the Central Valley Chapter of COPS National, the Kings County Sheriff’s department in Hanford, CA, the Citizens on Patrol with Armona COP group, and was an EMS/EMT for Guardian Ambulance for many years. She was also a Girl Scout den leader. Donna graduated from the University of Toronto, Victoria Campus. Donna was artistic, she painted for 10 years, she was Kings County Firefighters Association painter for all of the Kings Fair themes for the association’s spot in the garden building during the fair. She loved watching animals as a favorite pastime. Donna enjoyed camping, going to the ocean and to the mountains as well.
She is survived by her husband Michael Hames, Nashwauk, MN; children, Joseph D. (Susan) Hames, Dallas, TX, Sarah Jane (Jeremiah) Anderson, Eureka, CA, who were both adopted by Michael Hames, son Michael “Robbie” (Khrissy Lokilani) Hames, Hanford, CA, and raised for 5 years, James Yount, of Nashwauk, MN; and seven grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Wayne Mason.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be 12 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, 2020 at O’Brien Lake Reservoir Pavilion located at 34613 Hwy. 169 West, Nashwauk, MN, 55769. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the Pavilion on Friday. Interment will be in Grangville Cemetery, Armona, California at a late date.
An additional celebration of Donna’s life will be 4 p.m., Friday, March 12, 2021 at Grangville Cemetery in Armona, CA., located at 10428 14th Avenue, Armona, CA, 93212. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence for Donna, please visit us at; www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Rhoda Steel October 21, 1939 ~ August 14, 2020
Rhoda Steel, age 80 of Lawrence Lake passed away with her family by her side Friday, Aug. 14, 2020 at her home.
Rhoda was born Oct. 21, 1939 in Rock Creek, MN to Albert and Clara (Behrendt) Stevens. Rhoda graduated in 1957 from Bigfork High School, following graduation she joined the Marine Corps, serving from 1958 to 1961, in 1964 Rhoda was joined in marriage to her husband Ken. Rhoda worked as a legal secretary, she was also an administrator and co-owner of Steel Logging. Rhoda was an avid Vikings fan, she enjoyed gardening and most of all spending time with her family, especially her grandkids. Rhoda was always kind and helpful she will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Ken; children, Karla (Steve) Merhar, Brian (Jeannine) Steel; grandkids, Tarryn (Jeff Lapinski), Gabe, Ben (Ally Erickson), Tommy; and great-grandson, Finlee; siblings, Blondina Schmid, Phila Kick, Jamer Finch, Midge Wilson and Gaylord Finch.
She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings.
Per Rhoda’s request no services will be held.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Robert W. Welch May 25, 1923 ~ August 7, 2020
Robert W. Welch, 97 rural Nashwauk died on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020 in his home.
Born on May 25, 1923 in Fennville, MI, he was the son of Wallace and Eva (Haag) Welch. He was a machinist for Western tool and had been a resident of Nashwauk for over 25 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and living in Minnesota.
Survivors include one son, Richard (Lila) Welch of Nashwauk, MN; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and three Great-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Wilma in 2005.
There will be private family graveside services.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Ada Marie Hietala October 9, 1925 ~ August 3, 2020
Ada Marie Hietala, age 94, passed away, Monday, Aug. 3, 2020 at the Elder Homestead in Minnetonka of natural causes.
Ada was born on Oct. 9, 1925 to John L. and Mamie Belle Henry and grew up on her family’s farm in Jacobson. She married Arvo Hietala on Dec. 12, 1947 in Grand Rapids and they lived in the Trout Lake area on Arvo’s family farm. Through her maternal genealogical line, Ada was proud to be a descendant of the senior elder and community leader Pilgrim William Brewster, who arrived in Plymouth, MA on the Mayflower in 1620.
Ada graduated from Grand Rapids High School. Ada and Arvo co-owned and operated the Northernaire Lodge on Shallow Lake in Warba in the 1940’s. Ada was very active in the Warba Community Presbyterian church, was a 4-H leader in Trout Lake, local politics, a member of Shallow/Sand Lake Association, and mentored several children with disabilities throughout her lifetime.
Ada was preceded in death by her parents John and Mamie Belle Henry; her husband, Arvo in 2004; son, Edward in 1973; and siblings, Eva Williams, Olive Warner, Clifford Henry, Lila McFarlin, Lola Oaks; and son-in-law, Ronald Pfannsmith.
She is survived by Teresa Pfannsmith of Wayzata, MN, Arvella Hietala of Portland, OR, John (Darlene) Hietala of Warba, MN, James (Becky) Hietala of Warba, MN, and Kenneth (Nancy) Hietala of Waukesha, WI. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
Visitation was from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel in Coleraine. Interment will be in the Trout Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Gerald “Jerry” Alan Markovich June 24, 1969 ~ July 21, 2020
On July 21st a golden heart stopped beating. Heaven gained an amazing angel. Gerald “Jerry” A. Markovich, 51, lifelong resident of Bovey died at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born June 24, 1969 to George “Butch” and Wanetta (Mansfield) Markovich in Grand Rapids, MN. Jerry graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, MN. Throughout his lifetime, Jerry worked for various businesses including River Rat Bait, Hardees, Dominos Pizza, On Cue, Maurices, Vanity, the Sawmill, the Locker Room, and most recently RJ’s Market to list a few. These were the places that Jerry would eventually form lifelong friendships through. He was extremely caring, and devoted to everyone around him and was easily taken in as a true friend to many.
One passion he held was owning and operating Good Time Pizza in Bovey with his husband Mark Taray. If it wasn’t for illness that prevented Jerry from operating his business, he, along with Mark would still be hard at it. Together, they were extremely generous and supportive, especially with donations to their community until the very end. Jerry made sure that everyone was taken care of, and he touched the lives of just about everyone in this community. Jerry was an avid pet lover, he loved cooking for family and friends, gardening, entertaining, and catering. He was known for his exceptional eye when it came to interior decorating. It was a gift that he had, and put it to good use. It should also be noted that Jerry was obsessed with Facebook and social networking. Just a short conversation with him, and you became a friend on his Facebook account. One proud accomplishment was that Jerry was inducted into the Greenway Alumni Hall of Fame.
He is survived by his husband, Mark Taray, Bovey, MN; their “children”, Fred, Ethel, Ruby, Jayda, Reeses, and Rajah; his dear sister, Kim (Casey) Venema, Bovey, MN; Jerry’s two nephews, Eric (Becky) Venema, Bovey, and Nic (Melissa) Venema, Coleraine, MN; great-nephews, Colten and Kaleb Venema; many more beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews on the Taray family side; his mother-in-law, Ann Taray, Meadowlands, MN; brother and sisters-in-laws, John J. (Wanda) Taray, Cherry, MN, Barbara Taray, Meadowlands, Donna Perkins, Meadowlands, Jim (Brenda) Taray, Meadowlands/Proctor, MN, and Steve (Paula) Taray, Virginia, MN; his beloved aunt, JoAnn (Larry) Krause, Grand Marais, MN; his honorable sister, Teri Troumbly; and so many more special friends too numerous to list that will love and miss Jerry dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, John P. Taray; and beloved pets, Aurora, Wrigley, Lily, and Lightning.
In keeping up with the COVID-19 situation, Jerry’s family will be having a private formal memorial service in his honor, followed by a grand celebration of his life, “Jerry Style!”
when it is safe to do so. Arrangements are with Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Margaret M. “Marge” Leppanen September 11, 1922 ~ July 13, 2020
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Margaret Leppanen, age 97 of Nashwauk, passed away peacefully at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.
Marge was born Sept. 11, 1922 to John and Frances (Drysch) Zozgornik in Wawina, MN.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 53 years Einer Leppanen in 1994 and her son George Leppanen in 2018.
Marge is survived by her daughter, Linda Peterson of Grand Rapids, MN and her son Tom Leppanen of Nashwauk, MN, Marge had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Graveside services were held 12:30 p.m. on Friday July 17, 2020 at the Wawina Cemetery in Wawina, MN.
To leave an online message of condolence for, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com. Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home, 2615 First Avenue, Hibbing, MN.
Robert “Bob” Goodman Greenway Class of 1958, Champion Debater July 31, 1939 ~ June 29, 2020
Robert “Bob” Goodman passed away June 29, 2020. He was born in Carleton County, Minnesota, July 31, 1939.
He attended the University of Minnesota, majoring in Political Science. He married Nancy Nietz in September 1961. The couple lived in Stillwater, Minn., for 52 years.
Bob was an independent Minnesota historian, author, and co-author with his wife, of five books on local history. He loved giving talks on history to school groups and organizations. He was very active in the Washington County Historical Society, the Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission, and the Joseph R. Brown Heritage Society of Henderson, Minn.
He worked in various industries in the St. Paul including many years with American Hoist and Derrick. In later years he worked for the University of Minnesota and the U of M Extension Service. Bob was an avid gardener and loved travel to Europe and throughout America.
Bob is survived by his wife of 59 years, two brothers and their families.
Gregory Dean Olson July 14, 2020
Gregory Dean Olson, 57 of Keewatin, Minn., died unexpectedly on July 14, 2020 at his home. He loved fishing, watching NASCAR and spending time with his daughter and grandsons. Gregory worked with his dad at Olson’s Body Shop and Salvage Inc. in Keewatin for over 30 years as an auto repair mechanic.
Greg is survived by his mother, Bonnie Olson of Oklee, Minn.; brother, Alan (Nancy) Olson of Oklee; sister, Roberta (Gary) Vad of Keewatin; daughter, Danielle (Michael) Gangl of Hibbing, Minn.; grandsons, Addison and Carson; aunts, Lillian Myrum of Keewatin, Jeanette Olson of Hibbing and Susan Olson of Keewatin; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father Robert Olson; and uncles, Milton Olson, Donald Olson and Selmer Myrum.
Visitation were held at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020. The funeral service was held Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Dougherty Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior at 10 a.m. Interment will follow the service at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence.
Roy D. Knutson February 4, 1949 ~ July 4, 2020
Roy D. Knutson, 71, a longtime resident of Hartley Lake in northeast Itasca county, died on July 4, 2020, at home with family by his side.
He was born Feb. 4, 1949 in Minneapolis, MN, to Carlton and Aase Knutson (who met in Norway during WWII). Roy married Terri Anderson on Feb. 28, 1970, at the Cambridge Lutheran Church in Cambridge, MN. This past February, Roy and Terri celebrated 50 years of marriage. In 1976, Roy requested a job transfer from the Twin Cities to Grand Rapids, MN, where he and his wife Terri built a home on Hartley Lake, north of Balsam Township, where they have lived ever since. Roy was a dedicated worker, husband and father. He worked for the phone company under its various names for more than thirty years.
Roy was a part of a tight-knit community on Hartley Lake and enjoyed a close group of friends from Lawrence Lake Township as well. Roy passed away on July 4th. The 4th of July was Roy’s favorite holiday and he was known for hosting a yearly party. As he passed away at 8:45 p.m. with his family sitting beside him, it was almost as if he orchestrated all the fireworks that could be seen and heard in the distance to ensure he would have a proper sendoff. Roy’s favorite pastimes included motorcycles trips, fishing, and hunting and he was the leader of the Balsam Boy Scout troop for a few years. Roy also hosted a group of deer hunting friends for decades and turned his house into an annual deer camp.
He is survived by his wife Terri Knutson, who still resides on Hartley Lake; three sons, Eric Knutson, Minneapolis, MN, Chad Knutson, Naples, FL, Leif Knutson, Edina, MN; his brother, Egil Knutson, Novato, CA; his grandson, Ian Knutson, Coon Rapids, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Per Roy’s request, there will be no formal services at this time. Arrangements are with the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence for Roy, please visit us at; www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Christopher Mark Edman January 18, 1966 ~ July 11, 2020
Chris, 54, will be greatly missed by his children Matthew, Emily (Ben Flinchbaugh) and Rachel, whom he shared with former spouse Lisa; brothers and sisters Linda Sullivan (Joe), Patricia Gegner, Sandra (Dave) Slattum, Michael (Jan), Joseph (Ronni), Gerald (Jodi), Scott (Sandy), Mickey (Dennis) Krampotich, Mark (Cynthia); many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Preceded in death by parents Gerald and Anita Edman. Chris will be remembered for his infectious laugh, generous heart, and fabulous cooking. There will be a gathering 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home, 640 W. 7th St. The service will be Thursday 10 a.m. at Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 2048 Hamline Ave N., Roseville.
For the safety of all, the family requests that masks be worn at both the visitation and funeral.
Yvonne Francis Sampsell March 23, 2020
Yvonne Francis Sampsell, 66, of Hibbing, passed away Monday, March 23, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center. A Memorial service will be held Friday, July 31, 2020 at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing at 2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Fr. Joseph Sobolik will officiate. Burial will be at the Nashwauk Cemetery. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Kathy D. Rudeen June 24, 2020 ~ April 27, 1949
Kathy D. Rudeen, 71 of Chisholm, MN, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 in the Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing, MN.
She was born in Grand Rapids, MN on April 27, 1949, the daughter of David F. and Verna (Lenke) Card. She grew up in the Lawrence Lake area and graduated from the Greenway High School. She enjoyed collecting dolls, birds (cardinals), feeding peanuts to the squirrels, and adored her cats. She loved her family, grandchildren and friends, was always happy and positive, had a good attitude and sense of humor, independent and enjoyed her solitude and was loved by all.
Survivors include her sons, Gene (Linda) Roth of Chisholm, MN and Frank Roth of Grand Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Keana Roth, Dylan (Summer) Roth, Dallas Roth and Jadyn Yale.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Leota Jean; Brothers, Donald and Dennis Card.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service on Saturday, July 11, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com
Ruby B. Anderson April 16, 1934 ~ June 30, 2020
Ruby B. Anderson, 86 of Grand Rapids, MN, formerly of Coleraine, died on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 in the Grand Itasca Hospital in Grand Rapids.
Born on April 16, 1934 she was the daughter of Charles and Alice (Carlson) Ploof. She loved to cook, bake, garden, bingo and doing jigsaw puzzles. She knitted everything from socks to sweaters. She loved spending time with her family, and adored cats and dogs. She owned and operated Phil’s Grill in downtown Coleraine for many years, alongside her husband Phil.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara (Mark) Mastrian of Nevis, MN and Angela Anderson of Moorhead, MN; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Anderson of Nashwauk, MN; grandchildren, Travis (Shelly) Anderson of Bovey, MN, Kerry (Frank) Starkey of Greensboro, MD, and Andrew and Phillip Seeger of Red Lake Falls, MN; great-grandchildren, Raina (Roberto) Zaldivar and Andrew Starkey both of Greensboro, MD, Chris (Emily) Berglund of Grand Rapids, MN and Hannah Anderson of Bovey, MN; great-great-grandchildren, Corbin and Kylee Berglund.
