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 Obituaries

 

For the year of 2005

June to January

July to December

 

Obituaries, 2006

 

Don Simonson

simonson@accessmn.com

 

Mlaker Funeral Home

A Family Helping Families

Warren Mlaker, Director

218.666.5298

27 South 1st Street Southeast

Cook Mn 55723

 

 
 

Gladys Koski Holmes, 73, artist and writer, died peacefully Saturday, December 31, 2005 at her home in Angora after a short encounter with cancer.

 
Gladys was born on March 17, 1932 to Simon and Ida (Ketola) Koski in Sturgeon Township.  She graduated from Alango High School in 1950.  On December 2, 1950 she was united in marriage to Earl Arden Holmes in Alango and settled in Angora where she resided most of her life.  She returned to college in 1973 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bemidji State University and a Master of Art degree from the University of Wisconsin Superior.  She was an accomplished artist and writer with exhibits displayed around the region.  She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. She  was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include: Husband: Arden of 55 years. 3 Sons: Michael (Sheri) Holmes of Angora. Jonathan (Stacey) Holmes of Angora Christopher (Joyce) Holmes of Angora. 2 Daughters: Sharon Holmes of Lake Vermilion. Rachel Holmes of Hopkins 8 Grand Children: Jason, Jenny, Matt, Nate, Ben, Sam, Seth, and Simon. Sister: Henrietta Koski of Angora. And many other friends and relatives

 

Her memory will live on through her family, friends and many works of art. At Gladys's request there will be no funeral service. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Sand Lake Chapel in Britt on Friday, January 6, 2006 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. to share memories and honor Gladys's life and her accomplishments. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Salolampi Foundation, P.O. Box 14480 Minneapolis MN 55414 - 0480. 

Arrangement are with the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

 

 

 

Irene D. Tokvam, 84, of Cook, died Thursday, December 29, 2005, at the Cook Nursing Home. She was born on September 20, 1921, at Vassar, Manitoba, Canada; the daughter of Henry and Maria (Johnson) Dokken.  Her family moved to Grafton, North Dakota, where she grew up.  Irene married Clinton “Bud” Tokvam on August 2, 1940, at Warren, Minnesota.  Bud was employed with Zontillie Construction, which specialized in power line building.

 

They settled in Cook in 1950, where Bud worked for the Rural Electric Association.   Irene was a waitress for Jim’s Bar & Grill and the Corner Café in Cook.  She absolutely loved to fish, and the family fondly recalls that she considered herself a “professional fisherman.”   Her and Bud enjoyed traveling, which they had the opportunity to do for many years.  Irene was well known for her wit, sense of humor, and calling things exactly as she saw them.  She was lastly employed as a nurse’s aide at the Cook Hospital.

 

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church,  the Cook VFW Auxiliary, and a past member of the Cook Hospital Auxiliary- commonly called the Thrift Shop.  She resided at the Pioneer Building in Cook for a few years, and the Cook Nursing Home the past three years.   

 

She is survived by a son, Roger Tokvam of Waseca, MN.,; 3 daughters, Linda (Marvin) Aune of Lake Vermilion-Cook,; Karen Waldvogel of Keewatin, and Janet (Dale) Luoma of Eveleth; 1 brother, Maynard Dokken of Minneapolis, ; 1 sister, Eloise (Robert) MacDonald of Minneapolis,; a sister-in-law, Mary Dokken of Carlsbad, Calif.,  12 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great Great Grandchildren, and lots of nieces and nephews.

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Clinton “Bud” Tokvam on March 11, 1998;  a son, Michael who died at birth; 2 brothers, Donald and Gordon Dokken; and 2 sisters, Myrtle Lee in infancy and Orvilla Sorenson. 

 

Funeral services will be at 1:00 pm Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook.  Rev. Melissa Stoller will be the officiant.  Visitation will be from 3 to 5 pm Sunday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.   Spring interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

 

 

 

Lawrence Fremont Wilcox, 88, of Virginia and formerly of Lake Vermilion, Cook, died Tuesday, December 27, 2005, in his home. He was born August 4, 1917 in Brainerd, the son of Gurdon and Kathleen (Rounds) Wilcox. Lawrence graduated from Virginia High School and Virginia Junior College. He attended the University of Minnesota from 1936 to 1940, where he attained his math and physics degrees, and later, his electrical engineering degree.

 

In May of 1942, Lawrence married Madeline Eichholz of Vermilion Dam in Philadelphia. Madeline was the daughter of Henry 91, 1986 & Gretta 104, 2003 Eichholtz of Vermlion Dam and Lake Vermilion, Cook. Her siblings were Alice & McCarraher and Richard & Nina Eichholz.

 

Lawrence worked for Frankfort Arsenal in Frankfort, Pa., during World War II until 1959 when he moved to California and began working for TRW Systems, retiring in 1979. At that time, he and Madeline moved back to Minnesota, first living at Lake Vermilion, then returning to Virginia in 1997.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Madeline; sons, Richard (Karen) Wilcox of Amarillo, Texas, Ron (Sue) Wilcox of Temple, Texas, and Lance (Linda) Wilcox of Lombard, Ill.; grandchildren, Nathan and David Wilcox, Daniel Bennett, Tiffaney Childers, Stephanie Jenkins and Shane Lindsey; great-grandchildren: Blake, Aspyn, Mia, Stratton, Sarah and Susannah; eight nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Douglas, Charles and Harold.

 

Visitation for Lawrence from noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service on Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, at the United Methodist Church in Virginia. The Rev. Brenda King will officiate. Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share a personal remembrance of Lawrence online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

 
 

Arvida Jean Hietala, 58, of Duluth died unexpectedly Monday, Dec., 26 2005 at St. Lukes Hospital due to complications from cancer. She was born June 11, 1947, to Arvo and Aune Ethel (Ahlgren) Hietala. She graduated from Cook High School in 1965. Arvida worked at several places throughout her life, one of her favorites being the Duluth Public Library. A quest for adventure took her to Tucson, Arizona, where she lived and worked for 13 years before returning to Duluth in 1992 to be closer to her family. Arvida loved reading, traveling, gardening, Happy Hours, animals of all kinds, especially cats, and spending time with family and friends. Her travels had taken her to places as close as the Black Hills and as far away as Hawaii, England, and Scotland. She is preceded in death by her father, who passed away in 1978. She is survived by, and will be greatly missed by her mother, Ethel of Duluth; sister, Linda (favorite brother-in-law, Chuck) Kotera of Superior; long-time family friend, Patricia Kruschke of Duluth; her four-footed feline 'Sister' Callie Kitty; one uncle; six aunts; and many cousins and friends. MEMORIAL SERVICE:will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to any friends of animals organization. Services entrusted to the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 624-5200.

 

 

Ellen C. Sandberg, 93, longtime resident of Bear River, died Sunday, December 25, 2005, at the University Medical Center-Mesabi, in Hibbing.  Ellen was born on February 10, 1912, at Chisholm, Minnesota,  the daughter of Theodore and Johanna  (Johnson) Holm. She grew up in Bear River, where she resided most of her life.   She married Arthur Sandberg on September 8, 1931, at Hibbing. Earlier she had been a member of the PTA and the Bear River area Homemaker’s Club.  Ellen enjoyed fishing, berry picking, the lake, picnics and music- especially polka music. She and Art enjoyed dancing. She enjoyed feeding  the deer and birds. Ellen was also known for her concern and care of her pets, especially her cats.  The loves of her life were her grandchildren. 

    

She is survived by 3 sons, Leon (Evelyn) Sandberg of Bear River, Gene (Carol) Sandberg of Buck Lake, MN., and Merlin (Maxine) Sandberg of Bear River; 1 daughter, Linda (Norris) Hattlestad of Merrill, Wis.; a daughter-in-law, Betty (Sandford 69, 2003) Sandberg of Bear River. 17 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, and 29 Great Great Grandchildren,; along with numerous special nieces, nephews, and her dear cat, “Smokey.”

 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, on August 8, 1996,; a son, Sanford on April 17, 2003,; a grand daughter, Julie Wilenius on October 16, 1976,; 5 Great Grandchildren: Heath Scofield, Brandt Sandberg, Donette Taittonen, Derek Wilenius, and Brian Weix; 5 brothers: Arthur, Albert, Edward, Henry, and Hilmer Holm; and 3 sisters, Hilda Sandberg, Heartha Holm and Annie Holm. 

 

SERVICES:  Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday (Dec.30th) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Rev. Melissa Stoller will be the officiant.  Mary Beth Reller will be the soloist and provide the accompaniment.  There will also be a congregational song.

 

The casket bearers will be Ellen’s grandsons: Cameron, Bruce, Darrell, Sheldon, Brad, Wade, and Wynn Sandberg.  Interment will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery in Bear River.

 

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

 
 

Dooda “Dorothy” Glende, 83, of Bois Forte, Nett Lake, died Sunday, Dec. 25, 2005, at Eveleth, with her family by her side. She was born at Bois Forte on July 22, 1922, and lived most of her life at Bois Forte, Nett Lake. She received her license as a beautician and was certified as a carpenter. Dooda worked as a teacher’s aide at the Head Start in Nett Lake. In her later years, too old to rice, she still enjoyed ricing so much she’d get dressed up and go down to the lakeshore looking for a partner, and never finding one. In earlier years she hunted and fished. Dooda also enjoyed beadwork and reading.

 

She is survived by her children, Peggy Connor, Richard Kletschka, Ricardo Kletschka, Roger Kletschka, Dorothea Kletschka, Cindie Broshears, Pamela Dauk, Roxanne Tolzmann and Robin Nordberg; two sisters, Viola Villebrun and Josephine Chavers, along with 31 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Don Glende, Richard Kletschka, and Amos Quaderer; three sons, Rodney, Patrick and Greg; and four brothers and six sisters.

 

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday from the Nett Lake Community Center, with a wake from noon until 2 p.m. at the center. Evening visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a service at 6:30 p.m. at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. The service leaders will be the Rev. Wally Olson, the Rev. Kevin Lasley, Gilbert Smith and Gene Goodsky. There will be a traditional drum and prayer ceremony. Spring inurnment will be in the Bois Forte Cemetery

 
 
 

Helen V. Carlson, 95, of Orr died Saturday, Dec. 24, 2005, at the Virginia Convalescent Center. She was born Aug. 30, 1910, to Anitti and Amanda (Pauna) Saatela in Orr. She lived in Orr until 1942, when she moved to Duluth. she returned to Orr in 1952, living there until husband Andrew Laakkonen’s death in 1956, when she moved back to Duluth. She worked at Nopeming Nursing Home for 13 years. On May 22, 1971, she married Sanfrid Carlson, and they made their home in Orr. She was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr, the Orr American Legion Post 480 Auxiliary and the Orr Senior Citizens.

 

Survivors include a stepson, Dennis (Carolee) Carlson; a stepdaughter, Sharon Provost; daughters-in-law, Joyce and Bernice Laakkonen; a special daughter-in-law, Marlene Laakkonen; 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Laakkonen, in 1956; second husband, Sanfrid Carlson, in 1992; sons, Clayton Laakkonen in 42,1979 and Melvin Laakkonen in 59,1989; a great-granddaughter, Vienna Laakkonen, in 1972; five brothers; and two sisters.

 

Funeral 11 a.m. Friday at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr, with Pastor David Solverg officiating. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Range Funeral Home in Virginia, and will continue Friday one hour prior to service at church. Burial will be in Leiding Cemetery in Orr

 

Helen (Wilenius, Nordlund) Beltramo, 91, of Princeton, MN., former longtime resident of Sturgeon Township, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005, at the Elim Home in Princeton. She was born on October 27, 1914, at Sturgeon Township, the daughter of John and Eva (Blom) Wilenius.  She grew up in Sturgeon Township where she lived most of her life.

 

She graduated from the Chisholm High School.  Helen married Reino Nordlund on May 6, 1936, at Hibbing.  They lived in Sturgeon, where Reino worked  in carpentry, operated a sawmill, along with their farm.   Reino died on July 17, 1980.    Helen was blessed to find another love and companion and married Costanzo Beltramo on August 20, 1983, at Balkan Township.  They made their home in Sturgeon.  Helen liked gardening, canning, caring for the farm animals, along with her cats and dogs.  She  was talented in artwork, sketching, and painting.   She loved to entertain, and enjoyed her visitors, always offering coffee and good conversation.

 

Costanzo died in  1999, and in 2000, Helen moved to Princeton, where her daughter lived.  She has resided at the Elim home the past month before passing away there. 

 

She is survived by her daughter, Margaret (John) Severson of Princeton, MN., ; 2 brothers, Leo & Esther 76, 1998 (Tuohinen) Wilenius Sr. of Angora, and John & Mae 84, 2001 (Flank) Wilenius of Pierz, MN., along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her  husbands  Reino Nordlund on July 17, 1980,  and Costanzo Beltramo on November 16, 1999.; a sister, Sylvia Siegle;  Sept 03, 2002, and a brother, Swen 55, 1963 & Maybelle  52, 1965 (Hawkinson) Wilenius . 

 

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2005, at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant.  Spring inurnment will be in the Alango Township Cemetery.

 

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

 
 
 

Clara E. Wilman, 99, of Chisholm, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm. She was born Jan. 28, 1906, to Otto and Helmi (Ketola) Kiukas in Virginia. As a girl, she grew up and attended school in Britt. She was united in marriage to Julius E. Wilman 59, 1962 on Feb. 17, 1926, in Virginia. Following marriage, they made their home in Angora. With her husband, she was the owner/operator of Wilman’s grocery for more than 38 years. In 1970, Clara retired and made her home in Chisholm.

 

Survivors include a niece, Arlene (Harry) Kuharenko of Chisholm; nephew, Richard (Shirley) Wilman of Buhl; many great-nieces and great-nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius on July 24, 1962; sister, Gertrude Wilman in 1984; and brother, Carl Kiukas.

Services: Per Clara’s request, private family services were held at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.

 

Clara Wilman sold her store to Jerry & Rita Cheney in 1970, they sold to Ken & Patti Alt. The present owners are Marie Seopa and Gary Dehn and it is now known as the South Switch.

 
 
 

Roy Allen Miller, 91, of Babbitt died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2005, at the Ely-Bloomenson Nursing Home. He was born Dec. 13, 1914, the son of Russell Arthur and Alta Hazel (Nest-rud) Miller in Lakefield, Minn. He attended Lakefield Schools. Roy married Hazel Johnson on Jan. 31, 1942, in Maryville, Mo. He fought with the Eighth Air Force in World War II. Roy worked as a boiler operator for Reserve Mining. He was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Babbitt, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1539 and the Maki-Pinola American Legion Post 0535.

 

Roy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hazel; six children, Russell (Kathy) of Vadnais Heights, Minn., Douglas (Carol) of Vancouver, Wash., Sharon (James) Boucher of Burnsville, Minn., Darlene (Ken) Simonson of Cook, Diane (Dave) Serena of Babbitt and Thomas of Maple Grove; 23 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; and six brothers.

 

Funeral 2 p.m. Friday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt, with the Rev. Charles Barnes officiating. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. today at the church and will continue one hour prior to service Friday at the church. Burial will be at the Argo Cemetery. Services provided by Kerntz Brothers, a Bauman Family of Funeral Homes, of Ely. To share a personal remembrance online, go to: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

 
 

Emil J. Durovec, 82,of Meadowlands, died Tuesday, December 13, 2005, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Emil was born  on April 15, 1923, at Chicago, Illinois; the son of Joseph  and Anna (Zbin) Durovec.    He settled with his parents in Meadowlands in 1929.   In his early years, Emil had worked at the Androy Hotel in Hibbing,  the Susquehanna & Pittsburgh Pacific Mines,  Alcoa Aluminum in Ohio for a time, along with operating a Shell Gas Station in Duluth.  He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Nemec on August 11, 1956, at Meadowlands.   He was a longtime  dairy farmer in Meadowlands, and kept active even in retirement.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Meadowlands, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2469 in Grand Rapids. Emil was dedicated  to his family, and his most treasured times were those spent with them.  He enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards, and the good times  spent on the family house boat.  He loved music, especially polkas, and playing his harmonica, along with dancing with his favorite partner, Mary Ann.

 

He is survived by his loving wife of over 49 years, Mary Ann,;  2 sons, John (Darletta) and Daniel (Danielle) both of Meadowlands, 5 daughters: Ann (Dennis) Lind of Cook,; Diane (Joe) Olson and Lynette (Anthony) Kozumplik, both of Meadowlands,; Loretta (Mike) Billman of Twig,  and Joan (Steve) Johnson of Cromwell, 21 Grandchildren: Ryan & Heather, Christopher, Kari & Andrew, Nichole, Krystle, Samantha, Joseph, Jackie & Molli, Michael & Craig, Jessica, Darren, & Dakoda, Ashley, Apolena, Tony, Abby, & Alex,; and 5 Great Grandchildren: Aura, Donald, Elizabeth, Arriana, & MacKenna, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by 4 brothers: Joseph, Anthony, Steve,  and Louis Durovec;  2 sisters, Irene Durovec and Jean Soukup; and a  grandson, Adam Kozumplik.

 

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 16th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Meadowlands.  Fr. Michael Patullo was the celebrant.   The casket bearers were Emil’s Grandsons:  Ryan Gustafson, Christopher Durovec, Michael Johnson, Craig Johnson, Andrew Billman, Joseph Durovec, and Tony Kozumplik Jr. The honorary bearers will be: Darren Durovec, Dakoda Durovec, and Alex Kozumplik.  Interment was in St. Joseph’s Cemetery of Elmer Township.

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, Mn. ( 218-666-5298)

 

 

 

Joyce Adeline Anderson, 80, of Bear River, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth with her family at her side. She was born July 3, 1925, at her home in Bear River to Frank and Clara (Jary) Fredland. She attended Bear River School through the eighth grade and graduated from Alango High School. During World War II, she moved to Hastings, Neb. and worked at the Naval Ammunition Factory making ammunition for naval ships. It was there where she met her future husband, Delbert Anderson. They were united in marriage on Feb. 6, 1945, in Hastings, Neb. They lived in Inland, Neb. until 1956 when they moved back to Bear River, where she resided until her death. Her favorite pastimes were spending time with her family and many friends. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, gardening, and baking “dozens” of cookies for her grandkids.