She was preceded in death by her husband Phillip; her parents; son,; Andrew Anderson; and brothers, Frank and John Ploof.
Visitation was from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service on Monday, July 6, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
JoAnne Meyer November 6, 1944 ~ June 10, 2020
JoAnne Meyer, 75, of Plummer, MN, passed away on June 10, 2020 at her home, under the tender care of Hospice and her granddaughter, Hanah Drevlow.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the VFW Park in Grand Rapids, MN starting at noon.
JoAnne Adeline Hull was born on Nov. 6, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI, the daughter of Merlin Vurl “Pinky” and Georgenia Ann (Collins) Hull. She grew up in Wirt, MN, and attended Bigfork High School.
In November of 1961 JoAnne was married to Jewel Ellis Danielson. Together they made their home in Minneapolis until 1971 when they moved back to Northern Minnesota. Later they settled in Balsam Township in the Grand Rapids area, where she worked for the J + L Steel Company in Calumet, MN.
JoAnne relocated to Plummer, MN, upon her marriage to Jimmie Meyer in 1979. She worked for Northern Outerwear in Thief River Falls and was a co-owner of the Fix it Shop in Plummer.
JoAnne attended Northland Community and Technical College for Recreational Therapy. Later she went back to school and received her LPN license. JoAnne retired from Oakland Park Communities in 2013.
JoAnne loved all animals – especially her cats, dogs, ducks, chickens, and songbirds. In her free time she busied herself with her garden, restoring old furniture, spending time with grandkids, and beekeeping.
JoAnne is survived by her dear friend and companion, Chuck Chapman of Plummer, MN; her children, Terry Danielson of Tampa Bay, FL, Shellie (Scott) Sawyer of Powells Point, NC, and Todd (Rachel) Danielson of Flom, MN; sister, Barbara (Thomas) Adams of La Prairie, MN; grandchildren, Adam (Hanah) Danielson, Brandon (Stacy) Danielson, Mickenzie (Coalton) Hanson, Devin, Amber, and Carter Danielson, Christopher Danielson, Amanda Driskell, and William Driskell; great-grandchildren, Garrett, Tyrion, Finnley, Ethan, Jordon, Noah, Sidney, Aaden, Skylar, Zoe, and Aubry; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie; siblings, Madge Danielson and Kenneth Hull; and granddaughter, Angel Joy Danielson.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
William “Bill” R. Hachey 1932 ~ June 13, 2020
William “Bill” R. Hachey, age 87, of White Bear Lake, MN, formerly of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2020.
Bill was born in 1932 to Alexander and Mary Hachey in Grand Rapids, MN. Bill graduated from Grand Rapids High School. Bill attended the University of Minnesota before serving in the United States Army for two years. After his discharge, Bill returned to finish his schooling at Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota Graduate School. Bill and Doris Mae Johnson were united in marriage on September 14, 1957 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, MN. Bill worked at Greenway Schools as a teacher, a coach, and later a principal from 1958 until his retirement in 1992. After his retirement, Bill was the MSHSL region 7A secretary. He was also the Chairman of the Itasca Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Bill enjoyed spending his winters in Arizona on the golf course.
Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Doris; sisters, Rosemary, Catherine, Genevieve, Agnes, Florence, Shirley; two infant sisters; brother, Alex; and grandchildren, Chad Hachey, and Laura Nielsen.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Mary McDonnell of White Bear Lake, MN; sons, Michael (Eileen) of the Twin Cities, MN, James (Jill), of Taconite, MN, and Robert of White Bear Lake, MN; grandchildren, Joseph, Jacquie (Cia), Jason (Karley), Julie (Hector), Stefan, Scott, Chris (Desiree), Derek (Theresa), Tyler (Marina), 5 great grandchildren; son in law, Jeff McDonnell; and many nieces and nephews
A private family graveside funeral service will be held. Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Julie Ann Robertson November 20, 1963 ~ May 24, 2020
Julie Ann Robertson, 56, of Cook, MN passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2020.
Julie was born to Norman and Donna (Siedow) Huro on Nov. 20, 1963 in St. Paul, MN. Julie graduated from Nashwauk High School in 1981. She met and married Eric Hofmann and they were blessed with two children: Jessica and James. Although their lives led them in different directions, they remained dedicated parents. Julie met her husband, Steven Robertson in the early 90’s. She moved to Cook, MN with Steven and became a long-time resident.
Julie loved and fed the many animals that visited her yard. She enjoyed a herd of 20 deer that included an injured doe she called “gimpy”. Julie also loved the birds; she would often make homemade feed for them. Julie loved her wildlife, including the raccoons, but her passion were her dogs. She loved traveling to dog shows to compete with her dachshunds and her rottweilers. Julie loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She will be dearly missed by all.
Julie was preceded in death by her grandparents: Gilbert and Helen Siedow and Ernest and Lola Huro.
Julie is survived by her parents: Norman and Donna; husband Steven Robertson; her daughter, Jessica Gray; her son, James Hofmann (Stacey Althaus); sister, Lynne (Steve) Gangl; nephew and niece: Mark and Tiffany Gangl; and great nephews and one great niece; numerous friends; beloved pets, and many wildlife friends.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com
Condolences may be sent to Jessica Gray, 2730 16th Ave. E., Hibbing, MN 55746.
Clarence D. Kuusi April 24, 1939 ~ June 1, 2020
Clarence D. Kuusi, 81 of Pengilly, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 1, 2020 in the Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MN.
He was born on April 24, 1939 to Daniel and Elizabeth Kuusi of Menahga, MN. He married Bonnie Mears of Park Rapids on Aug. 2, 1958 and they had 3 children. Clarence was employed by Butler Brothers and National Steel Pellet Company as a welder for 34 years. During his employment, he was a grievance officer and later became the president of Steel Workers Local 2660.
He retired in 1994. He and his wife bought a lake home on Stocking Lake in Menahga, and enjoyed may years of fishing and spending time with his family. In his spare time, he worked for the Planning and Zoning Department in both Wadena and Itasca County, and the Parks Department in Wadena County.
Clarence and Bonnie moved back to the Iron Range, where he became active as a delegate and later on as the president of the local Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees United Steelworkers of America AFL-CIO-CLC (Soar). Other interests include president of the Bovey Moose Club 1061 and contributing to the Boys Town in Nebraska.
Survivors include his wife Bonnie of Pengilly; his children, Debra (Charles) Burns of Mankato, Terry (Diane) Kuusi of Hibbing, and Jeffery Kuusi and Michelle of Annandale. Six grandchildren; Jessica (Nick) Knutson of Eden Prairie, Rodney Whight and Kyra of Devils Lake, ND, Becky (Jake) Bjorklund of Phoenix, AZ, Katelyn Whight and Drew of Duluth, Tyler Kuusi and Becca of Grand Rapids and Teresa Jo Kuusi of Chisholm, and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Monday, June 8, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. The Rev. Diane Bolles will officiate. Interment will be in the Alajoki Cemetery in Menahga, MN.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
John P. Bielecki January 7, 1960 ~ December 8, 2019
John P. Bielecki, 59, died unexpectedly Dec. 8, 2019, at his residence in Patterson, CA.
John was born Jan. 7, 1960, in Hibbing MN to John and Helen Bielecki of Nashwauk, MN. He graduated from Nashwauk Keewatin High School, class of 1978. Soon after this, he relocated to Colorado where he married his wife Kris (Heyblom) Bielecki, resident of Swan Lake, MN. They then relocated to California where John spent his career working as a Sr. Engineer/Mechanical Technologist at places such as, Lockheed Martin, NASA, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
John enjoyed spending his time with his family doing outdoor activities such as, camping, fishing, hunting and metal detecting. In his down time, he loved spending time in his garage reminiscing with family and friends.
John is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kris Bielecki; daughters, Bailey Bielecki and Britney (Justin) Gomes; grandchildren, Jaxson 10, Roman 8, Tenley 6, Bentley 4; siblings, Theodore (Connie) Bielecki, Donna (Tom Rothrock) and Michael (Valerie) Bielecki. He was preceded in death by his father, John Bielecki; mother, Helen Bielecki; and son, Taylor John Bielecki.
Private services for the family were held in December of 2019. Celebration of life will be held at a later date in Northern Minnesota.
The Bielecki family would like to thank all family and friends who have reached out with kind words and generous gifts through this difficult time. Condolences can be sent to the family at 541 Clover Avenue, Patterson, CA 95363.
Services conducted by Hillview Funeral Chapel, Patterson.
James W. Durant March 23, 1963 ~ May 25
James W. Durant, 57 of Grand Rapids, died on Monday, May 25, 2020 in Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.
He was born on March 23, 1963 in Hibbing, MN, he was the son of Lorin and Jeanette (Stukey) Durant.
He is survived by his Dad, Lorin Durant; and his step-mother, Shirley Durant of Bovey, MN; his siblings, Tammie Beckman of Hibbing, Calvin (Melissa) Durant of Keewatin and Colleen (Glen) Cole of Meadowlands, MN; and nine nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Durant.
Per Jim’s request, there will be no services at this time.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Maxine Faye Davies July 8, 1933 ~ May 24, 2020
Maxine Faye Davies left this world for eternal rest on Sunday, May 24, 2020.
Maxine was born in Bovey Minnesota on July 8, 1933 to Pearl and Max Unger. She attended Greenway HS where she was head cheerleader and met the love of her life, Charles Perry Davies, Jr. They were married on Dec. 20, 1953 and became an Airforce family for the next 20 years, including several moves to San Antonio and Japan. They spent many years at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS with their three young boys where they grew to love the coastal life. When Chuck retired in 1973 they made their home in San Antonio and they proceeded to build a dry cleaning and laundry business together. Maxine was known for her amazing cooking skills - she learned to bake bread at the age of 5! Maxine was a fabulous wife, mother and hostess, famous for her warmth, high energy and humor. She loved her family fiercely.
Maxine was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Jaqueline Unger Stillar; sons, Charles P. Davies, III and Dana S. Davies.
She is survived by her best friend and husband of 66 years, Charles P. Davies, Jr., son, Scott M. Davies (Laura) and sister, Debbie Lundin (Curt), 4 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Memorial services were on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Sunset Memorial on Austin Highway at 1 p.m. with visitation starting at noon.
Bette (Boop) Jean Hodgson Beck Feb. 23, 1947 ~ May 8, 2020
Bette (Boop) Jean Hodgson Beck of Grand Rapids and Casa Grande, AZ passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Friday, May 8.
Bette was born in Grand Rapids, Minn. on Feb. 23, 1947 to Howard and Ester Hodgson. Out of this union two children were born. Bette the oldest and her brother William Hodgson. Bette also has a sister-in-law Kathleen Elich of Rural Bovey.
On Dec. 10, 1966 she married Robert W. Beck of Pengilly, Minn. They were married for 54 wonderful years. They had two beautiful children, Melissa and James Beck. They have six grandchildren, Jacob, Sarah, Jenna, Jimmie, Megan and Alex.
Bette worked for many years as an aide at Greenway High School in the Special Education Department before finding out she had lung cancer in 2000 the same year Robert retired from the paper plant. Bette was a 50 year member of Eastern Star.
Bette had many, many friends but most of all Peter and Peggy Bibich of Rural Coleraine. Many trips were made. We all went to Mexico twice and the East Coast. They were more like family than friends.
Dr. Sande of Duluth started Bette on her 19 years with cancer. Some good but mostly it was painful which she never showed to friends.
Grave side Service in the Coleraine Cemetery sometime in the spring of 2021.
Ralph Wayne Waisanen May 23, 2020
Ralph Wayne Waisanen passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Grand Village in Grand Rapids, Minn.
Ralph rejoins his wife Elaine, the love of his life, who passed away at their long-time home in Coleraine on Jan. 9, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his mother, Hattie Finnila, and stepfather, Toivo Finnila, and many of his favorite fishing buddies as well as his father, Waino Waisanen.
Ralph was born in Trout Lake Township and spent his early years traveling back and forth to Michigan to visit relatives. He was proud to serve his country in the Air Force and was stationed in Okinawa during the Korean War.
Military service and growing up in Trout Lake were at the heart of many of his stories. He was a one of a kind storyteller who knew how to make a room laugh. His grandchildren always knew something good was coming when he would fold his hands on his lap, purse his lips and slightly smirk.
Ralph was born into a Finnish speaking family and grew up being able to communicate in his family’s native language. He was blessed with a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. He taught in various schools and junior colleges across northern Minnesota, until taking his last position as a high school English teacher at his alma mater, Greenway High School.
He retired from teaching in 1988 and was able to spend many happy years pursuing his interests in photography, woodworking, gardening, playing cribbage, hunting and, best of all, trout fishing. If he wasn’t at home, you knew you would find him on a lake somewhere fishing, no matter the season.
Ralph will be lovingly remembered by his family. He is survived by his son, Mark (Jayne) Waisanen, Detroit Lakes, MN; daughters, Mary Waisanen, Cohasset, MN, Melanie Cohen, Seattle, WA, and Debra (Michael) Solem, Cohasset, MN. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Abby (James) Johnson, Katy (Jake) Reierson, Miranda (Kyle) Roethle, Chelsea Solem, David Cohen; and four great-grandchildren, Logan and Hudson Johnson and Caleb and Camden Reierson. He is also survived by his half-brother, James Finnila, and numerous nieces/nephews, cousins and in-laws.
The family would like to extend their appreciation for the loving care given to Ralph by all of his caregivers, including Debbie Barton, Becky Anderson and all of the caregivers from 4U Home Health Care who cared for Ralph while he was still in his home, and the staff at Grand Village and Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Itasca Hospice, especially during these last months with visitor restrictions in place due to the coronavirus.
A private family service will be held at an unspecified time and Ralph will be buried, along with his wife, Elaine, at the Trout Lake Cemetery.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Ellen Grace (Lee) Savolainen December 3, 1924 ~ May 28, 2020
Ellen Grace (Lee) Savolainen, 95, took her last breath on earth on Thursday, May 28, 2020. She was born in Calumet to Chris and Agnes Lee on Dec. 3, 1924. When she was four years old, her family moved to a farm in Williams, MN, where she was surrounded by a large extended family. Ellen was active in school, 4H Club and Sunday School. Both of her parents died on the same day when she was just 15 years old. Ellen moved in with relatives and graduated from Hibbing High School in 1942 and then Minneapolis Business College. After working for several years, she met her brother’s Navy buddy, Reuben. They were married on June 30, 1946 and made their home in Nashwauk, where they raised their five children. Ellen especially enjoyed family time at their cabin at Swan Lake, her many friends on bowling and bocce ball teams (which she participated in until she was 91), baking and sewing quilts to give as gifts. She was an active member of the Nashwauk United Methodist Church and the former Golden Age Club.