 

She is survived by four daughters, Lois (Don) Jenson of Bigfork, Judy Anderson of Bear River, Barbara Hoover of Side Lake, and Patricia (Ron) Owen of Snohomish, Wash.; 10 sons, Donald (Mary) Anderson of Chisholm, Kenneth (Dana) Anderson of Bear River, Charles (Norman) Anderson of Hibbing, Richard Anderson of Cooperstown, N.D., Thomas (Margo) Anderson of Chisholm, James (Robyn) Anderson of Bear River, Brian (Gail) Anderson of Cook, Gary (Amy) Anderson of Bear River, Robert Anderson of Leroy, Minn., and Jeffrey Anderson of Bear River; 30 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Vivian Fredlund of Arroyo Grande, Calif., and Frank (Janet) Fredlund of St. Peter, Minn.; three sisters, Frances (Raymond) Scofield of Bear River, Colleen Joki of Cherry, and Cosma Hemphill of Bovey; numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Delbert in 1990; brothers, Russell and Myron.

 

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Bear River Lutheran Church. The Rev. Peter Satren will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Range Funeral Home and continue one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church.

 

 

 

 

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James Warner Sherman, 77, died Aug. 15, 2005, in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. He was born Jan. 3, 1928, in Duluth to James and Laurel (Danforth) Sherman. He had lived in Lake Havasu City for 21 years, moving from San Diego, Calif. He served in the U.S. Navy and was an operating engineer on heavy equipment. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Jim and his wife of 56 years, Ruth, enjoyed their daily breakfasts at Denny’s and traveled extensively for many years during the summer. Jim will be deeply missed.

 

Survivors include his wife, Ruth; sons, David Sherman of Grand Junction, Colo., Donald Sherman of Spring Valley, Wis.; daughter, Barbara Sigmund of Arlington, Wis.; brothers, Franklin Sherman of Embarrass and Roger Sherman of Lake Havasu City; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren

 
 
 

Joan  Hazel Hawkinson, 66, of Bear River, died Sunday, November 27, 2005, at her residence, with family by her side.  She was born on February 5, 1939, at Little Rock, Arkansas.  She grew up in the Togo area,  and attended school there and at Bigfork.  Joan was united in marriage to Willard “Bill” Hawkinson on October 19, 1957, at the former Togo Chapel. 

 

Joan worked at the Togo Post Office and delivered mail, drove school bus, worked in home health care,  participated  on the Togo Volunteer Fire Department, was a first responder for many years, along with being a homemaker.  She was a member of the Chisholm Assembly of God, where she also taught Sunday school.   Joan was involved with nursing home ministries for 28 years.   Her favorite times were those spent with her family.   She enjoyed gardening, painting, reading, playing her guitar and singing gospel music, along with fishing and camping.  She also loved to travel and research family genealogy.  She and Bill were foster parents for over 18 years, and their dedication was shown through the care of  20 foster children taken in their home.

 

She is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Willard “Bill”,  3 sons, Leonard (Paula) Hawkinson of Grand Rapids, MN., Vernard (Cindy) Hawkinson of Bovey, MN., and Randy Hawkinson of Virginia; 3 daughters, Cheryl Hawkinson of Eau Clair, WI., Charlene Lokken of Angora, MN., and Sherrie Hawkinson of Virgina, MN.,; 4 brothers, Greg (Julie) Rostvit of Pella, IA., John “Doug” (Faye) Anderson of Two Harbors, MN., Gale (Kathy) Rostvit of Eveleth, MN.,  and Steve (Terri) Norsted of Eden Prairie, MN.; 2 sisters, Marianne Norsted  of Hugo, MN., and Cheryl (Dick) Weisgerber of St. Peter, MN., along with 15 Grandchildren and 4 Great Grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by a son, Dennis Hawkinson, and her parents, Paul Rostvit and Mary Norsted

 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM  Thursday, December 1st,  at the Chisholm First Baptist Church.  Rev. John Koppel and Rev. Fred Wallace will be the officiants.  Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.   Interment will be in the Morcom Cemetery in Bear River.

 

 

 

Ruby Marie Nikkola, 91, of Ely, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2005. She was born in Celina, Minn., on Feb. 14, 1914, the daughter of Theodore and Gunhild (Ofstad) Hall. She was a graduate of Tower High School. She lived in Ely since 1941, when she married Waldemar Nikkola.

She worked as a clerk at the Barbara Ann Bakery and the Ben Franklin Store, both in Ely. She also worked as a nurse’s aide for seven years at the Ely Nursing Home. Ruby was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. Her favorite pastimes included sharing her family photographs, music, reading and writing poetry, playing cribbage with family and friends, crocheting until suffering a minor stroke on her 90th birthday, watching and cheering for the Minnesota Twins, and spending as much time as possible with her family.

She is survived by her daughter, Constance (Wayne) Nicolls of Juneau, Alaska; son, Warren (Cathy) Nikkola of Ely; six grandchildren, Heather (Carl) Ramseth, Erin Nicolls, Gwen (Nathan) Rivas, and David Nicolls, all of Juneau, Alaska, Thomas (Vanessa) Nikkola of Sugarland, Texas, and Robert (Michelle Kotlarek) Nikkola of Duluth; seven great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Olivia, Elizabeth, Nolan, and Joseph Ramseth of Juneau, Alaska, Jacob and Brodrick Romero of Sugarland, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews, and many close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Waldemar in 1964; and nine siblings.

Ruby Marie Nikkola, 91, SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely. The Rev. Bill Fossum will officiate. Fellowship for family and friends will follow at the church. Arrangements are by Kerntz Brothers, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Ely. To share a personal remembrance of Ruby online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 

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Andrine O. Wunsch, age 86 of Bloomington. Born April 2, 1919 in Isle, MN. Graduated from Central H. S. in 1936 and the University of Minnesota in 1940 (Home Economics). Worked for Northwestern National Life where she met and married her husband Ken. She also worked at Swift & Co. and General Mills.

 

She passed away November 12, 2005 with her family by her side. Preceded in death by husband, Ken. Survived by children, Paul, John, Heidi (John) Schoper, and Peter; grandchildren Rachel (Cort) Iverson, Sarah, Grace, & Christian Schoper, and Lucas & Laura Wunsch.

 

The family spent summers at their Black Bay cabin on  Lake Vermilion. Her husband Kenneth passed away on June 17, 1967 from a car accident near Sandstone, Mn while traveling to the cabin.

 

Memorials are preferred to the Heart Institute, 920 E. 28th St., Mpls., MN 55407. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. Service Wednesday, 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 4801 France Ave S., Mpls. Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

 

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Eino Savela, 67, of Alango, died Friday, November 11, 2005, at the Golden  Crest Health Care Center in Hibbing. He was born in Nivala, Finland, on August 12, 1938.  He grew up in Nivala and had served in the Finnish Army.   He was united in marriage to Martta Selkäinaho on August 10, 1958, at Käpylä, Finland, and they lovingly spent 46 years together.   They  came to the United States in 1961, settled in the Alango area, where they made their home.  Eino first logged, then did carpentry work in construction.  He began working for U.S. Steel’s Minntac plant in 1968, and was a heavy equipment operator during most of  his 30 years of employment there.  He was a member of the Steelworkers Union Local  #1938.     He enjoyed spending time with his family at the cabin on Lake Vermilion.  His passion was fishing and more fishing, and also some hunting.  He was very inventive around the house and handy with making and repairing  most things .     When his mobility became limited, he still enjoyed using his  “4-wheeler” for getting around to enjoy the outdoors.  His strength, positive attitude, along with his wonderful sense  of humor are fondly remembered by his family.    Eino had been making his residence at the Golden Crest Care Facility in Hibbing the past month.

 

He is survived by 2 sons, Timo Savela of Alango, and Esko (Kathi Bowser) Savela of Nashwauk, ; 2 daughters, Eila (Sam) Goodrich of Mpls., and Anita (John Jr.) Savela-Gornik of Eveleth,; 1 brother Kaarlo (Rauha) Savela of Angora,; 2 sisters, Raili (Paavo) Selkäinaho of Nivala, Finland and Seija (Kurre) Savela of Stockholm, Sweden, along with 2 Grandsons, Ian and Benjamin Gornik

 

He is preceded in death by  Martta, his wife his wife of 46 years on  December 13, 2004.

 

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.    Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.  Interment will be in the Alango Township Cemetery.

 

 

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Victor G. Parson, 97, of Bovey formerly of Effie, died Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 at Grand Itasca Hospital. Victor was born Nov. 2, 1908 in Allen County, Ind. to Jacob and Nettie Parson. The family moved to Effie in 1910.

 

Victor married Viola Cline July 18, 1934. Victor farmed and logged, and enjoyed gardening, fishing, and traveling. After retiring in 1978, he and Viola spent several winters in Arizona. They moved to Bovey in 1993.

 

Victor was preceded in death by his wife, Viola, in 2000; his parents; a son, Victor Larry; grandchildren, Teri Dey Wayman, Ricky Wass, and Bill Wass; and a great-grandson, Keith Mahn; sister, Dorothy Phillips; brothers, Virgil, Homer, Elwood, Vernon, Patrick, and Mike.

 

Surviving family include sons, Val (JoAnn), Big Falls, Tom, Buhl, and Jim (Linda), Big Falls; daughters, Shelby, 'Jean' (Bill) Dey, Wickenberg, Ariz., Myrna Wass, Grand Rapids; and Sharon Thomson, Hibbing; daughters-in-law, Della Parson and Linda Parson, both of Buhl; sister, Leona (Bob) Wendt; brother, Clifford (Lorraine) Parson, Bemidji; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren including Vickie (Dale) Leinonen of Angora; and several great-great-grandchildren.

 

VISITATION:10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Tuesday, Nov. 15 in St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 501 NW 16th St., Grand Rapids. Burial in Bigfork Cemetery, Bigfork, Minn. Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, Minn. 218-326-4000.

 
 
 

Gerhard Herbert Schmolling, age 83, of Buffalo, formerly South Minneapolis, died Tuesday, November 8, 2005. He was born on June 28, 1922.

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Survived by sons, Siegfried (Faye) of Cedar Rapids, IA, Eberhard (Toma) of Cook, MN, Postmaster of Cook, Reiner of South Minneapolis; daughter, Ingeborg (Luke) Torell of Monticello, MN; 9 grandchildren, Raymond, Reiner Jr., Bria, Adam, Jacob, Jared, Heather, Crystal, Kara; and one great grandson, Austin. Preceded in death by parents and wife, Erna Schmolling.

 

Funeral is 11 AM Friday with visitation from 9:30-11 AM all AT THE CHAPEL

 

Serving the family... The Peterson Chapel Buffalo 763-682-1363

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Kenneth W. “Bucko” Willett Jr., 48, of Hibbing, died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005, at his home of natural causes. He was born on Feb. 6, 1957, in Hibbing, to Kenneth and Darlene (Berg) Willett. Bucko was a United States Army veteran. After his time in the service, he moved to Colorado to work in the underground mines. He returned to Minnesota and worked at Minntac. Later he started truck driving for Willett Trucking with his dad, which was what he loved to do the most. In the early 1990s, he eventually took on the business by himself, which he ran until the present. His purpose in life was truck driving, hunting, camping, and most of all, spending time with all his family.

 

He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Margi; two daughters, Shari Aubol, and Joel (Tim) Moe; three grandchildren, Erik, Kayla, and Nicholas Moe; four sisters, Linda (Richard) Hanson, Bonnie (Barry) Martinson, Colleen (Jim) Paola, and Cheryl Johnson; numerous nieces and nephews, Christine, Barry, Lisa Joe, Kelly, Shane, Shannon, Tiffany, David, and Tim; six aunts; one uncle.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth 74, 2004 and Darlene 72, 2005 (Berg) Willett Sr.; father-in-law, Don 82, 2005 French; great-niece, Casandra; six aunts; and four uncles.

 

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Landmark Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia, with the Rev. Kathleen A. Ierien officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors accorded by the Virginia Servicemen’s Honor Guard will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.

 

 
 

Uno John Peltonen, 96, of St. Louis Park formally of Angora passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at the St.Louis Park Plaza Health Care Center in St. Louis Park, MN.  A Memorial Service will be held Friday, November 4, 2005 at 2:00 P.M. at the Lakewood Cemetery – Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Ave. S.  Mpls. MN.  Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia at a later date.   Arrangements are with the Range Funeral Home of Virginia.

 

Uno was born on September 20, 1909 to Jacob & Hilma (Kontio) Peltonen in Alango where he grew up and attended school.  On May 8, 1930 he was united in marriage to Lillian Latikka in Virginia.  Following marriage they made their home in Angora where they lived for 61 years.  Uno was a school bus driver for 41 years.  He also had his own landscaping and small contracting business. Everyone in the area knew Uno.  He was very well liked and respected.  Uno was a long time member on the board of directors for the Angora township; Co-op Credit Union; Northern Farmers Co-operative and the Rural Electric Co-operative Association. 

 

Uno was preceded in death by his only son, Floyd; on Sept 8, 1993 at the age of 57. Five brothers, Bill, Hugo, Albert, Felix and Eino (in infancy) and sister, Lila Korpi.

 

Survivors include:  

Loving wife of 75 years:  Lillian

 

Two Daughters:   Irene (Allan) Kujala of Chisholm
     Karen (Sam) Carson of St. Louis Park, MN

 

Daughter-In-Law:   Mary Lou Peltonen of Blaine

 

Two Sisters:    Ellen Halverson of Hibbing
     Adeline (Ernest) Knutson of Virginia

 

10 Grandchildren
9 Great-Grandchildren

 
 
 

Barbara Ann Hugger Philips, 55, of Hibbing, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, Oct. 31, 2005. She was born on May 22, 1950, to Leland “Bud” and Ida (Fridberg) Hugger in St. Cloud, Minn. She grew up in Little Swan and moved to Hibbing in 1956. She graduated from Hibbing High School. She was employed by the Hibbing Community College and had worked at the Mesaba Clinic in Hibbing for 12 years. She also worked for Jim’s Sports Bar in Chisholm. She enjoyed playing volleyball, participating in dart tournaments and being outdoors. She loved being at home with family and friends. She especially loved her grandchildren and spending time with them.

 

Survivors include, a son, Dennis Anderson of Hibbing; a daughter, Karie (Rick) Anderson-Loose of Mayer, Minn.; five grandchildren, Alicia, Amber and Joe Anderson, Jaida Anderson and Myles Loose; her mother, Ida Saari of Hibbing; a brother, Richard (Fawn) Hugger of Claremore, Okla.; a sister, Carole (Roger) Metsa of Angora; a niece, Dr. Erin Hugger of Westchester, Pa.; a nephew, Adam (Gretchen) Metsa of Angora; several aunts, uncles and cousins; best friends, Cindy Philips and Char Minerich of Hibbing.

 

SERVICES: A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the 1 p.m. Memorial Service Thursday at the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. Pastor Bruce Dissell will officiate

 
 
 

Stanley J. Kotnik, 92, of Eveleth died Thursday, Oct  7, 2005, at St. Michael’s Health & Rehabilitation  Center in Virginia.  He was born April 22, 1913, to John and Katherine (Skrabec) Kotnik in Eveleth, where he grew up and attended school.

 

Stanley worked as a millwright for U.S. Steel. He married Margaret Kocher on Sept. 19, 1942, in Chisholm. Following marriage they made their home in Chisholm prior to moving to Eveleth. He was a member of  Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth. He especially enjoyed gardening.


Survivors include his wife, Margaret; two sons, Gene (Connie) Kotnik of Eveleth and Don (Brenda) Kotnik of
Iron; two daughters, Marge (Bill) Rutchasky of Buyck and Kathleen (Karl) Trampusch of Long Prairie, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Brandon, Danielle, Amanda, Alyssa, Ron, Pauline, Michael, Steven, Sophia, Jennifer and Janelle; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary LaVigne of Virginia and Ann Vodnik of Seattle, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death by two sons, John and Stanley; his parents; four brothers, Frank, John, Tony and Joe; and a sister, Katherine.

SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday at Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Eveleth Cemetery. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

 
 
 

John E. "Junior" Neil Jr., 88, formerly of Crane Lake, died Wednesday, October 26, 2005, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay.

He was born on October 29, 1916 at the family farm in Mason City, Iowa. It was a three year process but the family moved up to Crane Lake, Minnesota in 1928, settling in East Bay, where John has lived since. In August of 1942, he enlisted in the Army and was attached to the 129th Military Police Company. They found out he was a fishing guide that cooked shore lunches so before he knew it he was a mess Sergeant in charge of 24 cooks and bakers and was feeding over 1,000 people on bases in North Africa and Sicily. After his honorable discharge from the military, he came back to Crane Lake and continued to guide. In the late 1940's he started working for John Buxton of Federated Insurance Co. out of Owatonna, MN. He guided the company's remote cabin on Lac La Croix until 1980. Because there was no electricity, in the off season Junior cut and harvested ice for the many cabins and resorts on the lake. He also began his own saw mill and cut lumber and built floating docks for many on the lake. In the early 1960's John struck a deal with the REA and he cut the right of way around the East side of the lake. The electric line was continued up toward Sandpoint Lake from there. He had resided at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Silver Bay the past two years.

He is survived by 2 brothers, Charlie Neil of Orr, and Glen (Carol) Neil of Crane Lake; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by 4 brothers: James, George, Chester, and Raymond Neil, and 3 sisters: Janetta Morse, Lucille Harrington, and Kathryn Neil.

 

Funeral services will be at 1:00 P.M. Saturday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Military Honors will be accorded by the combined honors of the Orr American Legion Post #480, and Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #1757. Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.