She was preceded in death by Reuben, her husband of 68 years, in 2015; her sons Todd in 2003 and Ray in 2016; an infant grandson, Anthony Carruth; her parents, sisters Esther Lee and Loraine (Lee) Church, and brother Ray (Leitha) Lee.
Ellen is survived by her son David (Carol), and daughters Joen (Denny) Blomberg and Jill (Tim) Carruth, daughters-in-law Georgene (Bruce) Gustin, and Suzanne Savolainen. She cherished her 11 grandchildren, Craig, Jeff, Eric, Adam and Micki Savolainen, Amy Campbell, Tyge and Brian Blomberg, Amanda Oswald, and Timmy and Travis Carruth; and her 15 beloved great-grandchildren, Ethan, Eli, Zach, Adelyn, Grayson, and Emilia Savolainen; Katie, RJ, and George Campbell; Jafet, Lark, Aven and Selah Blomberg; Hanah White, and Judson Oswald. Throughout her life she loved and enjoyed her many cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Special thanks are extended to her nephew, Steve Dasovich, Dr. Thompson, the Fairview Range Hospice team and the dear ladies of her church. Due to the current pandemic, services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Marie Elva Scheer July 22, 1938 ~ May 6, 2020
Marie Elva Scheer, 81, was born on July 22, 1938 in the log cabin built by her parents near Bigfork, MN. She graduated from Bigfork High School and began nurses training at General Hospital in Minneapolis. She married Bob Marcotte and they raised their children together for 13 years.
She died unexpectedly on May 6, 2020.
She was preceded in death by her parents Clarence ‘Conny’ and Hellen Scheer, and is survived by her sister Joyce Brown. Marie is also survived by children, Chris (Chuck Root) Marcotte, Mike (Audrey Zhang) Marcotte, Julie (Jeff Katnis) Marcotte, Rose (Matt) Belille, and Joe Marcotte. Grandchildren Elizabeth, Jon, Jackson, Hannah, Dani and Ruby. Great grandchildren Lucy, Greta, Hudson and Charlie.
Marie’s contributions to her community were numerous. She received her master’s degree from the U of MN and worked for various state agencies (MDH, LAC, DHS) for nearly 25 years. After retirement she worked at Alexandra House Women’s Shelter for 12 years. In 1983 Marie took a hiatus and spent 5 years mining for gold in Arizona. Other interests included reading, writing, watercolor, and Reiki. Plans for Celebration of Life in Bigfork are TBD.
Sharon Lee Kosman August 26, 1940 ~ May 17, 2020
Sharon Lee Kosman, 79 of Bovey, died on Sunday, May 17, 2020 in her home.
She was born on Aug. 26, 1940 in Mahnomen, MN, she was the daughter of Elmer and Mable (Olson) Anderson. She grew up in Calumet, MN, was a 1958 Greenway High School graduate, she married Ray Kosman on May 16, 1970 in Marble, MN.
Sharon had an adventurous soul, scuba diving in the Caribbean, riding motorcycles, singing karaoke and going on cruises. She loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, loved to garden and had a green thumb, and was an excellent cook. She also loved spending time on South Twin Lake.
Survivors include her husband Ray of Bovey; her children; Barry Anderson, Julie (Mike) Marrier of U.S. Virgin Islands, Michele Trott of Elk River, MN, Wade (Michelle) Kosman of North Branch, MN, Debbie (Ray) Buhil of Ham Lake, MN, Kim (Randy) Smith of White Bear Lake, MN and Gary (Sharon) Kosman of Forest Lake; Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Donat of Linwood, MN; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Dickie G. Murden August 5, 1941 ~ May 11, 2020
Dickie Gene “Papa” Murden passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, May 11, 2020.
He was born in Sibley Township Aug. 5, 1941. He spent the majority of his life in Balsam Township where he worked the farm with his parents and brothers. He eventually settled down the road from his homestead and ran his business, Balsam Auto Recyclers, until he retired and moved to town. For the past 8 years, Dick lived in Hibbing with his son Dan and his family. Dick enjoyed his daily routines, talking to his brothers, recycling and scrapping, tinkering at his property, collecting coins, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was always ready with a pot of coffee and a smile. He was a simple man with few expectations who was always willing to help others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Dickie is survived by his sons, Daniel (Debbie) Murden of Hibbing, MN, William (Shane) Jeno of Hampton, MN; daughter-in-law, Janet Murden of Balsam Township; brothers, James (Janice) Murden of Nashwauk, MN, Donald (Nancy) Murden of North Branch, MN; grandkids, Donald, Jausaun and Jestin Murden, MaKayla, Naomi, Taite, Audra, and Laine Murden, Calvin ‘Reed’ Jeno, James McBride; and numerous beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
Dickie was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Florence; brother, George Martin; and children, Nancy Jo Murden and Robert John Murden.
A small private interment will be held at Balsam Cemetery for immediate family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Balsam Volunteer Fire and Rescue to support the community Dick loved so much. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
John “Jack” Marcellus Schmitz February 17, 1936 ~ May 6, 2020
John “Jack” Marcellus Schmitz, 84, of Hibbing, Minn. passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
Jack was born in Bluffton, Minnesota on Feb. 17, 1936 to John and Rose Schmitz. He was the youngest of six children. He and his brother Ole were known to cause a bit of mischief from time to time. On Sept. 26, 1953 he married Hazel Komppa. They were married for 49 years before her passing in 2002. Jack was in the Air Force for 4 years stationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was one of the hardest working, most straight forward men you could ever meet. He had an unbelievable work ethic. He always had more than one job… whether it was hauling milk, farming, owning a bar or gas station, taping and spraying drywall or working in the mine. He was a “Jack” of all trades and could fix most anything. He enjoyed putzing in the garage or yard. He also enjoyed classic country music and the road trips to Branson. He loved playing cards and watching the Twins. Most of all, he was happy getting Hazel riled up over their thousands of “happy hour” Yahtzee games. There was nothing he liked more than when she had to dip into her wicker gambling chicken to pay her debts.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings; his wife, Hazel; infant son, David John; granddaughter, Robbie Joy Schmitz; grandson, Jake Anderson; and son-in-law, Craig Anderson.
He is survived by his children, Doug (Kathy) Schmitz, Darrel (Dar) Schmitz, Marcy Anderson and Amy (Ron) Erkkila; ten grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren (twins due in October); two great-great grandchildren; and his special friend, Maryann Uselman.
His family would like to thank his long time Doctor, Amy Hilde-Philips, the wonderful homecare and hospice staff for all of their care and support and to his Real Life friends for caring and checking in.
In lieu of gifts for the family, please make a donation in Jack’s name to Homecare and Hospice of Hibbing, St. Jude’s or the charity of your choice.
A private family service will be held with a celebration of life at a later date.
Visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence.
Jack Odden April 15, 1929 ~ May 7, 2020
Jack Odden, 91 of Bovey, Minnesota, died on May 7 in Grand Rapids MN.
Born on April 15, 1929 in St. Paul, MN, he was the son of Clifford and Dorothy Odden Jack was a lifelong resident of Bovey. He married Joan Denzel on Oct. 17, 1959. He served in the Navy during WWII. After his discharge, he worked at the Danube and Hibbing Taconite Mines. After retiring he was employed at the Bovey Merck, Bovey Holiday gas station and the Wastewater Treatment Plant which he retired from in 1994.
Jack enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and working on small engines, and spending time with his family.
Preceded in death by his father, Clifford; mother, Dorothy; and daughter, Deborah.
He is survived by his wife, Joan of 60 years; children, Kevin (Tiya) Odden, Bovey, Tammy Wahlstrand, Hibbing, Linda (Joe) Simone, Florence, MT, Carol (Dave) Savolainen, Nashwauk MN, Clifford, California, Jackie (Victor) Greco, Grand Junction CO, Donna Hemphill, Florence, MT; grandchildren, Shawn, Fargo ND, Megen (Dustin) Barsness, Duluth, Tyler, Bovey, Nicole, Joey and Jolene Montana, Eric, Nashwauk, Micki, Hibbing, Joshau, Nevada, Camille, Nevada, Kelie, Colorado, Heather and Samantha, Montana; several great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Gustason, Grand Rapids; nieces and nephews, Eugene Gustason, Ed Gustason, Vickie Jamsa, and Gary Gustason, Terri Stupar, Mike and Mark Stupar; and beloved granddogs, Ceasar and Keysha.
A Private Family service will be held at the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine.
Arrangements by Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Trevor Lee Setnosky May 17, 1998 ~ April 25, 2020
Trevor Lee Setnosky passed away unexpectedly on Saturday April 25, 2020 at the age of 21 in Grand Rapids, MN.
Trevor was born May 17, 1998, graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 2017 and served in the Army National Guard. Trevor was full of life and loved by many. His contagious smile and laughter brought life to the room. He loved the outdoors, music, and was a avid video gamer. He was very passionate about his family and friends; his memory will be held dear to the our hearts as he will be greatly missed by everyone he touched.
He has selflessly saved the life of others through organ donation and even given sight to the blind as he would want nothing more than to allow someone else the opportunity to experience the love and joy he has.
Trevor is survived by his father Charles Setnosky; mother and step-father, Jodi and Bryan Pepin; sister, Alexandra Setnosky (nieces, Ava and Audree Hadersbeck); brother, Quinn Setnosky and step-brother Zane Foix; paternal grandparents, Ted Horton and Deborah Kannas, Charles Pepin, Linda Couturier (Joe); uncle, Barry Jackson (Angie); cousins, Jennifer Foskey (Mark) and Hannah Jackson, and many other loving family and friends.
He is preceded in passing by his maternal grandparents Wallace “Bobe” and Norissa “Gene” Jackson.
Trevor’s life will be celebrated in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Minnesota at a later date.
Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Lloyd C. Cogswell September 18, 1929 ~ April 24, 2020
Lloyd C. Cogswell age 90 of Taconite, passed away Friday, April 24, 2020 at his home with family by his side.
He was born Sept. 18, 1929 in Harvey, IL to Hobert and Della Mae (Padgett) Cogswell. Lloyd was a 53 year resident of Taconite.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Hobert and Della Mae; siblings, Geraldine Estes, Richard Cogswell; children, Robert and an infant daughter.
Lloyd is survived by his wife of 57 years, Dianna Cogswell; children, Letty (Jim) Gould, Gregg (Valentyna) Cogswell, Doug (Shanna) Cogswell, Cindy (Gary) Curtis, Kelly (Jeff) Groshong; siblings, Mona King, Clara (Walter) Zapchenk; 15 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and his second wife Jeanette Troumbly.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at Peterson Funeral Chapel in Coleraine. Private family burial will take place later at Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneral
chapelofcoleraine.com.
Lucille Eleanor Tonkin December 30, 1925 ~ April 24th 2020
Lucille Eleanor Tonkin, 94, of Rochester, MN, died Friday April 24, 2020 at Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th, where she had been recently residing.
Lucille Eleanor Tonkin was born Dec. 30, 1925 in Strathcona, MN, the daughter of Carl and Ida Christenson. She was raised in Bovey, MN.
She married Bruce Grant Tonkin on Oct. 11, 1947. The Tonkins lived in Hopkins, MN, Madison, WI, and Roseville, MN before being transferred with IBM to Rochester in 1962. Lucille spent a lot of her free time as a pink lady volunteer for the Methodist Hospital. Lucille loved to spend time with her grandkids, and cooking and baking. She also enjoyed boating in the summer months.
She is survived by a son, William (Pamela) Tonkin of Alexandria, MN; a daughter, Jean (Thomas) Grehan of Santa Fe, NM; five grandchildren, Christopher, Timothy, and Ryan Tonkin, and Austin and Peter Grehan; and five great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a brother Christy, and a sister Bernice.
A graveyard service will be held in Coleraine, MN at a later date.
If so desired, memorials may be directed to Samaritan Bethany Home on 8th. Online memorials are being welcomed and may be created at mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
Dawn M. Woodman March 4, 1974 ~ April 24, 2020
Dawn Woodman, age 46 of Nashwauk, passed away with family by her side Friday, April 24, 2020.
She was born March 4, 1974 in Grand Rapids, MN to Gary and Mary (Kovakovich) Woodman. Dawn was a lifelong resident of Nashwauk and a 1992 graduate of Nashwauk-Keewatin High School. Dawn was employed at Keewatin Taconite as a lab tech for 24 years. She loved dolphins, the color purple and above all else hanging out with her family, especially her grandkids.
Dawn is survived by her significant other Jeremy Drake; children, Jay (Elizabeth) Woodman, Cody Olsen, Kyla Olsen, Aspen Drake; mother, Mary Woodman; brother, Shawn Woodman; grandkids, Madison Woodman, Patrick Woodman and Xander Musakka; nieces, Samantha and Sabrina Woodman.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gary Woodman.
Services for Dawn will be held at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Byron E. Cole May 5, 1953 ~ April 9, 2020
Byron E. Cole, 66, longtime resident of Bemidji, MN died Thursday, April 9, 2020 at his residence in Bemidji.
He was born on May 5, 1953 to Harvey and Martha (Gangl) Cole in Grand Rapids, MN. Byron worked at ODC in Bemidji. He enjoyed doing puzzles, coloring, and drawing as his pastimes.
He is survived by his brother, Robert (Eva) Cole, Calumet, MN, dear cousin, Geraldine (Fred) Hoshal, Calumet, and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Per the Cole’s family request, there will be a private family gathering held at the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine on Tuesday. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery of Coleraine. Arrangements are with the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence for Byron, please visit our website at; www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com
Janet H. Delich February 16, 1940 ~ April 7, 2020
Janet H. Delich age 80 of Bovey passed away Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at her home.
She was born Feb. 16, 1940 in Grand Rapids, MN to Herman and Selma (Mischke) Mattfield. On July 22, 1961 she was joined in marriage to Robert Delich at Saint Vasilije of Ostrag Serbian Church in Chisholm. During her working career Janet was employed at the Hibbing Hospital, School District 318 out of Grand Rapids and the lab at the Blandin Paper Company. Janet loved dancing and singing, she sang at weddings, funerals and family reunions. She taught ethnic dancing and enjoyed square dancing. Janet was an avid gardener she was a member of the Cloverdale Garden Club. Her true passion was cooking for her loving husband Bob.