 
 

Frankie Sue Hoard, 83, of Orr, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2005, at the Cook Hospital.    She was born on March 26, 1922, at Jonesboro, Washington,; the daughter of  Jake and Bertha (Anders) Leonard.   Her family moved to Johnson City, Tennessee, where she grew up.   She moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked as a map maker and at a munitions plant during World War 11. After the war she settled in “Old Gheen”, and has since resided in the area.  She and her then husband “Pinkie” owned and operated Frontier Electric in Orr, and both were electricians, with Frankie being a master electrician. She also was employed for a time at the Cluett-Peabody Shirt Factory in Virginia, and Cooper’s Café in Cook.   She took flying lessons and became a pilot, and later worked as a caregiver in Home Health Care in Virginia, and then a caregiver for Carl Bloomquist in Orr.  She is survived by friends and her caregivers, the Arlene Sipola family of Orr.

 

SERVICES:  Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Orr American Legion Hall. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.  The casket bearers will be: John Lindquist, Graham Grilley, Avery Sipola, Sam and Jeff Iverson, and Mel Johnson.  Interment will be in the Leiding Cemetery of Orr.

 

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

Sara Ann (Strong) Kochie, 62, of Tower, died Friday, Oct. 21, 2005, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth of injuries sustained in an accidental fire.


Sara was born on Oct. 8, 1943, at Nett Lake, where she grew up and was raised by her grandparents, George and Rose Strong. She had lived in Duluth for 14 years and had been employed at Sivertson’s Fisheries and enjoyed her job there and the people she worked with.Sara moved to the Bois Forte Vermilion Reservation in 1976, where she had since resided. She married David J. Kochie in Ely on July 12, 1985. For a number of years she and David were self-employed, operating Educational Electronics, and specialized in repairing and cleaning computers. She was recently employed at the Fortune Bay Casino complex in the hotel housekeeping department. The love and joy of Sara’s life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren.


She is survived by her husband, David; one son, Neil Strong of Tower; one daughter, Arika Bliss of Tower; two brothers, Gaynard Strong of Tower and Rodney (Lisa) Strong of International Falls; two sisters, Phyllis Boshey and Mary Strong, both of Tower;  She is also preceded in death by 4 brothers: Albert Strong Jr., Ken Strong Sr., Gerald Chicag and Faron Chicag, eight grandchildren;Jolene, Amanda, Angela, Jennifer, Andrea, Christopher, Neil and Von; six great-grandchildren, Damen, Michael, Tyler, Amy, Katie and Christopher; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.


Sara was preceded in death by her great-grandfather, John Beargrease (of dogsledding fame); her grandparents, George and Rose (Beargrease) Strong; her parents, Albert and Mary Strong; and one granddaughter, Julie Arn.

 

SERVICES: Tribal rites will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Bois Forte Vermilion Center in Tower. Gilbert Smith will be the spiritual advisor. Visitation will be after 7 p.m. today at the Vermilion Center. The casketbearers will be Carl Dagen, Kevin Strong, Cory Two Crow, Donovan Strong, Ken Strong Jr. and Christopher Arn. Interment will be in the Vermilion Cemetery at Bois Forte, Tower. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

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Robert Vernon Knutson died on October 18, 2005, at the Long Prairie Memorial Nursing Home, where he had been a resident since July of 2005. He had fought a short battle with cancer, and died at the age of 76.


Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 5th, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Rev. Melissa Stoller will be the officiant. The honorary bearers will be: Earl Aune, Bob Dixon, Arnie Ojanen, Lawrence Heglund, Norris Sletten, Verton Knutson, Bud Bystrom, Dick Gregor, John Geiselman, Denny Wilkens, and Kenny Lind.


“Bob” was born on July 29, 1929, in Hibbing, MN., to Henry and Lena (Ness) Knutson, and lived in Cook most of his life. He married Marvelle Benson on August 11, 1951 in Cook, where they lived on the family farm west of Cook and raised their six children. His career in carpentry started with, and included, his employment with Charlie Pohl of Cook, a contracting business with Lawrence Heglund called K & H. Builders, and in 1969, the family moved to Thief River Falls when Bob became an instructor of Carpentry at the Thief River Falls Area Vocational Technical Institute. He worked there for 16 years, then he retired and moved back to Cook. Because they sold their home there, he built an earth sheltered home on the property where they lived until seeking medical care for Bob in Long Prairie this past spring.


During his years of teaching and many years after retirement, he, his wife and family members spent summers on Crane Lake on a houseboat which he’d built, and later at their cabin on Little Vermilion Lake. Winters saw Bob and Marvelle traveling to warmer climates and eventually being winter residents in Mission, Texas.


Bob had many interests, which included music. He loved to listen to and to and sing barber shop quartet music. He was a member of “The Ambassadors”, a men’s chorus in Texas which performed all over Southern Texas. He continued to dabble in woodworking, making many Christmas gifts for his children and grandchildren. In his early years he raised horses, helped establish the Northland Saddle Club, and even was a pick-up man at rodeos. He had passed on his passion of music, horses, and woodworking to many of his children. Bob and Marvelle celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends, neighbors, and relatives at the Linden Grove Town Hall on August 11, 2001.


Bob is survived by his wife, Marvelle,; children , Bobbi Knutson (Paul Van Gorp), Long Prairie, MN. ; Nancy Knutson (Wayne Wagner) , Boulder, CO., Joe (JoAnn) Knutson of Cook, Jay (Rachel) Knutson of Apple Valley, MN., Kris Knutson (Randy Mechels) of St. Cloud, MN., and Kara Knutson of Buffalo, MN. He is also survived by 10 Grandchildren and five step grandchildren: Jenna Van Gorp, Olivia and Christian Wagner, Breyan and Brittney Knutson, Haley and Hannah Knutson, Peter and Jack Mechels, Zachary Kuhlman, Alison and Emily Van Gorp, Steve, Chris, and Adam Beal. He also had the opportunity to know his great grandson, Trey Joel Gibson.


In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his seven siblings – Clarence Knutson, Margeruite Edwards, Helen Bystrom, Lulu Lindgren Lee, Ruby Pohl Geiselman, Gladys DuMarce, and Jim Knutson., and his first grandchild, Joey Knutson.


Arrangements with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

 

 

 

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Helmi Lorraine (Juntunen) Iverson 59, wife of deceased Hans Allen Iverson. Passed away October 16, 2005 at the Elim Nursing Home, Watertown, MN. She was surrounded by family and friends.

 

Services at Iten Funeral Home, Delano, MN,  Saturday October 22, 2005.  Viewing; 9-11AM than service following.


Burial at 5PM at Alango Cemetery, Alango, MN with a graveside service. Questions contact Iten funeral home at 952-955-2610

 

Helmi was a sister-in-law to Millie (Anthony) Koskovich formerly of Alango and now of Chisholm.

 
 

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Gunhild Elizabet (Persson) Scofield, 84, of Hibbing died Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2005, at Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi of Hibbing.


She was born Nov. 22, 1920, to Emil and Maria (Anderson) Persson in Ragunda, Sweden. She came to the U.S. in 1925 as a young child. Gunhild attended school in Togo, where she met Frank, whom she married on Aug. 5, 1939. They raised their family in Togo. After Frank passed away on Jan 31, 1987 at the age of 79, she moved to International Falls prior to moving to Hibbing. She was a cook for the Togo School for several years. Gunhild liked to garden, cook and bake. She enjoyed working on the farm, loved having company and her 10 and 2 o’clock coffee times. She loved her family and her family all enjoyed her Sunday dinners and sour dough pancakes.

 

Surviving are her five daughters, Loretta (Carl) Olson of Chisholm, LaVerne (Jerald 61, 2002) Kehoe of Bear River, Bernice (John) Serrano of Side Lake, Donna (Larry) Kesch of Portland, Ore., and Elaine Osachuck of Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada; a son, Bruce (Terry) Scofield, of Togo; a daughter-in-law, Betty (Kenneth 38, 1989) Scofield, of Chisholm; grandchildren, Kari Olson, Kim (Bryan) Haroldson, Kris (Monica) Olson, Pat (Kevin) Hedges, Brenda (Randy) Krone, Jerry (Shelly) Kehoe, Tim Kehoe, Sherry (Tim) Simpson, Jason (Dawn) Kehoe, Craig (Sandy) Walters, Bret (Michele) Walters, Chloette (David) Eddy, Angelea (Bill) Lehto, Michelle (Lewis) Reed, Larry (Amissa) Kesch, Linda (Dan) Curtiss, Lee Scofield, Ryan Scofield, Bradley Scofield, Jeremy (Jennifer) Scofield and Chad Scofield; 28 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Matt Terebenet.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Elida; husband, Frank; son, Kenneth 38, 1989; two sons-in-law, Lewis Walters 42, 1986 and Jerald Kehoe 61, 2002; five grandchildren; four sisters; and a brother.

 

SERVICES: Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at Bear River Lutheran Church in Cook. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Bearville Cemetery

 
 
 
 

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Ruth M. Dall, 92, of Parkville, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2005, at St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. She was born Sept. 9, 1913, in Fort Wayne, Ind., the daughter of Gunnar and Ida (Johanson) Peterson.