Janet is survived by her husband, Robert; siblings, Sylvia Noworatzky, Norman Mattfield, Violet Hanson, Delores (Eigenberger) Christianson, Herman (Mary) Mattfield, Robert Mattfield, Gerald Mattfield, Weldon (Cindy) Mattfield, Meloy Mattfield; best friend, Dr. Esther Potti; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Selma; siblings, Maynard Mattfield, Roger Mattfield, Raymond Mattfield and Joyce Gonzalez; brothers in law, Roman Noworatzky, Lyle Hanson, Roy Eigenberger and Verlin Christianson; sister in law, Virginia Mattfield; and stepfather, Walter Sundstrom.
Services will be held at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Rhonda M. Betz July 16, 1959 ~ January 11, 2020
Services for Rhonda Betz are postponed until further notice.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Rhonda M. Betz July 16, 1959 ~ January 11, 2020
Rhonda M. Betz, 60, Andover, MN, formerly of Coleraine, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 in North Memorial Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN.
Born July 16, 1959 in Sandstone, MN, she was the daughter of Wallace and Rosemary “Mitzi” Volk. Rhonda grew up in Coleraine and was a 1977 graduate of Greenway High School where she was a hockey cheerleader, competed on the ski team, and played saxophone in the band. She worked in accounting for several nationally recognized corporations including; Stratasys, A.K.W., Medtronics, Land O Lakes, Carlson Companies, Stein Industries, Eschelon Telecom, and Taco Bell Corporate in California. Rhonda moved from her hometown to discover herself, only to find that her missing piece and love of her life, George, would draw her back to Minnesota. They married on Nov. 27, 2004 in the Earl Brown Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. Rhonda’s eyes glimmered and her infectious smile couldn’t be contained. This was the beginning of the happiest chapter of her life. She enjoyed camping with “my” George and their dog SadieLu at the Eagle Cove Resort in Mora.
Her father, Wallace Volk and a brother, Stewart Frets preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband, George; her step-children, Nathan (Olive) Betz, Kristine (Mike) Schaan, Ryan Betz and Allison Betz; her granddaughter, Margot; her mother, Mitzi Seibert; siblings, Mary Kay Bass, Dan Volk, Bill (Michelle) Volk, Pam Volk, and Denise Olson; her father-in-law, Roger Betz; her brother-in-law, Dan Betz; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 12 noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Maida Cowling Erickson May 6, 1927 ~ February 18, 2020
Maida Cowling Erickson, 92, of Coleraine, MN, died Feb. 18, 2020 at Northwoods Villa in Grand Rapids, MN.
Maida was born on May 6, 1927 to Randall (Hank) and Hannah (Newberg) Cowling in Hibbing, MN, and was a graduate of Hibbing High School.
Maida married Roy Erickson on July 27, 1947. Roy and Maida moved to Coleraine in 1956 where they raised their children.
Maida is survived by her son, Reed (Paula) Erickson of Side Lake; daughter, Joanne Erickson (Tom Caouette) of DeLand, FL; daughter-in-law, Lynda Erickson of Side Lake; grandchildren, Brett (Karen) Denzel, Rolf (Monica) Erickson, Heather (Tim) McNally, Todd (Nancy) Erickson, Leah (Justin) Crossley, Kyle (Missy) Erickson, Seth Erickson, Emily Erickson; 13 great-grandchildren; brother, Randall Cowling; and former daughters-in-law, Ginny Erickson of Coleraine, and Vickie (Al) Whirley of Grand Rapids.
Maida was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Erickson; son, Randall Erickson; parents, Randall and Hannah Cowling; and brother, Donald Cowling.
Per Maida’s wishes, an interment ceremony will take place this spring.
Wilbur “Bill” Raymond Smith August 10, 1933 ~ February 5, 2020
Wilbur “Bill” Raymond Smith, 86, of Firestone, Colorado, went home to his heavenly Father on Feb. 5, 2020.
He was born in Bemidji, Minnesota, Aug. 10, 1933. Bill graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, Minnesota and received Master’s and Specialist’s degrees from Bemidji State College, Mankato State University, and the University of Minnesota.
He was married to Patricia “Penny” Evelyne Nelson Smith on Aug. 10, 1957 in Bach, Minnesota after meeting each other while Bill was on leave from the Army and visiting his college roommate. It was a match made in heaven even after 62 and a half years living in small communities throughout Minnesota, as well as California, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
Bill had a 39-year career in education as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in school districts throughout Minnesota and Arizona with seven years on the Navajo Reservation. He touched thousands of lives sharing his excitement for knowledge, learning, and serving those in need. He was an avid reader with no topic off limits.
His first passion was working with youth in his community. With this passion for working with youth and his passion for sports he was a coach of hockey, football, basketball, skiing, soccer, and baseball.
He could be found traveling the backroads to everywhere explaining the history of each place as he traveled. He was thrilled to be lost and taking short cuts to rediscover places that he had once been. With his family in tow, vacations were never dull. His hobbies included model railroading, genealogy, hunting, fishing, and camping with a special love for northern Minnesota.
He was a member of American Legion, Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, the United States Army, and the National Guard.
Most important to Bill was his family and his faith.
He was preceded in death by his father William Raymond Smith, his mother Clara Marie Flermoen, and baby sister Timothia Smith.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Penny; his eight children, Cheryl Jean Jenkinson of Moab, Utah, William James Smith and his wife Beverly of Lancaster, California, Gregory Alan Smith and his wife Juli of Lino Lakes, Minnesota, Mari Chris Harguth and her husband Charles of Frederick, Colorado, Scott Andrew Smith and his wife Jane of Knife River, Minnesota, Timothy Patrick Smith of Superior, Colorado, Kari Lynn Smith of Firestone, Colorado, Mollie Colleen Harings and her husband Trevor of Anchorage, Alaska; 17 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, in Longmont, Colorado, on Feb. 11, 2020 at 11 a.m. with interment at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.
Ed Nokua March 25, 1924 ~ January 29, 2020
On Jan. 29, 2020, Edwin C. Nokua, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by family, caregivers and a dear friend.
He was born on March 25, 1924 to Charles and Mamie Nokua in Coleraine. He spent his elementary and junior high school years in Bovey, graduating from Nashwauk High School in 1941. Following a year with Butler Brothers in Hibbing, he enrolled in Hibbing Junior College studying Business Administration. He entered the Army in 1943 where he was in the Army Specialized Training Program at UCLA, and later sent to France in the immediate follow-up to the Battle of the Bulge. On March 16, 1945 at the border of the Moselle River between France and Luxembourg, he was seriously injured when an artillery shell exploded nearby. After hospitalizations in England and the East Coast, he was sent to the VA hospital in Iowa from where he was discharged in November of 1945.
He went on to finish a degree in Business Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1948, subsequently working for Cargill, Inc. as an internal auditor. His primary career in the wood products industry included positions in Marshfield, Wisconsin and Arcata, California and with the Weyerhaeuser Company as Controller in the main Toronto office. In 1966 he relocated to Portland, Oregon to affiliate with the Columbia Plywood Company. He often shared that he derived the greatest pleasure of his career from his work with company staff.
In 1958, he was united in marriage to Donna Wing in Arcata, California. They enjoyed 52 years together, raising their two children Scott and Kirsten. Busy career and family life are evident in a trove of photos from family gatherings, travels abroad, and regular Spring vacations with the children. He was a golf enthusiast with memberships in the Portland Golf Club and the Multnomah Athletic Club. He was a dog lover with many generations of boxers sharing a place in the family. He and his wife were long standing members of the Valley Community Presbyterian Church.
In his final years he took renewed interest in his Bovey roots, flying to Minnesota in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to watch the Bovey Farmers’ Day Parade. In 2019, he was honored to be its Grand Marshall, a wonderful highlight in the final chapter of his life.
He is survived by his son Scott and daughter Kirsten (Fred) Waker, both of Portland, Oregon, two grandchildren, Jessie (Becca) and Casey Waker; step sister Elsie Mackie, and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna, sisters Violet Wilson and Dorothy Nokua, step-father Axel Mackie, step-sister Ruth Almquist and step-brother Chester Mackie.
A memorial service and interment will take place at a later date at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
Memorials may be sent to the Bovey Public Library.
Adam Riley King May 25, 1994 ~ February 9, 2020
Adam R. King, 25 of Keewatin passed away Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020 in the comfort of his own home with his parents, and Sister Heidi at his side, after losing his cancer battle with Glioblastoma.
He was born May 25, 1994 to William “Bill” and Gina (Calaguire) King in Hibbing, MN. After graduating from Nashwauk High School in 2012, Adam attended UMD, earning a Bachelors’ Degree in Mathematics. He was currently teaching at Deer River High School as a math teacher.
Adam loved baseball, hunting ducks and geese, bear hunting with his dad, and the hunting trips to Manitoba Canada. He loved spending time with his family on their many trips to Florida. Adam enjoyed riding rollercoasters with his best friends, snowboarding, wakeboarding, and especially being with his sister. Adam loved all professional sports, especially the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and the Wild.
Adam is survived by his parents, William and Gina King, Keewatin, MN; sisters, Heidi (Rudy) King-Beck, Andover MN, Lauren King and Elizabeth King, both of Hibbing; maternal grandparents, Joe and Betty Calaguire, Nashwauk, MN; paternal grandmother, Joanne King, Grand Rapids, MN; special Godmother, Auntie Bobbie of Mankato, MN; many aunts, uncles, cousins; nieces, Jaci and Emma Koppes; and his nephew, Austin Glad.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Harold “Shorty” King, Warba, MN.
Funeral services for Adam will be 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 14, 2020 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk, MN. The Rev. Fr. Thomas Galarneault will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020 at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. The visitation will then continue one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Friday. A private interment will be held in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing at a later date. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of
Hibbing.
To honor Adam’s love for Minnesota sports teams and all things Marvel comics Universe, please join us in wearing a Marvel Shirt or a Minnesota Sports team shirt to the services.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Minnie Frances Chellico Fragnito September 18, 1922 ~ December 2, 2019
Minnie Frances Chellico Fragnito passed away peacefully Monday morning, Dec. 2, 2019 in her daughter’s home, Merced, California.
Minnie was born Sept. 18, 1922 in Nashwauk, Minnesota, to Italian immigrants, Vincenzo Louis Celico and Josephine Luzzi both from Acri, Italy. Minnie was number 6 of 9 children whom all preceded her in death, Tomasina Mary “Daisy” Chellico (Joseph) Simone from Nashwauk, MN.; Louis James Chellico, from Nashwauk, MN, Annie Chellico Deluca (Lewis) from Medford, OR, Natale Celico and Joseph Celico from Nashwauk, MN, Angeline Mary Chellico Tripp (Eugene) from Missoula, MT, Eva Chellico, from Nashwauk, MN and James Emil (Hooner) Chellico from Las Vegas, NV.
She attended Nashwauk Elementary and High school. Minnie married the love of her life, John James Fragnito (from Nashwauk) while he was home on furlough between Army Air Corps mechanic schools in 1941. Minnie followed him to St. Louis, where she worked as a waitress at the Military base dining hall. When Plunky deployed to Normandy, France, Minnie stayed with her parents in Nashwauk and drove truck in the ore mines of northern Minnesota, transferring samples to the labs. When Plunky returned they bought a Filling Station/Auto repair (Plunky’s Garage) in Pengilly, MN. They had for children: Josi, Johnny, Jimmy and Joey “the Bee”. She was member of Saint Kevin’s Catholic Church and active in the local PTA. In 1960 they moved to Missoula, MT. They ran a neighborhood store on the North side of Missoula and the Missoula Airport Café. Minnie worked as a waitress until she retired. She was a world traveler. She followed her daughter to Alabama, Texas, Germany, Italy, Japan, Virginia, Washington State and California. Minnie and her sister Angeline Tripp spent every February in Hawaii for over 20 years; she loved to participate in the senior Olympics which she won most of the time. Minnie was very adventurous; she went skydiving at the age of 72 and 73 with her grandson Paul. Her true love was dancing. She danced her heart out until she was 93 years of age (to the fiddlers, accordion, square dancers and ball room dancing). Her motto was “dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listing and live like its heaven on earth.” Minnie had a radiant smile that everyone fell in love with. She was very active in volunteering at the voting booth for years. She was a member of the Red Hat society since 1998. Minnie was an avid Mall Walker for years. Minnie was famous for her Italian Easter bread which she baked over 100 loaves each year on Good Friday for her family and friends. She created the best thick crust cheese pizza every Friday, in Pengilly, MN before it was commercialized. Minnie was a kind and giving person, she opened up her home to anyone that would come to visit and she took in college student for board in her 7 bedroom Missoula home. She lived a fun exciting life but always true to her Catholic faith. Minnie lived in Stevensville, MT with her son, “Bee” and daughter-in-law, Lorraine for 2 years before she moved to Merced, CA with her daughter, Josi, December 2018.
Minnie was preceded in death by her husband Plunky and her son James Cosmo Fragnito from Missoula, MT.
Minnie is survived by her daughter Mary Josephina Celico “Josi” (Richard) Fragnito-Lira; son John James (Gay) Fragnito Jr.; daughter-in-law Sherry Fragnito; son, Joseph Daniel “Bee” (Lorraine) Fragnito; her grandson Paul Douglas (Tiffani) Hall, Shanna Fragnito (Bill) Johnson, John J Fragnito III, Frank Bradford (Glendyl) Smith IV, Amelia Fragnito (Jesse) Keely, James Cosmo Fragnito Jr.; sister-in-law Bernice Chellico; seven great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.
There will be a memorial and celebration of life for her Feb. 15, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. at the Garden City Funeral Home, 1705 W. Broadway St., Missoula, MT 59808 (406) 543-4190. Minnie will be laid to rest with her husband Plunky at the Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7405 Mullan Rd., Missoula, MT 59808 at 3 p.m. Correspondence can be sent to Josi Fragnito-Lira, 2199 W China Bar Dr., Merced, CA 95348 (253)376-1891.
William “Bill” R. Barse November 30, 1948 ~ February 1, 2020
William “Bill” R. Barse, 71, Marble, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 in his home.
Born Nov. 30, 1948 in Bigfork, MN, he was the son of Ralph and Loretta (Hoaglun) Kluck. Bill was a 1966 graduate of Greenway High School, a U. S. Army Veteran of the Viet Nam War, and had been a resident of Marble for over 30 years. Bill and Terrie Cotten were married on April 13, 1973 in Gallup, NM.
Bill’s parents, Ralph and Loretta Kluck; and a sister, Cristine Brown preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Terrie; children, Charlene Larson of Bovey and Bryan (Tricia Huson) Barse of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Zachary, Chaylene, Alexander, Dakota, and Tianna Larson, Taylor, Madison, and Trenten Barse; great grandchildren, Kristina and William Larson; and siblings, Linda Olds of Minneapolis, MN, Steven Kluck of Calumet, and Jim Kluck of Nashwauk.
There will be a celebration of life in the Marble City Hall from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 with Military Honors at 3 p.m. Arrangements are by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
George R. Olson May 3, 1941 ~ February 2, 2020
George R. Olson, 78 of Bovey, died on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020 in his home.
He was born on May 3, 1941 in Grand Rapids, MN, he was the son of Obed and Anna (Johnson) Olson. He married Sylvia Pliska in 1991. He was a operator for the Blandin Paper Company. He was a 36 year life member of the Grand Rapids Eagles, and enjoyed bowling and golfing.
Survivors include his children, Rochelle (Mike) Stitt of Grand Rapids, Kelli (Larry) Hamlin of Bovey, Darren (Pamela) Olson of Bovey and Troy (Paula) Olson of Durand, WI; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Yvonne (Harold) Madsen of Warba.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Olson; a son, Shawn Olson; and a brother, Eugene Olson.
There will be a Celebration of Life from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. There will be a continuation of the gathering at the Blackberry Store.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Mrs. Pauline Denise “Dennie” Holmbeck February 4, 1954 ~ December 31, 2019
Mrs. Pauline Denise “Dennie” Holmbeck of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, died in a hospital in Omaha, Nebraska on Dec. 31, 2019, after very, lengthy battles with cancer and a missed diagnosis of Type 2 Bipolar Disorder.
Dennie was united in marriage with her husband, David G. Holmbeck of Grand Rapids, Minn., on Oct. 20, 2002, at the Longville Bible Chapel in Longville, Minn.
Dennie was born to her mother, Martha Rose Darner and her real father, Paul David Brinkley in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Feb. 4, 1954.
She is preceded in death by her beloved infant son, Ian; and, therefore, Dennie must go to him, Ian cannot come to her (2 Samuel 12:23). She is also preceded in death by her parents and her beloved grandmother, Ida.
Dennie is survived by her husband, David G. Holmbeck; her beloved step-mother, Helen Fryckman of Chisholm, Minn.; and her most-beloved great granddaughter, Lillie Williams of Red Oak, Iowa. She is also survived by her sister, Marty Johnson; her brother, Steve Gravett; her half-brother, Tad Gravett; her nephew, Steven Wade; three children from Iowa, Eric (Kenna) Johnson, Aimee (Wade) Banning, and Erin (Richard) Munns; and three step-children from Minnesota, David O. Holmbeck (Terri), Daniel G. Holmbeck, and her beloved step-daughter, Sarah E. Holmbeck; 8 grandchildren from Iowa; and 3 step-grandchildren from Minnesota.
During the prime of her health, Dennie and her husband, David, knew that there was more to life than the four horses that she owned in her lifetime: “Penny”, “Bandit”, “Dakota”, and “Pecos”. But as Dennie’s health deteriorated, she spent more time diligently and meticulously recording her training sessions with her most recent horse Pecos. Indeed, from the beginning, David and Dennie were soul mates for 17 years whom God seemingly joined together, after each had previously been married and had had children and grandchildren of their own. They were once camp cooks at her Uncle Kirt Darner’s elk and mule deer camps in the Cibola National Forest near Pie Town, New Mexico. She and David also enjoyed ballroom dancing to the Bemidji State University Orchestra, and were members of the Grand Rapids Friendship Dance Club.
They were members of the Cuyuna Rock & Mineral Club, collected rocks, minerals, fossils, agates and arrowheads from Northern Minnesota; and then sold rocks and minerals all over the world on EBay, including Spain and Germany. They enjoyed watching their eleven, co-mingled grand children at numerous school sporting events, swimming with them at the LaRoux Mine Pit near Nashwauk, camping at McCarthy Beach State Park at Side Lake, Minnesota, swimming and throwing rocks in Lake Superior at Park Point, Duluth, Minnesota, hiking and swimming with them at the Joyce Estate in the Chippewa National Forest, and picking agates with them in gravel pits near Cromwell. Dennie loved watching her husband, David, perform with his daughter and her step-daughter, Sarah, at the West Range Country Show in Coleraine, Minn. That is to say, Dennie could only watch, because she knew that she couldn’t match the singing talent of the Holmbeck duet—the future rising stars of country music on the Iron Range.
Dennie loved cooking for church friends and family, especially Mexican cuisine. She loved picking blueberries near Atikokan, Ontario, with her daughter Erin, husband David, David’s sisters Claudia and Jackie, while camping in their 1998 Dodge Diesel Truck. And the couple regularly went to see her real father Paul David Brinkley, her two half-brothers, Paul and Matthew Brinkley, and her Uncle Eddie Brinkley-cousins in Farmington, New Mexico. On the same trip, she would visit her mom’s family in Albuquerque, especially her beloved Grandma, Ida, who happened to be one-half Apache; and who, David feels, passed-on wisdom, and both inner and outer beauty to her granddaughter, Dennie. She also enjoyed fishing for brook trout with her husband, David, and her brother, Steve Gravett, on the Dark River north of Chisholm. For five years, Dennie and David patiently and lovingly mentored Travis and Tasha Mathews through the Kinship Mentoring Program. And of course, Dennie loved mixing soil in her greenhouse, designing her walking trail and rock garden, and tending to her plants and flowers at her home in LaPrairie.
Now, however, she’s serving her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by showing Him the wonderful flower garden that she’s been tending for her Lord’s Glory (Revelation 22:3). But most importantly, her husband, David, believes (and the Bible states) that Dennie and her infant son, Ian, are finally and forever united in heaven where there is no longer any weeping.
In remembrance of Dennie’s entire life here on earth, since Feb. 4, 1954, David asks that, in lieu of flowers and gifts, donations on Dennie’s behalf be given to Project GRL at joycemeyer.org; and using account #10021777. Project GRL is a special ministry of Joyce Meyer specifically directed to helping women and girls recover spiritually and emotionally from past sexual abuse. Joyce Meyer Ministries can also be contacted by calling 1-800-727-9673.
During Dennie’s Christian memorial service in May, her husband David will be sharing from the Bible and wants you to know that throughout the service there will be discreet opportunities for repentance of soul (Mark 10:46), for those seeking mercy (Micah 6:8) and especially for those seeking forgiveness from themselves (Joshua 20:1-5). David intends that these discreet opportunities for seeking God’s mercy will be without coercion or public display, and during personal and private prayer times with a select group of local men and women of God.
A Christian memorial service for Dennie is planned by her husband David at the LaPrairie Rock Church of God in LaPrairie (Grand Rapids), Minn., and is set for Saturday, May 2, 2020. Visitation at the church is set for 10 a.m. and the service is set for 11 a.m. Interment will be in the Holmbeck family plots, near Dennie’s mom’s grave (Martha Rose Gravett) and David’s first wife’s grave (Merrilyn Joyce Holmbeck) at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids; but there will be no graveside service. A meal will be provided after the church memorial service.
Arrangements are by the Libbey Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.libbeyfuneralhome.com.
Rodney M. Johnson August 11, 1948 ~ January 12, 2020
Rodney M. Johnson, 71, Grand Rapids, died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth.
Born Aug. 11, 1948 in Duluth, he was the son of Melvin W. and Patricia A. (Brisk) Johnson. He grew up in the Proctor and Pike Lake areas and had been a resident of the Midway area of Grand Rapids since 1973. Rodney and Melissa Haburt were married on Sept. 5, 1970 in Duluth. He had owned and operated Iron Range Redi Mix and Range Precon in Hibbing and had also worked for Duluth Redi Mix, Troumbly Brothers, and Schwartz Redi Mix. Rodney was a member of the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church of Coleraine, was a member of the D.A.V. and was a Navy Sea Bee during the Viet Nam War.
His parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Alvin Lout preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife, Melissa; sons, Ryan and Bryan D. (LaNea) Johnson; and grandchildren, Ryan P., Hannah, Haleigh, Tyler, and Jacob.
Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 in the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Coleraine. There will be a time of fellowship and luncheon in the church social hall immediately following the service. Interment will be in the Minnesota State Veteran’s Cemetery, Duluth. Arrangements are by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Rhonda M. Betz July 16, 1959 ~ January 11, 2020
Rhonda M. Betz, 60, Andover, MN, formerly of Coleraine, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 in North Memorial Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN.
Born July 16, 1959 in Sandstone, MN, she was the daughter of Wallace and Rosemary “Mitzi” Volk. Rhonda grew up in Coleraine and was a 1977 graduate of Greenway High School where she was a hockey cheerleader, competed on the ski team, and played saxophone in the band. She worked in accounting for several nationally recognized corporations including; Stratasys, A.K.W., Medtronics, Land O Lakes, Carlson Companies, Stein Industries, Eschelon Telecom, and Taco Bell Corporate in California. Rhonda moved from her hometown to discover herself, only to find that her missing piece and love of her life, George, would draw her back to Minnesota. They married on Nov. 27, 2004 in the Earl Brown Center in Brooklyn Center, MN. Rhonda’s eyes glimmered and her infectious smile couldn’t be contained. This was the beginning of the happiest chapter of her life. She enjoyed camping with “my” George and their dog SadieLu at the Eagle Cove Resort in Mora.
Her father, Wallace Volk and a brother, Stewart Frets preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband, George; her step-children, Nathan (Olive) Betz, Kristine (Mike) Schaan, Ryan Betz and Allison Betz; her granddaughter, Margot; her mother, Mitzi Seibert; siblings, Mary Kay Bass, Dan Volk, Bill (Michelle) Volk, Pam Volk, and Denise Olson; her father-in-law, Roger Betz; her brother-in-law, Dan Betz; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 12 noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service on Saturday, March 28, 2020 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Darren Warmbold (Baba) January 13, 2020
Darren Warmbold (Baba), age 58 of Keewatin MN, passed away on Jan. 13, 2020.
He grew up boxing, cruising around in his Malibu and racing snowmobiles. He loved his cats, hunting and fishing and was known around town for fixing up small engines.
He is survived by his sons, Tony (Raven) Koppes of Keewatin, Darren (Brittiney) Warmbold of Nashwauk and Jonathan Warmbold of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Jackson, Weston, Noriella, Luca, Khloe, Jaci, Emma, Violet and London; siblings, Darryl, Dale (Mary), Dana, Roy Jr., Katherine (Roger), Donna (Harry), Diane, Doreen, Denise (Steve) and Karen (Richard) and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Sylvia (Olson) Warmbold; brother in law, John Damyanovich; and niece, Heather Lee Hanson. Memorial to be determined by family at a later date.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Angeline E. Peterson March 8, 1927 ~ January 17, 2020
Angeline E. Peterson, 92, longtime resident of Nashwauk died Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.
She was born March 8, 1927 to Herman and Anna (Poepping) Denne in Freeport, MN. Angeline entered the Sacrament of Marriage with Alvin Peterson on Sept. 23, 1947 in St. Rosa, MN. She was employed with Golden Crest Nursing Home as a housekeeper. Angeline was a very devote Catholic who loved her faith. She was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk. Angeline loved cooking, baking, canning, and gardening. She also enjoyed sewing, flowers in the summer, and was an avid reader.
She is survived by her children, Shirley (Joe) Goldie, Ham Lake, MN, Yvonne Sampsell, Hibbing, Candy (Gary) Brooks, Nashwauk, MN, Debbie Boulley, Hibbing, Bob Peterson, Cloverdale, MN, and Mike (Cheryl) Peterson, Cambridge, MN, her 25 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, her daughter-in-law, Linda Peterson, Wabana, MN, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ron Peterson, grandson, Nicholas Peterson, husband, Alvin Peterson in 2006, parents, nine brothers, two sisters, and two sons-in-law, Gary Wesanto, and David Boulley.
Funeral services for Angeline will be 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk. The Rev. Fr. Joe Sobolik will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral Mass at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery in Nashwauk, MN. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Charles H. Kick July 24, 1943 ~ January 17, 2020
Charles H. Kick, Jr. 76 of Marble, died on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020 in his home.
Born on July 24, 1943 in Grays Lake, IL, he was the son of Charles and Yvonne (McGuire) Kick. He married Phila “Pidie” Stevens on Nov. 24, 1992. He was a truck driver for Potlatch, he enjoyed gardening, working on and fixing computers, was a numbers guy and loved doing peoples taxes. He was a 30 years resident of Marble, where he was known to have the best yard in town.
Survivors include his wife, Phila Kick of Marble; his children, Twyla (Brian) Montrose of Orlando, FL, Charles (Barb) Kick III and Steven (Amy) Kick both of Chicago, IL, Darren (Pam) Olson of Bovey, MN, Troy (Paula) Olson of Durand, WI, Rochelle (Mike) Stitt of Grand Rapids, MN and Kelli (Larry) Hamlin of Bovey, MN; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Patrick Kick, John Kick, Dan (Barb) Kick, Jim Kick, Larry Kick, Ralph (Julie) Kick, Randy (Josie) Kick, David (Chris) Kick, Peter (Carey) Kick, Tony (Kari) Kick, Kathleen (Robert) Flary, Suzanne (Roger) Towery, Marcella (Ron) Roed and Yvonne Kick; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Tami Bigness and Shawn Olson; and siblings, Helen (Ray) Mueller, Steven, Jeffrey and Quin.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020 in the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Coleraine. Interment will be in the Ascension Cemetery in Grays Lake, IL. Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Earl H. Weidendorf 1935 ~ January 2, 2020
Earl H. Weidendorf, age 84, of Nashwauk, MN passed away Thursday, Jan. 2, 2020 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN.
Earl was born in 1935 to Albert and Ann (Nable) Weidendorf in Oconomowoc, WI. Earl attend school in Oconomowoc, WI and then served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. After his discharge, Earl worked as a machinist for Honeywell and FMC until his retirement. Earl moved to Northern Minnesota 18 years ago and settled in Nashwauk.
Earl was a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid fisherman, was a skilled mechanic, and loved woodworking and playing cribbage.
Preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Betty Rhode and Sandy Towle.
Earl is survived by his son, Duane (Jill) Weidendorf of Spring Hill, FL; daughters, Linda (Jeff) Bergstrom of Florida, Melissa (Heather) Weidendorf of Grand Rapids, MN; sisters, Nancy (Richard) Asleson of Isanti, MN, Jackie Winkelman of Bloomington, MN, Lynn (Bill) Hoover of Ash Flat, AR; brother, Gary (Karen) Oberg of Atoka, TN; brother-in-law, Tony Towle of Long Prairie, MN; three grandchildren, John, Brittany, and Mary Weidendorf; his companion cat, Tom; and many nieces and nephews including Chico and Lori Hellmann who were his favorite fishing buddies.