On June 28, 1934, Ruth married George Dall. The couple made their home in Silverdale, Minn., and later moved the family to Parkville in 1942. Ruth was a member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia, and of the Homemaker’s Club of Parkville for many years. She enjoyed blueberry picking and playing bingo. She was an excellent baker, especially talented at decorating wedding cakes and baking buttermilk rye bread.

 

She is survived by her children: Kenneth (Joyce) Dall of Mountain Iron, Roger Dall of Rice Lake, Wis., Ronald (Phyllis) Dall of Makinen, James (Teresa) Dall of Mahtowa, Gordon (Joanne) Dall of Mountain Iron, Russell (Yvonne) Dall of Britt, Glenn (Debra) Dall of Mountain Iron, Arlene (Russell) Blake of Mountain Iron, and Sharon (Kenneth) Taylor of Duluth; 22 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Inez Romer of Virginia and Avis Tolppi of Minneapolis; Sisters-in-law, Vera Peterson, Clara Dall (Walter 71, 1983) Gustafson of Cook and Mildred Stanke, brother-in-law Arthur Almquist and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George in 1973; brothers, Carl, Robert, and Ralph Peterson; and sisters, Lois Almquist, Elsa Gilbert and Mary Mason and Margaret in infancy.

 

SERVICES: A visitation for Ruth will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Visitation will continue from noon until the 1 p.m. funeral service on Friday at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate at the service. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share a personal remembrance of Ruth online, please see:

 

 

 

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Mary J. 'Fritz' (Beath) Rock, 83, Duluth, died Oct. 10, 2005 at Benedictine Health Center. She was born in Hazel, S.D., on Sept. 30, 1922, to Neil and Myrtle Beath. Mary was a 1940 graduate of Cook High School and a 1943 graduate of Virginia Junior College. She married Lloyd Rock in St. Clements Catholic Church in Duluth on Oct. 11, 1943.

 

She had worked in the office at the Duluth Clinic for two years and later worked as an accounting clerk at St. Mary's Hospital for 20 years. Mary was a member of St. James and the former Good Shepherd Catholic Churches.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brothers, Bruce and John. Mary is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Jan), Hoyt Lakes, Minn., Lloyd R. Jr., St. Paul, Minn., Gerald (Pauline), Oakdale, Minn.; daughters, Sandra (Richard) Gaul, Monroe, N.C., Leone (John) Aasen, Duluth; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

 

VISITATION:5 to 7 p.m. Thursday with wake service at 6:30 p.m., all in Williams-Lobermeier Funeral Home. Visitation continues from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service Friday in Benedictine Health Center Chapel, 3rd floor. Inurnment at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials preferred.

 
 

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Judythe E. (Nordlund) Flemino, 53, of Blaine, passed away on Oct. 7, 2005 quickly after a brain aneurysm. Preceded in death by mother, Sylvia Nordlund 87, 2004. She will be deeply missed by husband of 19 years, Gary; daugher, Caitlin; stepson, Tary; sister, Joanne (Steve) Balliette; brother, Jim Nordlund; father, Albert Nordlund; nephew, Jake; niece, Shana; her dog, Raja; many loving relatives and friends. She was a legal secretary for 25 years. Her passions were flower gardening, landscaping, and family. She had a gregarious personality that will be missed by all.

MEMORIAL SERVICE:1:30 p.m. Saturday with a gathering of friends 1 hour prior, all in Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 19th Ave NE at Old Hwy 8 612-781-199

 

 

 

 

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Emil Joseph Roethler 67, born on Jan 17, 1938 at Cook and died on Sep 04, 2005 at Orlando, Florida. His parents were; Emil Frances Roethler 57, 1957 & Lucille Mary (Willet, Roethler) Molman 65, 1985. Preceding him in death was his first wife Shirley Street Roethler 56, 1998 one brother; Duane Roethler 57, 1997 and his step-father Edgar Molman 55, 1982

 

Emil is survived by his wife; Debra of Haines City, Florida. One daughter Dawn o Milwaukee, Wisconsin and one son Brett of Stacey, Minnesota. One brother; Lloyd & Renee Roethler of New Ulm, Minnesota. Two step-children; Ian of Marcus Ann, Wisconsin and Nichole (Mike) Beuchel of Chilton, Wisconsin.

 

Emil served in the United States Air Force, where he received many commendations and awards. He was a VFW member of Post 8 in Winter Haven, Florida. He received his teaching degree from Mesabi State and the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He taught general science and physical education at New Holstein Senior High School in New Holstein, Wisconsin.  Emil owned and operated the Log Cabin later known as the Crescent Supper Club north of Cook.

 

 

 

 

 

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Henry H. Halverson, 88, of Virginia, formerly of Bear River, Alango, and Cook, died Monday, September 26, 2005, at the Edgewood Vista Care Facility in Virginia.


1. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (October 1, 2005), at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alango. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Rev. David Solberg will be the officiant. There will be congregational singing with Colin Isaacson providing the accompaniment. Military honors will be accorded by the combined Honor Guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757, and the Orr American Legion Post #480. Interment will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.


Henry was born on March 5, 1917, at Maddock, North Dakota; the son of Hans and Hilda (Strand) Halverson. At the age of five, he moved with his family to Bear River, where he grew up. He is a Army Veteran of World War 11, having served in the Army from 1940 to 1945, and was awarded the Purple Heart medal. He was proud to have served with the Norwegian Ski Troops during his war service. After his tour of duty, he returned to Bear River, where he logged, and worked as a carpenter, and farmed.. In addition to his wife Margaret, two other loves of his life were his vegetable and flower gardens and his dogs.


He lived in Duluth for 3 years, where Henry operated a gas and service station. Then he moved to Grand Rapids, where he resided for 7 years. He later returned to Bear River, then he moved to Cook a year and half after Margaret died in 1993. He was member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Alango, and later Trinity Lutheran Church while he lived in Cook. Henry was a member of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757, and the Disabled American Veterans. He has resided at the Edgewood Vista in Virginia the past 4 years.


He is survived by 2 step-daughters, Nancy (Sonny) Ashley of Mpls., and Mary (Emmons) Connell of Hawaii,; 2 sisters, Helen Nukala of Alango and Ruth Herring of Chisholm,; a niece, Grace (Colin) Isaacson of Alango,; a nephew, Leroy (Mary Ann) Nukala of Alango,; Along with many great nieces and nephews.


He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret on April 7, 1993,; 2 brothers, Eilert Halverson (who died serving in World War II., in 1943), and Clarence Halverson in 1968; 1 sister Hegna Rautiola Lake.

 

Arrangements with the Mlaker Funeral Home.

 

 
 

Eugene S. Gazelka, 78, of Ely went home to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. Gene truly fought the good fight, finished his race and kept the faith. He was many things in life, but above all else he was a man of God. He passionately loved and served the Lord. He intimately knew Jesus and carried the torch of that faith and love for all to see. His example of faith, integrity, joy, humility, and love will endure many years beyond his physical passing. He was born on Oct. 28, 1926 to Peter and Thelma 'Dolly' (Hendricks) Gazelka in Chisholm. Gene always loved three things: God, people, and the outdoors. As a young man, he explored the Quetico by canoe and tramped through the woods of northern Minnesota. He married the love of his life, Joyce (Anderson) Gazelka and this past year they celebrated their 57th year of marriage. He enjoyed his retirement in the Ely area and loved to hunt, fish, play cards, and tell stories. Growing up with little during the Depression, Gene was led to become a successful entrepreneur. He worked for State Farm Insurance Co. in Hibbing and Duluth, then moved into management in St. Paul for twenty years, and later returned to his roots in Virginia. Along with his career, Gene was a leader and speaker in several outreach organizations, including Full Gospel Businessmen International, Rotary Club, Marriage Ministry International and within his own church. Gene treated everyone, whatever their social status, as his equal. He sought to find the good in every person and always was generous. His parting reminders were, 'To live is Christ, to die is gain.' 'To have eternal life, you must be born again.' And finally, 'Love one another.' Many will miss Gene as he always had a joke to share, combined with a pearl of wisdom. Survivors include his wife, Joyce; his children, Mark (Rhonda- Gazelka) of Bemidji, Sherry Gazelka of Iron, Susan Gazelka of Minneapolis, Mary (Charles) Casanova of Rainer, Paul (Maralee) Gazelka of Brainerd, Brian (Melissa) Gazelka of Wilmar, Greg (Oksana) Gazelka of Shoreview, Jim (Halena) Gazelka of Cottage Grove, Peter (Kimberly) Gazelka of Edina and Todd (Gina) Gazelka of Brainerd; 31 beloved grandchildren and three great grandchildren. MEMORIAL SERVICE:12 noon Friday in Ely Baptist Church, 1515 East Camp St., Ely, Minn. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. A luncheon will follow the services in the church basement. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the Salvation Army, Samaritan's Purse, MN Teen Challenge, or KBHW (northland Christian radio station).