Visitation will be on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020 at 4 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 5 p.m. Memorial Service. Patty Jo Erven will officiate.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
William Charles “Bill” Fideldy June 8, 1939 ~ January 4, 2020
William Charles “Bill” Fideldy, life-long resident of Trout Lake Township, MN, passed onto his heavenly home Jan. 4, 2020 at the age of 80.
Bill was born in Mason City, Iowa on June 8, 1939 to Ruth Maxine (Gooch) and Ralph John Fideldy. The family moved to northern Minnesota when Bill was five. He was raised in Trout Lake Township and graduated from Greenway High School in 1958. He had his life altering accident in 1961 when the dead top of a birch tree (widow maker) fell on him and broke his back. He lived a valiant life battling chronic pain and went on to graduate from Dunwoody Technical Institute in 1963 as a machinist. He used these skills for both work and hobby time to build farm buildings for the grand kids and sterling engines.
He married his beloved wife Carol Helene Abercrombie April 25, 1964. Bill and Carol owned and operated Fideldy Drilling with family until 1997 when they retired. Bill was a devoted husband and father. He loved inventing and building things in his shop, especially with his grandchildren. He held a term as the president of the MN Water Well Association and had been a member of Bethel-Trinity Lutheran Church. While at the Garden Court Chateau, he spent many summer days at the Forest History Center, where the staff made him an honorary member.
Bill is remembered by his wife Carol of 55 years; daughters, Cathy (Paul) Moenning and Debbie (Jacob Bush) Fideldy-Bush; grandchildren, Emilie (Noah) Fenske, Timothy, and John Moenning; great grandchildren, Eli and Josie; three brothers and sister-in-laws, Ralph and Amy, James and Louise, and Dennis and Jil. Bill’s nieces and nephews are Kevin and Becky Fideldy, Troy and Emily Fideldy, Tiffany Fideldy and fiancé Jason Reitzel, Ryan (Jennie) Fideldy, Shana and Steve Kongsjord, and great nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother David.
He will be deeply missed my family, friends, his care givers at the Garden Court Chateau, and all who knew him. Blessed be his memory.
Visitation will be 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. celebration of life on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020 in the Bethel-Trinity Lutheran Church, Bovey. Interment will be in the Trout Lake Lakeside Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Dorothy “Dottie” J. Firman 1938 ~ December 19, 2019
Dorothy “Dottie” J. Firman, age 81 of Grand Rapids, MN passed away Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends.
Dottie was born in 1938 in Grand Rapids, MN to Alexander and Dorothy (Edstrom) Gray. Dottie graduated from Greenway High School and the Minnesota School of Business. Dottie worked for School District #318 for 22 years. She was married to James Firman for 58 years.
Her hobbies included gardening, Swedish weaving, camping, fishing, and enjoying her grandchildren. An avid hockey fan, she and Jim were long-time season ticket holders for GRHS hockey. Dottie also loved Christmas and was affectionately known as “Mrs. Christmas” by her family. A lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, Dottie also volunteered regularly at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital for almost 20 years.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings.
Dottie is survived by her daughter, Julie (Bill) Kinner; son, Michael (Sheri) Firman; grandsons, Logan and Brandan; mother-in-law, Johanna Firman; sister-in-law, Sue (Gary) Berg; brothers-in-law, Richard (Sally) Firman, David (Kris) Firman, Robert Firman; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 at 10 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN followed by the 11 a.m. Memorial Service. Rev. William Zeige will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery, Grand Rapids, MN.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Daniel John “Wang” Guyer July 21, 1956 ~ December 18, 2019
Daniel John “Wang” Guyer, died Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2019.
He was born in Grand Rapids, MN on July 21, 1956. Dan was an avid, or as Doris says, a “rabid” sports fan. He was incredible with numbers and could give you stats on all sports teams. It was amazing to witness. He loved his Minnesota Vikings (SKOL) and the Twins. Dan loved his Greenway High School sports teams with a passion, very rarely missing a football or hockey game.
Dan was very proud of his Taconite roots and loved everyone that lives there, and considered them all family. He was a member of the Taconite Sons of American Legion Post #301
Dan was a devout Catholic. He was an extremely generous, honest and loving man with a heart of gold. He always wanted to be there to help family and friends.
Dan learned how to text specifically so he could chat with his brothers and nephews during the games on TV, laughing and sharing the comments with Doris.
The family would like to thank Tom Stoll, for being there for and with Dan during his last hours.
Dan was preceded in death by his parents, James “Pecky” and Maryclare Guyer; his brother, Rick “Buzz” Guyer; and nephew, Ricky Lind.
Dan is survived by his loving wife Doris. His instant family of children, Roy (Sammi) Ling, Curtis (Lori) Ling and Kimberly (Mark) Lantinen; grandchildren, Tricia (Jason), Elya, Hannah (Jose’), Trevor, Rachel (Brandon), Caleb (Cassie), Naomi, Tirzah (Zachary) and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Adriel, Elisha, Kenai, Phoenix, Lakota and Layla; his brothers, Pat (Tessie) and Tim (Heidy); and sister-in-law, Kris Guyer; nieces and nephews, Gino (Laura), Andrew (Calli), Alex, Marina (Tyler), Haley, Molly, Jamie (Cassie), Brina; great-nieces and nephews, Ryan, Tessa, Lily, Leo, Brynn, Grace, Ellie, JJ, Kylah, Maddy and Brady.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 12 noon, Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 in Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Merlyn Ann Perreault March 4, 1932 ~ December 19, 2019
Merlyn Ann Perreault of Red Lake Falls, MN passed away on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 at her home in Red Lake Falls, MN.
Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN with Father Bob Schreiner Officiating. Burial will be held at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery at Terrebonne, MN.
Visitation was held on Sunday from 5 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN, and also one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.
Merlyn Ann Fredrickson was born to Chester and Ida (Westerlund) Fredrickson on March 4, 1932 at the rural family home in Gervais Township, Red Lake County, MN. She attended Pershing School in Plummer, MN graduating in 1950.
Merlyn was united in marriage to Vern L. Perreault on Aug. 22, 1950, in Plummer, MN. The couple made their home on the Perreault family farm near Terrebonne. She was a farm wife and mother to six children. She also worked as a nursing assistant at St. John’s Hospital in Red Lake Falls.
Merlyn was a past member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Terrebonne, MN, and an American Legion Auxiliary member and present member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Red Lake Falls, MN.
The couple enjoyed traveling and spending many winters in the southern states. Merlyn enjoyed quilting, crocheting, cooking, gardening and playing cards. Her biggest enjoyment was time spent with her children and families.
Merlyn is survived by her children Dennis (Debra) Perreault of Grand Rapids, MN, Wayne (Patti) Perreault of Nashwauk, MN, Lyle (Diane) Perreault of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Mary (John) Kleven of Red Lake Falls, MN, Lori (Dan) Wavra of Red Lake Falls, MN, and Bruce (Gwen) Perreault of Moorhead, MN; grandchildren Michelle (Clint) Lundeen, Ryan (Mollie) Burke, Renae (David) Caneday, Jacquelyn (Brian) Senske, Jennifer (Noah) Wahl, Nicole (Grant) Perreault-Bygd, Jolene (Jacob) Casey, Aaron Perreault, Laura (Travis) McDonald, Terese (Jeff) Amble, Christine Kleven, Karl (Carly) Kleven, Keith (Rebecca) Kleven, Matt Wavra, Katie (Travis) Seeger, Nick (Heidi) Wavra, Kimberly (Courtney) Wavra, Justin Perreault, and Jenna Perreault; great-grandchildren Brodie and Brylie Burke, Anna, Owen and Megan Caneday, Logan, Bennett, Kellen, and Brynn Senske, Cooper, Sawyer, and Kennedy Wahl, Sophia and Evelyn “Evie” Casey, Norah and Amelia Amble, Marielle McDonald, Kole, Lane and Kayla Kleven, Beau, Cruz and Hailee Wavra, Hope and Ava Wavra, and Tre, Mataya and Mason Seeger, Oaklyn and Finley Wavra; siblings Gladys Amundson of Erskine, MN, Clarice Wilcox of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law Karen Thygeson of Thief River Falls, MN; along with many nieces and nephews.
Merlyn is preceded in death by her parents, husband Vern in 2011, brother Floyd Fredrickson, infant brother, great-grandsons Tate and Tyson Seeger.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be sent to St. Anthony’s Cemetery fund.
Casketbearers: Matthew Wavra, Nicholas Wavra, Karl Kleven, Keith Kleven, Aaron Perreault, Justin Perreault, Ryan Burke.
Robert James Savage, Jr. August 18, 1954 ~ December 10, 2019
Robert James Savage, Jr., 65, of Keewatin, went home to be with Jesus Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2019 at Essentia Health in Duluth.
A memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 16, 2019 at Open Door Church in Hibbing at 11 a.m. with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Pastor Roland Weaver officiated. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in the spring. Military Honors were accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Robert was born Aug. 18, 1954 in Hibbing to Robert and Maxine (McMurtrie) Savage. He graduated from high school in Superior. He enlisted in the Navy, serving during the Vietnam War, receiving his honorable discharge in 1977. Following the Navy Robert worked as a custodian at several schools before getting his welding degree and working for Electric Power Door, retiring in 2012. Robert was united in marriage to his best friend, Robin Roxberg on June 8, 2013. He was a member of Open Door Church and was active in Celebrate Recovery.
Robert enjoyed woodworking and helping his neighbors and friends. He loved spending time with his family and his four dogs, Annabelle, Maggie, Taco, and Pepper.
Survivors include his wife, Robin of Keewatin; two sons, Isaiah of Onamia, MN and Josiah of Keewatin; four sisters, Suzy Jacobsen, Caroline (Roger) Kangas, Nancy (Rick) Sundvick, and Marylou (Ken) Staupe; one brother, Frank (Wendy); and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Ray Jacobsen.
Lowell R. “Ookie” Hansen July 7, 1951 ~ December 11, 2019
Lowell R. “Ookie” Hansen, 68 of Coleraine, died on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019 in the Grand Itasca Hospital, Grand Rapids.
Born on July 7, 1951 in Grand Rapids, MN he was the son of Adolph and Hilda (Carlson) Hansen. He grew up in Coleraine, graduated from the Greenway High School, attended Itasca Community College and later worked as a laborer for Hibbing Taconite, retiring in 2007. On Feb. 4, 1989 he married Susanne “Scholz” Helmbrecht in the Bovey Lutheran Church. He was a member of the AAD Temple Shrine in Duluth, he loved to golf, fish, and enjoyed the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and his friends at the Locker Room.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Susanne Hansen of Coleraine; daughter, Rhonda (Tim) Trefethren of Coon Rapids, MN; and his two grandsons that he loved very much, Jeramy and Shaye; a brother, Matt (Sharon) Hansen of Minneapolis, MN; a niece, Caroline (Kevin) Springer, and a nephew, Scott Hansen, both of Minneapolis, MN.
There was a gathering of family and friends from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
William “Bill” Harold Thurman November 15, 2019
William (Bill) Harold Thurman, 76, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth surrounded by family after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Bill is survived by his wife Sharon; children Cory (Karen) Thurman, Bill (Leah) Thurman, Rebecca Thurman (Jason Jeffers); grandchildren Lindsay (Nick) Cossalter, Jeremy (Brittni) Thurman, Beau (Amy) Thurman, Cody (Bethany) Thurman, Shelby Wilcox, and David Strey; brother Walter (Leilani) Thurman; sisters Wilma Peratalo (Bob Tilden), Sandra Smart; sister-in-law Amy Maki; great grandchildren, Annabelle, Haley, Paisley, Lydia, Sawyer, DJ, Peyton, Natalie and Myra; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Vivian and Willard Thurman; brother Richard Thurman; father and mother-in-law Jim and Ruth Poore; and brother-in-law Terry Maki.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Pengilly, MN with a luncheon to follow. Visitation for two hours prior to the service.
A private internment will be held at a later date.
Henry W. “Hank” Kautto July 20, 1936, ~ Nov. 2, 2019
Henry W. “Hank” Kautto, of Nashwauk, died Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, at Cottage Wood Senior Communities Memory Care in Rochester, Minn.
He was born on July 20, 1936, to Charles and Josephine (Ronkainen) Kautto.
Hank was employed at Mesaba Service in Hibbing, where he relined brake shoes for heavy equipment trucks used in the mining industry. After Mesaba Service closed he worked at the Swan Lake Country Club. Hank was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Hank enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his sons and many great friends from the Iron Range communities. You could always count on Hank to have the sauna hot any time of year. Hank was a fan of all of the great polka music, Vikings football, and the Nashwauk 4th of July celebrations. There was never a dull moment with Hank and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maria (Flores) Kautto; his sons, Charlie (Patty) of Nashwauk, Mark (Mary) of Rochester, Minn., John the US traveler, Pete (Robin) of New York Mills, Minn.; nine grandchildren: Cassie Kautto, Katie Kautto, Mathias (Bridget) Kautto, Isac Kautto, Hannah Kautto, Erica (Jay) Wray- Hourhihan, Nicole (Adam) Barnette, Kevin Bender, Annie Kautto; five great-grandchildren; and niece, Lisa Kautto.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Oscar Kautto and John Kautto; and cousins, Don (Susie) Ronkainen and Ann (Ray) Coan.
Funeral: Services will be held at a later date.
Herman J. Wirtz April 28, 1926 ~ September 27, 2019
A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Herman J. Wirtz, a life long resident of Cloverdale, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Cloverdale Town Hall, 16470 County Road 8 (North of Nashwauk). Pastor Jack Tillotson will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard. Interment will be in the spring at the Nashwauk Cemetery. Refreshments will be served. Please join with family and friends to honor and remember Herman who was a great husband, father, grandfather and neighbor. He will be greatly missed by so many.
To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Mildred I. “Millie” Wirta November 18, 2019 ~ August 18, 1921
Mildred I. “Millie” Wirta, 98 of Deer River, died on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 in Essentia Health Deer River.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the 12 p.m. Funeral Service on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 in the Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Bovey. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
A full obituary will appear in a future issue of the Scenic Range NewsForum.
Lorraine F. Andrews February 26, 1926 ~ November 8, 2019
Lorraine F. Andrews, 93 of Grand Rapids, MN died on Friday, Nov. 8, 2019 in the Majestic Pines Assisted Living in Grand Rapids.
Born Feb. 26, 1926 in Lampson, WI, she was the daughter of Frank and Marie (Carlson) Lavalier. She graduated from Greenway High School in 1944, within two days, she was off to Washington to work for the War department. She married Donald Andrews on Aug. 8, 1946. She worked as a Secretary/Clerk for St. Louis County. She was a charter member of the Legion Auxiliary Post 476, a member of a birthday club for over 70 years. She was a volunteer at the Hibbing Hospital and for the Special Olympics. She enjoyed bowling, sewing, crafts and playing cards, where she was a winner at cards until the age of 93. She enjoyed her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents; and siblings, Wayne Lavalier and Jeanette Lavalier Chucker.
She is survived by her sons, Michael (Pat) Andrews of Coleraine, MN, Gregory (Peggy) Andrews of White Bear Lake, MN and Bradley (Pat) Andrews of Virginia, MN; ten grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Agnes R. Johnson 1928 ~ November 7, 2019
Agnes R. Johnson, age 90, of Bovey, MN passed away on Nov. 7, 2019, at Essentia Health – St Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN.
Agnes is survived by her daughters, Agnes (Doug) Johnson of Ham Lake, MN, and Marilyn (Steve) Munger of Grand Rapids, MN; son, William “Bill” (Carol Berghammer) of Bovey, MN; sister, Laverne Meinhard of Jefferson, WI; two brothers, Phil Bocinsky of Lockport, IL, and Joe (Marlene) Bocinsky of Grand Rapids, MN; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A rosary service will be held Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine, MN followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Fr. Seth Gogolin will officiate. Burial will be at Harris Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Wayne Glen Boehner 1937 ~ November 6, 2019
Wayne Glen Boehner, age 82, of Grand Rapids, MN passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital.
Wayne was born in 1937 in Amery, WI to Ardie and Helen Boehner. Wayne worked at Excelsior Amusement Park for several years where he met Marian Caswell. Wayne and Marian were married and together they raised three children.
In 1965 Wayne went to work for Powell Candy Co. in Hopkins, MN and worked there for 30 years. In 1995, Wayne and Marian moved north to Nashwauk in a log home and lived there for 21 years. While living in Nashwauk, Wayne worked at the lumber yard for six years.
Preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Marcy Ann Benner; brothers, Waldo, Donnie, Wallace, and Bill.
Wayne is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marian; son, Daryl (Diane); daughter, Cindy; seven grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids followed by the Memorial Service at Noon. Pastor Marva Jean Hutchens will officiate.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN.
George William Skurich Aug. 23, 1927 ~ Oct. 9, 2019
George William Skurich, Sr., 92 of Hibbing left this world the only possible way he could, when he was ready.
Born to Samuel and Mary (Oshasky) Skurich of Marble, MN on Aug. 23, 1927, the youngest of seven children. George, or Bill as he was also known, grew up just like a lot of boys of his generation. He explored the wilderness, swam in mine pits, and began a life full of stories that would make a Hollywood movie seem very feasible. If you ever spent any time with him, he would have gladly told you all about them and one of his seven jokes he rotated through.
George, at the age of 18(ish), enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably as part of the Greatest Generation in Europe during the winding days of World War II. He was a proud member of the Big Red One! Like many of this era, he spoke very little about his time in combat and hardly anything of how he obtained a slight limp that he would have for the rest of his life. One thing George did mention was his time as an honor guard for the Nuremburg Trials where he watched and guarded infamous Nazis on trial. When George returned to Minnesota after the war, he met and fell in love with the women he spent close to 66 years of marriage, Anne Hydukovich of Buhl, MN.
The first night they met, he offered her a ride home from a dance. After she accepted, he let her know that his car was nothing special and kind of embarrassing. After she still wanted the ride home, he walked her out to his brand-new car, that he had bought that day. Anne and George were married July 31, 1954. Anne was with him on the day that he left this world. Together, they would raise five children. George worked in sales selling everything from heavy equipment for mining to food in the service industries later in his career. George participated in an Honor Flight to Washington DC for his service in the armed forces. He was also in General Eisenhower’s Honor Guard and orchestrated logistics for President Kennedy’s visit to Hibbing’s Memorial Building. George was a member and past president of St. Michaels Orthodox Church, the Masonic Lodge, and was a Commander for the VFW Post 1221 from 1960-1961 as well as a 42nd degree Shriner.
George is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anne; his children, Debra (Jim) Cohoe of Burnsville, MN, George Jr. (Cindy) of Side Lake, MN, Elliot (Heathar) of Duluth, MN, David (Carolyn) of Tucson, AZ, and Sharon (Dan) Rebrovich of Hibbing, MN. The five of them gave George and Anne seven grandchildren, Christopher and Michael Cohoe, Bradford, Matthew, and Rachel Skurich, and Rebecca and Philip Rebrovich. Chris and his wife, Evan, would give them an additional three great-granddaughters, Emma, Madilyn and Amelia. All 15 of them inherited George’s quick and sharp tongue, thick skin, love of laughter, and for the only time ever to be admitted, his utter stubbornness.
He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Mary; siblings, Mil Skurich, Mary Chanak, Peter Skurich, Mayme Columbo, Elizabeth Bruiger and Jane Kolar.
Funeral service will be held 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019 at St. Michaels Orthodox Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. services at church. Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Howard Paakkonen January 22, 1921 ~ October 6, 2019
Howard Victor Paakkonen, Sr., 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Mountain Iron surrounded by his family and friends.
Howard was born Jan. 22, 1921 to Andrew and Elizabeth (Koskala) Paakkonen at their home in Cloverdale, MN. As a young boy, he attended Greenway Schools and later enlisted in the U.S. Navy Seabees. Beginning March of 1942, he was stationed in the Pacific where he served during WWII. Three years later, on Oct. 7, 1945, he received an Honorable Discharge.
After the War, the younger Howard worked with his older brother, Wayne, logging and running a sawmill. Howard always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit and decided to forge ahead in the new venture, leaving behind a self-created milk route, original tin cans and all. By 1951, he was hired by Pacific Isle Mining Company, which later became Inland Steel and is presently known as ArcelorMittal.
On June 9, 1951, a new chapter began in the life of Howard Victor Paakkonen when he was united in marriage to Elsie Snell in Hibbing. The couple began their life together at the original Paakkonen homestead in Cloverdale, welcoming seven children. The mining company moved the family to Black River Falls, WI in 1969 and then to Britt in 1976. Howard retired in 1982 from the Minorca Mine in Virginia.
Howard was exceptionally proud of his Finnish heritage and often held phone conversations using his fluency in the language with relatives abroad. His Sisu kept him busy during 37 years of retirement. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Cook VFW Post 1757, and the CCC alumni group at Ironworld. He was a true ‘jack of all trades,’ and he enjoyed helping others, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He could often be heard exclaiming “what the put!” and shaking his head, while watching his grandchildren’s antics.
Howard is survived by his children, Howie (Cheryl) of Nashwauk, David (Debbie) of Mountain Iron, Karen (James) Fitz of Maplewood, Sue (Michael) Dahlgren of Two Harbors, Dale (Vanessa) of Mahtomedi, and Dennis (Cindy) of Wakeman, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elsie; son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Cindy of Cook; an infant daughter; four sisters; and two brothers.
A memorial service officiated by Pastor Ellen Taube will be held on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Margaret P. Myers 1932 ~ October 8, 2019
Margaret P. Myers, age 87, of Duluth, MN formerly of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.
Margaret was born in 1932 to Leonard and Elizabeth Peluso in Nashwauk, MN. Margaret was proud to have worked at the last Minnesota telephone switchboard in Nashwauk, MN. She then worked as an administrative assistant for Itasca Clinic until her retirement. Margaret was a longtime member of St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church and enjoyed serving the church through a variety of activities. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Preceded in death by husband, Richard Myers; parents, Leonard and Elizabeth; and brother, Leonard “Sonny” Peluso.
Margaret is survived by her daughter, Jeanie (Jim) Nelson of Granger, IN; sons, Robert (Susan Maki) and Richard (Sandra) Myers, all of Duluth, MN; sister, Grace Funk; sister-in-law, JoAnn Peluso; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren.
Memorials preferred to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN until the 1:30 p.m. Memorial Service. Rev. David N. Anderson will officiate. Burial will be at Nashwauk Cemetery, Nashwauk, MN.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Dee (Doris) Kay Warren August 22, 1952 - September 30, 2019
Dee (Doris) Kay Warren, age 67, finished her struggle with cancer on Sept. 30, 2019. She passed away peacefully at home with her loving and devoted husband Dave by her side.
Dee was born Aug. 22, 1952 in Grand Rapids, MN to Alan and Carol Huffer. She glided through childhood despite the tormenting of three lively brothers. Dee was a 1970 graduate of Greenway High School. After high school she moved to Minneapolis where she attended cosmetology school. She worked as a beautician, a waitress, and then as a real estate agent in the metro area. Eventually, she migrated back to the Grand Rapids area where she met up with her old high school sweetheart David Warren. Dee and Dave were married on New Year’s Eve 1999.
Dee loved to fish with Dave for crappies, to bake, to grow flowers, to take Shiner on walks, to winter in Arkansas, and mostly to hang out with friends and relatives to visit and laugh. Her two favorite organizations were the United Methodist Church of Grand Rapids and the YMCA where she greatly enjoyed her wonderful friends and loved them dearly.
Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Alan and Carol, and her beloved puppy Shiner.
She is survived by her loving husband Dave; brothers Harry (Trudy) Huffer of rural Bovey, Bob (Debbie) of Loxley, AL, Jim of Ankeny, IA; and many nephews and nieces. The family wants to give special thanks to Bev Johnson, Shelly Scherf, Lynda Tarbuck, and the Hospice folks who were so helpful, loving, and supportive to Dee and Dave during Dee’s illness.
At Dee’s request there will not be a memorial service. A celebration of life gathering for great memories, friendship, and laughs will occur at a later date.
Daniel Lee Makinen June 25, 1956 ~ October 2, 2019
Daniel Lee Makinen, 63 a lifelong resident of Balsam Township, MN died on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2019 in his home.
He was born on June 25, 1956 in Grand Rapids, the son of Emil and Lorraine (Luoma) Makinen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a son Eric Makinen and a brother, Roger Makinen.
Survivors include his daughter, Darla (Josh) Clemens of Lawrence Lake, and their children, Kaylee, Kody and Katelynn Clemens; siblings, Emil Makinen, Sheila (Andy) Berry, and Tom (Dianne) Makinen.
Per Daniel’s request, there will be no services at this time. Interment will be in the Balsam Cemetery. Arrangements by the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Leon Barcus November 14, 1925 ~ October 6th 2019
Leon Barcus, age 93 of Balsam, MN passed away Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 in his home. He was born Nov. 14, 1925 to Lester and Willa (Gibson) Barcus in Bovey, MN.
Leon started work at US Steel at the age of 17 before enlisting in the US Army when he was 20. He was stationed in the Philippines towards the end of WWII. Following his discharge from the Army he returned to Balsam and went back to work at US Steel where he enjoyed a 37 year career. On March 23, 1949 he married his wife Wilma Hawk. Leon was a member of the Grand Rapids VFW and the union at US Steel. He liked to work with his hands and had a farm where among other things he cut hay kept cattle and chickens. Leon enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, he also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds that came to the feeders at his house.
Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Willa, wife Wilma, siblings, Helen Mahalla and Melvin Phillips and his son, Kelly Barcus.
He is survived by his children, Diane (Ben) Foust, of Balsam, MN, Dale (Marian) Barcus of Grand Rapids, MN, Kenny Barcus of Hibbing, MN; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Barcus of Hibbing, MN; sister, Ida Hawk of TX; grandchildren, Deon Foust, Shawn Foust, Tina Foust, Danny Barcus, Lora Barcus; great grandchildren, Ian Preisinger, Brandy Foust, Robert Foust, Brea Preisinger and Brycen Barcus.
Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 at Peterson Funeral Chapel in Coleraine. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Balsam Cemetery. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Annie A. Peters 1928 ~ October 4, 2019
Annie A. Peters, age 91, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 4, 2019, surrounded by family.
Annie was born in 1928 to Isador and Mary (Roehl) Smuda and grew up in the Foreston area. She attended and graduated from St. Cloud Cathedral High School in 1946. She was united in marriage to Gerald Peters on June 15, 1946 in St. Cloud. The couple moved to Bovey, MN in 1949 and later moved to Lawrence Lake, MN in 1952. Together they raised nine children.
Annie is a member of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine, National Council of Catholic Women, and was a longtime member of Carmelites. She loved teaching Catechism, volunteering in nursing homes, doing crossword puzzles, watching the Minnesota Twins, reading and growing her garden which included her beautiful roses.
Annie also loved spending time with her family, going out to eat, visiting with friends and doing mission work.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; her parents; son, Daniel; granddaughter, Nichol; great-grandchild, Addison Mae; and three brothers, Jay, Joe, and Issy; and daughter-in-law Yukiko Peters.
Annie is survived by daughters Carrie Ann Dinsmore, Laurieann (Theron) Best; sons, George, Robert (Judy), Eugene (Leslie), Tim (Sharon), Wayne (Lynn), and Pat (Darlene); sisters, Katherine Kosil, Mary Lund, and Betty Potter; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Coleraine, MN beginning at 9 a.m., with a rosary being said in her honor at 10 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine following the service. Father Seth Gogolin will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Mary Immaculate Catholic Church.
Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Howard Paakkonen January 22, 1921 ~ October 6, 2019
Howard Victor Paakkonen, Sr., 98, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Mountain Iron surrounded by his family and friends.
A memorial service officiated by Pastor Ellen Taube will be held on Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
A full obituary will appear in a future issue of the Scenic Range NewsForum.
Herman J. Wirtz April 28, 1926 ~ September 27, 2019
Herman J. Wirtz, 93, of Nashwauk, passed away peacefully, with his children by his side on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 at Heritage Manor in Chisholm. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. To sign the online guestbook, or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Herman Joseph Wirtz was born at home on April 28, 1926, in Itasca County, MN, to Joseph and Elizabeth (Hansen) Wirtz. Herman was raised north of Nashwauk and lived his entire life in that community. He served in the Navy during World War II. Herman met Ruth in California during his time in the service and moved back to Minnesota where the two were married for 72 years. He worked for 30 years at MA Hanna and retired at the age of 47 to continue farming. First, milking dairy cows and then converting to beef cattle. He knew all of his herd by name. The couple’s love of hunting and fishing took them to many destinations. Many big-game trophies of various species hung on their walls. Their garden was envied by all and was shared with many. Herman’s tomatoes were his pride and joy. He loved picking berries and foraging; much of which were made into his multitude of desserts. Herman loved his sweets.
Herman spent many hours with his family, friends, and grandchildren. Friends were always welcome for coffee and desserts. At the nursing home, he continued his love of coffee and cake time with his new friends, catered by Joan Wirtz.