 

 

 

 

Susan A. Mattson, 62, of Cook, died Thursday, September 8, 2005, at the Eveleth Health Services Park. Sue was born on January 18, 1943, at Virginia, the daughter of Sistie and Helen (Furu) Menelli. She grew up in Virginia, where she graduated from High School. She moved to Cook, and was receptionist for many years for the Cook News Herald, then for B.I.C. Realty. She was employed as a receptionist for Potlach since its construction phase, where she worked for 20 years, then retired. Sue was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook. She completed a medical transcription course at the then Eveleth Vocational Technical Institute. Sue was known for her caring nature and ability to make people laugh. She loved and had a great compassion for animals. She will be missed by family and friends, but not forgotten for her warm and caring ways.

She is survived by her sister, Jill Duame of Cook,; 1 niece, Lisa Bamberg of Cook,; 3 nephews, Mike (Kathy) Duame of Cook, Mark Duame of Mt. Iron, and Brian Duame of Blaine, MN.,; 4 great nieces, Amy & Emalee Bamberg, Rachel Kahn, and Ashley Scott,; 4 great nephews, Chad & Jared Duame, and Alex & Adam Bamberg,; along with numerous special relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister Maria Menelli who died in infancy; a brother-in-law, Dennis Duame who died on November 20, 2004,; nephew Gary Bamberg on October 12, 2002, and her beloved dog, Molly.

 

Funeral services will be at 6:00 p.m. Monday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. The casket bearers will be: Mike, Mark, and Brian Duame, Jim Holter, Jim Endrizzi, Norman Korpi, and Roger Johansen. The honorary bearers will be: Amy, Emalee, Alex, & Adam Bamberg, Chad & Jared Duame, and Rachel Kahn. Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

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Russell D. Knuti, 74, of Mountain Iron, died Friday, Sept. 2, 2005, at his home, following a short bout with cancer. He was born July 3, 1931, in Duluth. On Aug. 20, 1949, he was united in marriage with Myrtle Johnson and they spent their 56 years in Parkville/Mountain Iron and Lake Vermilion. Russ was employed at United States Steel and worked at both the Pilotac and Minntac, retiring after 36 years due to a stroke. Hunting, fishing and all kinds of sports took up his leisure time.

Russell is survived by his wife, Myrtle; daughter, Linda (David) Troseth of Angora; sons, Kim (Kathy) Knuti and Rusty (Jan) Knuti, both of Mountain Iron; grandchildren, Darren (Kerrie) Troseth of Jordan, Minn., Melanie Troseth of Fairbanks, Alaska, Terry Knuti, Kelly (Leroy) Maickelson, Jenessa, Baily and Allie Knuti, all of Mountain Iron; great-grandchildren, Alex Easty of Fairbanks, Alaska, and McKayla Maickelson of Mountain Iron; brother, Larry (Karen) Luoma of Mountain Iron; sisters, Donna (Morris) Day of Washborn, Wis., Lola Hendrickson of Cloquet, Debra (Tom) Pender of Anoka, Minn., and sister-in-law, Barbara Borgman of Mountain Iron; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert Knuti and Taini Luoma; step-fathers, Paul Borgman and Toivo Luoma; brother, Paul Borgman; and brother-in-law, Terry Hendrickson.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron. The Rev. Kristin Foster will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are by the Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

 
 
 

 

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Alex S. Cook, 20, of Lake Vermilion-Cook, died Wednesday, August 31st, of accidental causes, while on a camping trip with friends in Canada. He was born in Virginia on December 26, 1984, the son of David and Ann (Christensen) Cook. He grew up in the Orr area, and graduated from the Orr High School in 2003.

 

He attended Mesabi Community College in his senior year of high school , then later the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Alex had an avid interest in guns, hunting, and the great outdoors. He loved a good hot sauna, boating, and fishing, and a "good book." He had devout interest in politics, in which he was well versed. Alex was very loved by all, and will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.

Alex is survived by his parents, David (Jean) Cook of Orr,; Ann (Dane) Francis of Lake Vermilion-Cook; 2 brothers, Jeffrey Cook of Superior, Wisconsin, and David Christianson of Orr; his grandparents, Phil and Barb Christensen of Orr, Val and Marilyn Cook of Orr, Ruth Magnuson of Int'l Falls, Dennis Christianson of Littlefork, and Brae Pattenn of Orr.

He is preceded in death by grandmother, Rea Pattenn, and a cousin, Kristen Gustafson.


SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. A gathering of family and friends will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

 

 

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Doris M. Rent, 78, and longtime resident of Virginia, died Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2005. She was born Sept. 4, 1926, in Greaney Township, the daughter of Earl and Gladys (Johnson) Lehman. She graduated from Orr High School and went on to attain her teaching degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She married Joseph Rent on June 16, 1951. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa Teacher’s Sorority. Her greatest enjoyment in life was being with friends and family.

 

Survivors include her children, Bruce (Leslie Kay) Rent of Virginia and Josette (Ed) Town of Ham Lake, Minn.; grandchildren, John and Joel Rent of Virginia and Jennifer and Brian Town of Ham Lake; siblings, Muriel Lehman of Duluth, Earl (Barbara) Lehman of Hibbing, and Lorraine (Ed) Wheelecor of Chisholm; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

 

SERVICES: Funeral service at 2 p.m. Saturday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, with Pastor Bob Simensen officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. service. Interment to follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share a personal remembrance of Doris online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

 
 
 

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Gladys F. DuMarce, 83, of Cook, died Monday, August 22, 2005, at  the Cook Nursing Home. She was born on March 14, 1922 at Cook,; the daughter of Henry and O’ Lena  (Ness) Knutson.   She grew up in Cook, where she graduated from High School in 1940. 

 

After high school she started working for Dr. Heiam and for a short time, then moved to Bremerton, Washington, where she worked  in the Navy  shipyards. She  returned back to Cook and was employed at the Virginia Hospital, where she trained nurses aides, then became a lab and x-ray trainer. 

 

She married Harold DuMarce on December 7, 1946 at Cook.  Gladys worked for 12 years in the Lab and X-Ray Departments  at the Cook hospital. Gladys was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church,  and belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary holding numerous offices, including president. She was also a member of The Cook Hospital board,  and the Cook Housing board for 17 years.  She volunteered delivering meals on wheels and  helping at the nutrition  site.

 

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Harold; 3 sons, Daniel (Marge) of Cook, Gary (Lola) of Alango, and Mark of Virginia. 2 Grandsons; Philip DuMarce  and Craig (Rachel) DuMarce ; 1 brother, Robert (Marvelle)  Knutson of Long Prairie, MN.; and along with numerous nieces and nephews.

 

She is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Clarence and James Knutson; and  4 sisters, Lulu Lindgren  Lee, Margaret Edwardson, Helen Bystrom and Ruby Pohl Geiselman

 

SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday ( Aug. 27th) at  Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Rev. Melissa Stoller will be the officiant. The honorary bearers will be: Louis “Bud” Bystrom, Byron “B.J.” Bystrom, Bill Pohl, Joe Knutson, Craig DuMarce, and Philip DuMarce.  Inurnment will be in the Field Township Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

 

 

 

 

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Alice  Gustafson, just shy of her 100th birthday, passed away August 17, 2005, at Durango, Colorado. She was born on August 28, 1905, at Pierre, South Dakota, the daughter of Henry and Annie (Miller) Brandt.  She married Arnold Gustafson in Cook on December 8, 1923.  While living in Cook, Mrs. Gustafson was honored by the city as a “pioneer.”  The city placed a picture of her in an outdoor park as a tribute to the community activities that she participated in during her early years.  She was the first President of the Cook PTA.  Arnold and Alice operated the Cheer Café in downtown Cook from 1927 to 1940. (It was located in what was the last Vermilion Small Engine Shop.) In 1940 they built and opened the Mecca Inn which had a first class dining room and hotel rooms upstairs.  Alice sold the building in 1967, which is now the BIC office.   “She truly was a pioneer”, said her daughter, Elayne Necchi.  “She was tenacious and never gave up, even when life was hard.  She was always busy learning and progressing, and was interested in everything.”

After moving to Duragno in the early 1970’s, Mrs. Gustafson was involved with the LaPlata County Community Hospital Auxiliary for many years.    She enjoyed both vegetable and flower gardening (especially roses), needlework, crocheting and crafts.  Alice also liked to study and read the Bible, spend time with her Grand and Great-Grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughters, Elayne (John) Necchi of Durango, CO., and JoAnn (Burton) Johnson of North Oaks, MN.,; sister, Eveline Caddy of Upland, Calif.,; son-in-law, Ben Wilkin Sr. of Cook,;  6 Grandchildren: Tom Necchi, Doris Thrall,  Ben (Tania) Wilkin Jr., Janine (Michael) Nielsen, Kathryn Hare, and Reed Johnson; 8 Great-Grandchildren,  4 Great-Great Grandchildren, along with numerous special nieces and nephews.   

She is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 1960,; a daughter, Doris Wilkin in 2003,;a great-grandson, Steven Nielsen in 2002, and a brother, Edward Brandt. 