Herman is survived by his children, Linda Bartels, Craig (Joan) Wirtz, and Joseph Wirtz; grandchildren, Arleen VanRiper, Anjeanette (JR) Buckley, Eric (Wendy) Bartels, Ann (Rob) Wanvig, Amy Merrick, Lisa (Lonny) Cappo, Nicole (Gerald) Snider, and Aaron (Melissa) Wirtz; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Katherine Forsberg.
He was preceded in death by his spouse of 72 years, Ruth Wirtz; grandson, Ricky Wirtz; three brothers; and one sister.
Donald W. Bertram September 19, 1932 ~ October 6, 2019
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Donald W. Bertram, 87, lifelong resident of Hibbing died Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.
He was born on Sept. 19, 1932 to Adolph and Della (Paulley) Bertram in Penobscot Location. Donald attended Hibbing Schools and later was employed with Hibbing Taconite. Donald enjoyed time with his family, gardening and photography.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley (Mike) Vlatkovich, Hibbing; his nieces and nephews, Scott Vlatkovich, RSM, CA, Jeff (Renee Wells) Vlatkovich, Hibbing, Jody Vlatkovich, Chisholm, MN, and Tara and Christian Vlatkovich, Hibbing; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Elmer Bertram, and sister, Geraldine Castagneri.
Per Donald’s request, there will be a private memorial service held at Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing at a later date. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
James Anthony Ross February 21, 1934 ~ October 1, 2019
James “Jim” Anthony Ross, 85, devoted husband, father, grandfather and combat marine left his pain behind on Monday, Oct. 1, 2019. He was in the presence of his wife, children, multiple grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A lifelong Iron Ranger, Jim spent most of his life as a resident of Calumet, MN raising a family of five children with his devoted wife Carol.
He was born in Cooley, MN to James Rossi and Grace (Peluso) Rossi. He was a graduate of Greenway High School. Growing up in the woods of northern Minnesota he was naturally drawn to outdoor activities and became a proficient trapper, hunter and fisherman with a keen interest in duck hunting. His sons have many fond memories of his incredible ability with his Browning shotgun and they recall that he often waited for them to shoot at incoming ducks before he commenced firing.
Shortly after graduation from high school he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. He was a credit to the marines and served in the Korean War. He returned from the war and began his working life with the Hanna Mining Company where through hard work, intelligence and determination he rose from the ranks of common laborer to eventually becoming Electrical Supervisor of the Butler Taconite plant near Nashwauk, MN. He retired from Hanna Mining Company in 1984 after more than 30 years of dedication to the company. However, his technical skills and ambition did not go unnoticed and shortly after retiring he was recruited to work for other companies serving the mining and paper manufacturing industries. He traveled throughout the north country servicing and maintaining the automated systems that the mines and paper mills utilized. His unique talents, his ambition and his intelligence served these companies well.
After retiring, he and his wife Carol spent many happy years of adventure traveling in their motor home. During those years they covered much of the continental United States, Canada and Mexico. They had many wonderful memories of these trips and were able to attend celebrations such as Mardi Gras and other notable events. The motor home also afforded them the opportunity to enjoy extended visits at the homes of their children who were no longer residents of the Iron Range.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, etc. and he was the kind of father who preferred to participate in those activities with his family rather than friends. Many knew him as a quiet, determined man who chose to log countless miles of running rather than remaining sedentary. He remained extremely active late into life and continued to walk many miles each day even after undergoing hip replacement surgery. His ambition has served as an inspiration for his family as well as others who knew him.
Jim’s family is eternally grateful for the excellent care provided by the staff at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, MN. During his time there he was the beneficiary of the skills and extreme compassion of the professional Cornerstone team. The family also wishes to extend its sincere gratitude to Jim’s son in law, Dave Myrum and grandson Dan Myrum who have always been willing to make time to help Jim and Carol. In addition, the family would like to thank all of the neighbor’s in Calumet who have been so wonderful and helpful.
Jim was preceded in death by his father James Rossi, his mother Grace Markovich and his sister Jodi Bonovich.
Jim is survived by his wife Carol (Geroy) Ross; his brother Terrence (Linda Roots) Markovich; daughter, Gina Ross of Hibbing, MN; son, James Paul Ross of Lakeville, MN; daughter, Sheri (Dave) Myrum of Hibbing, MN; son, Daniel (Rebecca) Ross of Carver, MN; daughter, Susan Grace Rossi of Minneapolis, MN; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He set a wonderful example for all of us and showed us what determination and hard work can accomplish. We will be forever grateful to have been the beneficiaries of these great qualities.
Celebration of life with immediate family to follow.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Marie Emma (Fay) Warwas September 18, 1931 ~ September 6, 2019
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Marie Emma Warwas (Fay), went to be with the Lord Sept. 6, 2019 at Oak Hill Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MN.
Marie was born on Sept. 18, 1931 to Leslie and Christina Fay in Bemidj Minnesota. She lost her mom at a very young age and was raised by her aunt and uncles. She married Wayne Warwas April 2, 1950 and soon moved away to a little town called Nashwauk, where Wayne started work as a miner.
Marie was a home maker. When she was a very active member in the community and the Nashwauk Lutheran Church. She was involved in a church circle group and volunteered at the church for funerals, quilt making, making soap and many other events.
She loved picking berries and always had pies, jelly and desserts from her picking. She loved to cook and have all the family over. She always had enough for everyone, even those surprise visitors who were always welcome. She is a very special lady and will be dearly missed.
She was proceeded in death by her by her husband Wayne, of 61 years; brother John Fay; son Ron; daughter Karen; and son Roger.
Surviving family includes Margaret (Don) Strom, Barbara Karnes (Lonnie) and Don (Lynn) Warwas and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at Nashwauk Alliance Church, 825 1st St., Nashwauk, MN 55769. Pastor John Weiher officiating. Interment in Nashwauk Cemetery. Please see online family guestbook at www.andrews-libbeyfh.com. Arrangements by Andrews-Libbey Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 218-326-4000.
Doris Lorraine (Soderberg) Johnson December 31, 1923 ~ September 2, 2019
Doris Lorraine (Soderberg) Johnson, 95+ years of age, a 14-year resident of Branson West, MO, until June 29 of this year when she became a Florida resident, passed away at her Titusville, FL home on Sept. 2, with family by her side.
Born Dec. 31, 1923, in Duluth, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Henning August Soderberg and Lillian Johnson, and one of four children in the family. Doris graduated from Denfeld High School, in Duluth, in 1941; then attended Junior College before transferring to Duluth Business University. With the U.S. having entered World War II, she moved to Los Angeles, California, in June 1942, to join in the country’s war efforts, working at North American Aviation until moving back to Duluth in 1944.
She married Harvey Edward Johnson on Jan. 20, 1945. For nearly 44 years, until his sudden death on Dec. 24, 1988, their life together was an example of faith, hope and love. Doris returned to the work force when the two youngest children (twins) reached school age. She worked in sales at a jewelry store, as a receptionist in a medical clinic, and lastly, until retirement in 1982, as executive secretary to the superintendent of an iron ore mining company in northern Minnesota.
Doris was a Presbyterian Church member for 61 years before moving to the Branson West area. During those 61 years, she taught Sunday School, served both as an Elder and a Deacon, and was a choir member and active in Women’s Ministry. She also volunteered in the church office and its elementary school kitchen. In 2017, she became a charter member of New Testament Christian Church in Reeds Spring, Missouri.
She had a sincere heart for others. Her words and actions exemplified the Bible’s “fruits of the spirit”: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Doris is survived by her four children, Harry H. Johnson and his wife, Christine, of Palm Coast, Florida; Clifford M. Johnson of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; Dale H. Johnson and his wife, Nancy, of Titusville, Florida; and Deborah J. High of Titusville, Florida. She also is survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, husband Harvey, and son-in-law, Daniel J. High.
Doris’ memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019, at New Testament Christian Church, 21016 Main Street (at the corners of Hwy. 413 and 76), Reeds Spring, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1510, Ranson, WV 25438-4510 or Special Olympics Missouri, 305 Special Olympics Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Local arrangements are under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home Kimberling City, MO.
Marcus Victor Hill January 20, 1950 ~ August 11, 2019
Marcus Victor Hill, 69, passed away on Aug. 11, 2019 in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. Marcus was born on Jan. 20, 1950 in Minneapolis. Growing up, Marcus spent time in Minneapolis, Elk River, and Virginia, but he spent most of his life in Cloverdale. Outside of Cloverdale, he most enjoyed the summers he spent on his grandparents’ farm in Elk River. The Mordal farm and the Mordal family were special to Marcus, his wife and his children.
On July 14, 1973, Marcus married the love of his life, Joanne (Schultz), at Cloverdale Hall. He worked briefly at a lumber mill, but he ultimately worked at National Steel for more than 32 years, retiring in 2008. Marcus loved playing cards, fishing, hunting, camping, gardening, and for a brief period, raising chickens. However, the most important things to Marcus were his family and his community. When he wasn’t watching his children play baseball and softball, he spent many Summer days volunteering at the Cloverdale baseball field, including coaching, fundraising and running concessions. He thoroughly enjoyed the annual Schultz family get-together and trips to Apple River. He was also an active Boy Scouts volunteer and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Nashwauk Township Volunteer Fire Department. Most recently, he was involved in the community’s fundraising efforts to construct the Nashwauk Township Community Center.
Marcus was preceded in death by his parents, George Hill in 1980 and Carol “Kay” (Mordal) Hill in 1996, and brother Lloyd Jensen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Joanne (Schultz) Hill of Crystal, brother Randy (Marie) Hill of Chisholm, sister Colleen (Ray) Wilson of Hibbing, son Jason (Lori) Hill of Burnsville, daughter Tammi (Matthew) Widener of Maple Plain, son Justin (Mariah) Hill of Plymouth, and his six precious grandchildren, Carter, Madilyn, Sophia, Gabrielle, Jack and Collin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Marcus’s family would like to express a sincere thank you to North Memorial Hospice and Palliative Care and his caretakers at the Estates of St. Louis Park.
Funeral services for Marcus will be 12 noon, Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing. The Rev. Jack Tillotson will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service at the funeral home on Friday. Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery, Nashwauk, MN. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at www.doughertyofhibbing.com.
Gerald Andrew (Tootsie) Gangl Sr. December 10, 1933 ~ August 19, 2019
Gerald Andrew (Tootsie) Gangl Sr. passed away on Monday Aug. 19, 2019 at the age of 85.
Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. A private burial ceremony will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth Minnesota. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Gerald was born on Dec. 10, 1933 in Buhl, Minnesota to Andrew and Gertrude (Kasper) Gangl. He grew up in Nashwauk, Minnesota. And even though he and his wife Shirlee moved to Hibbing later in life, he always considered Nashwauk his home. As a young man he briefly went to work in the mines before enlisting in the Navy during the Korean War. After being discharged from the service in 1952, he returned to Nashwauk and picked up where he left off by returning to work and eventually becoming an electrician in the mines. In 1952 he also married the love of his life, Shirlee Pakko, and they began their lifelong adventure together. The early years of their marriage were full of ups and downs. They welcomed their first son, Jer, mourned the loss of their infant daughter, Terri, and welcomed their second son, Guy. Through it all they made it work for over 66 years.
Always a hard worker he would do whatever he could to provide for his family often taking other jobs during the times when he was laid off from the mines. His work ethic also carried over into his personal life as he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
A proud member of the United Steelworkers of America, he prided himself on standing up for workers’ rights. Something that he continued to do long into his retirement.
He was quick-witted, and always armed with a joke or a funny story. He loved to hunt, fish, carve fishing decoys, play guitar and harmonica, perform magic tricks for his grandchildren and great grandchildren, and he especially loved spending days at his cabin on Buck Lake with his beloved, four-legged companion Louie. He instilled his wisdom in his sons, grandsons, and anyone willing to learn, ensuring that the lessons he learned and the knowledge he gained would be passed down to younger generations.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Gertrude Gangl; brothers, Norbert (Nibber) and Charles Gangl; sisters, Barbara Metzer and Lila Carmody; nephews, Michael Metzer and Charles and Andrew Carmody; niece, Cathleen Metzer; great-niece, Melissa McDonald; infant daughter, Terri; and his beloved dog and best friend, Louie.
He is survived by his wife, Shirlee; sons, Guy (Lynne) Gangl and Jer (Carolyn) Gangl; grandsons, Jake (Fianna Johnson) Gangl, Justin (Sarah Drlaca) Gangl, and Joel (Amber Keller) Gangl; great grandkids, Mara, Christian, Kaylynn, Aiden, Justice, Gavin, Josie, Jaxon, and Jazmine; brother, Albert; sister-in-law, Lorraine; nephews, Richard (Tina) Carmody, Kenneth Carmody, Russell Metzer; nieces, Christine (Tom) Lorenz, Charlene Metzer, Bridget (Kim) Blum, and Brenda (John) Yuritich, Ginger Gangl; and many great-nieces and nephews.
Shirley M. Marshall February 24, 1923 ~ August 15, 2019
Shirley M. Marshall, 96, longtime Pengilly resident, died Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019 in the Grand Village, Grand Rapids.
Born Feb. 24, 1923 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada, she was the daughter of Olive Simpson Blaine and raised by her grandparents, Ed and Floss Simpson. She was a 1941 Greenway High School graduate and a Pengilly resident for over 85 years. Shirley and F. Vern Marshall were married on Aug. 6, 1944 in Nashwauk. Shirley was a home maker, a former member of St. Kevin’s Catholic Church of Pengilly, a member of the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church of Coleraine, and active in many Pengilly community activities including the Marinoff – Miskovich V.F.W. Post 8831 Auxiliary the, P.T.A., the Women’s Club, and the Pengilly 2008 Centennial Committee to name a few.
Her parents; her husband, Vern in 1990; sons, Pat in 1964 and Tim in 1990; a granddaughter, Sarah Marshall; and siblings, Marie Drumbeater, Kenneth Blaine, Elaine Bagger, Bill Adair, and Sam Adair preceded her in death.
Survivors include her children, Molly (Dean) Randall of Bovey, Mike (Linda) Marshall of Pengilly, Kathy (David) Prawer of Oakdale, MN, Colleen (Mike) Vaneps of Rochester, MN, Dan (Clo) Marshall of Bovey, and Sue (Greg) Stanich of Stillwater, MN; 17 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and siblings, Clarence Blaine of Grand Rapids, James Blaine of Nashwauk, Doreen (Roger) Rice of Hibbing, Don (Evelyn) Adair, Alice (Ron) Faganello, and Joan (Ralph) Parker, all of British Columbia.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. with recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in the Peterson Funeral Chapel of Coleraine and will continue from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019 in the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church of Coleraine. Interment will be in the Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine. To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.petersonfuneralchapelofcoleraine.com.
Logan Dean Klennert March 31, 2017 ~ August 1, 2019