SERVICES:  Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service  to be held at 1:00  pm Friday (August 26th)  at the Cook Community Cemetery.  Rev. Randy Swenson will be the officiant. Funeral services were previously held at Durango, Colorado. Local arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

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Leslie G. Arvila, 66, of Field Township near Cook, died Wednesday, August 17, 2005, at his residence. He was born on August 4, 1939, at Vermilion Dam,; the son of Axel and Hulda (Lindgren) Arvila. As a child he moved with his family to the Cook area. Les graduated from the Cook High School in 1957, and enlisted in the Army. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Cook area, where he owned and operated a Grade A Dairy farm, and also logged and did carpentry work. He married Mary Ann Peterson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook on September 17, 1960. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading, playing cards, history, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; 1 daughter, Dawn (Troy) Simpson,; 3 sons, Dale (Karla) of Cook, Brad (Michelle) of Angora; and Scott (Becky) of New London, Mn.; 2 brothers, Arvid (Greta) Arvila of Grand Blanc, MI., and John (Mary) Arvila of Inver Grove Heights, MN.,; 2 sisters, Eileen (Stuart) Anderson of Montville, N.J., and Elva (Carl) Williams of Binghamton, N.Y.,; 7 Grandchildren: Bo, Brenna, and Brynn Simpson, Colton and Lauren Arvila, and Samantha and Seth Arvila., ; 1 sister-in-law, Blanche Jacobson of Orr; 2 brothers-in-law, Leonard Peterson of Gheen and Everett Saatela of Orr,; and along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by 1 brother, Ray Arvila; 1 granddaughter, Brooke Simpson,; brother-in-law, Mel Jacobson, and sisters-in-law, Delores Saatela and Arlys Arvila.
 

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Rev. Melissa Stoller will be the officiant. A gathering of family and friends will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Kathy Forsline will be the soloist and Pam Ruuska will be the organist. The casket bearers will be: Dan Forsline, Charles Scott, Jim Enzmann, Marvin Pearson, Linus Brunner, and Butch Cottrell. The honorary bearers will be: Dan Ebnet, Tom Karakash, and Dan Rankin. Interment will be in the Field Township Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the Combined Honor Guards of the Orr American Legion and Cook VF.W. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

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Charles M. Bagley, Sr., M.D. 94, a former Duluth resident, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Aug. 18, at his beloved Elbow Lake near Cook, Minn. He was 94 years old. Charles was born on April 10, 1911, in Talent, Ore., to William R. Bagley, M.D., and Marion Miller Bagley.

 

The Bagley family soon moved back to Duluth where Dr. William Bagley resumed his medical practice. Charles attended Endion Elementary, Washington Junior High, and Duluth Central High Schools in Duluth. After a short time in junior college, he spent a year at the copper mines in Ajo, Ariz. Charles then attended Stanford University and graduated from its Medical School in 1937. He served an internship at Miller Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., and a surgery fellowship in Edinburgh, Scotland before returning to Duluth to join his father in medical practice in 1939. Not long after, Charles met the love of his life, Ruth Hartley. They were married on Dec. 28, 1940 and had a wonderful life together for over 62 years until her death on July 11, 2003. Together they raised six children and always took great delight and interest in all of their activities -- and later of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

Charles served in the US Navy during World War II aboard the USS Mattaponi, on convoy duty across the North Atlantic. During a stopover of his ship, he introduced penicillin to the Azores Islands and quickly became famous for curing cases of staph infections with only one dose of this miracle antibiotic. After the war, he resumed his medical practice in Duluth. Although his practice focused more and more on surgery, his interest and affection for his patients made him their family doctor and friend for life. During the course of his distinguished career, he served as Chief of Staff at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, President of the St. Louis County Medical Society, and board member of Minnesota Blue Shield. He was also a long-time member of Rotary International, serving as President of the Duluth Club 25.

 

Along with other physicians he helped to found the UMD Medical School. He also helped to found Duluth Congregational Church and was very active in other civic areas. After retiring and moving to Cape Coral, Fla., in 1981, Charles and Ruth continued to be very active in civic and medical affairs. Charles continued his association with Rotary and its philanthropic events and volunteered his time as a physician at the North Fort Myers Senior Friendship Clinic. With Ruth, he was a charter member and also helped to expand the Cape Coral Congregational Church. They established two scholarship funds, one with the University of Minnesota -Duluth to aid medical students going into primary care and the other in Cape Coral to help hospital nursing staff further their education.

 

After his wife's death, Charles moved to Hanover, New Hampshire to be closer to his daughter, Nancy, and his son, Fred. He continued to be active and interested in civic and medical areas and gave frequent talks to groups in the area. Charles also had a life-long love of the outdoors and spent much of his 'free' time fishing, hunting, skiing, hiking, canoeing, and traveling.

 

His favorite place to relax with his family and friends was at Elbow Lake in northern Minnesota, which he first visited with his family in 1923. His time was spent first at his family log cabin on the mainland and then at the cabin he built with his wife and children on an island in the lake. Even after moving to Florida and then New Hampshire, Charles returned to beautiful Elbow Lake each summer. It is fitting that this is where he died.

 

His wife, Ruth Hartley Bagley, preceded him in death as did six brothers and sisters. Charles is survived by his six children and their spouses, Charles (Nancy) Bagley of Seattle, Wash., Fred (Jenny) Bagley of Mendon, Vermont, Peter (Beth) Bagley of Duluth, Susan Bagley (Gil Lewis) of Houghton, Mich., Nancy Bagley (Gary Chiasson) of West Lebanon, N.H., and David (Laurie) Linnes-Bagley of Minneapolis; ,along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Margaret Holloway of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother-in-law, John (Ingrid) Hartley of Denver, Colo.; and Caroline Hartley, Kenosha, Wis.; and numerous nephews and nieces. Charles truly had a positive impact on so many lives in so many ways. He will always be remembered with gratitude, love, and laughter.

 

VISITATION:10 a.m. Monday with services at 11 a.m. in United Protestant Church of Morgan Park, 88th Ave. W. and Arbor St. Duluth. Memorials to United Protestant Church in Duluth, or The Bagley Scholarship at the UMD Medical School, Duluth, MN. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth. (218) 727-3555.

 

 

 
 

Steven 'Scuba' Michael Olson, 21, Steven ""Scuba"" Michael Olson, age 21 of Grand Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 15, 2005.

 

Steven was born in Hibbing to Kim and Delaine Olson on April 26, 1984. In 1987, they moved to Grand Rapids where he lived to the present day. Steven started his education at Cohasset Elementary, then Grand Rapids Middle School and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 2003. He went on to complete his Associates of Applied Sciences in engineering at Itasca Community College and was enrolled at the University of Minnesota Duluth to complete his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.

 

Scuba Steve ate, drank, and slept Motocross. He was a dedicated rider, both recreationally and competitively. In his most recent season of racing, Steve's goal was in qualifying for the "Professional" class. When Steve wasn't racing or riding, he was tweaking his bike, working on the track, watching motocross on TV or reading motocross magazines. His spirit will forever live on in the sport and on the track. On his YZ250 F, No. 206, Scuba Steve could fly.

 

Steve’s zest for life will be remembered by the twinkle in his eye and how he saw all the possibilities in each day. He lived his life to the fullest and with no regrets. He loved every extreme idea, the adrenaline factor, pushing his big sister's buttons, mom's monster cookies, proving dad wrong, talking jibber jabber with Bob, and teasing Kara to no end. His hands were always fixed on the handle bars, his mind set on the goal and his heart in everything he did. Steve left us the best advice: Never act on assumptions! Unless you have all the facts, don't even think.

Preceding Steve in death were his paternal great-grandparents, Helen and Axel Johnson; maternal grandfather, Edwin Johnson; and his aunt, Dianne Bryan.

 

He is survived by his parents, Delaine and Kim Olson of Grand Rapids; one sister, Heather (Bob LeClair) Olson of Grand Rapids; his girlfriend, Kara Carey of Warba; godparents, Melodee and Terry Ostlund of Hibbing; paternal grandparents, Beverly and Richard Olson Jr. of Effie; maternal grandmother, Ethel Johnson of Bigfork; paternal great-grandparents, Richard & Selma Olson Sr. of Togo; uncles, Danny (Gail) Johnson of Bigfork, Darol (Nancy) Johnson of Grand Rapids, Kevin (Kelli) Olson of Brooklyn Park, Todd (Holli) Olson of Cohasset; cousins, Rick, Lori, Connie, Amber, Erin, Brian, Justin, Lauren, McKenzi, Kaitlyn and Karter. He considered his friends as part of his family.

 

Darlene (Jake) Cayo and Dana (Ken) Anderson of the Cook area are daughters of Richard & Selma Olson

 

Services: Visitation will be Thursday, Aug. 18, from 5 until 7 p.m. at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church where funeral services will be held on Friday, August 19 at 1 p.m. The Rev. Vicki Taylor will officiate. Burial will be at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

 

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred. Arrangements by the Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

 
 
 
 
 

Roger H. Edblom, 69, SERVICES: Graveside services at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, at Hillside Cemetery in Angora. The Rev. Russell Baustian will officiate. Arrangements by Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Roger H. Edblom, 69, of Virginia died June 27, 2005, at his residence.

 

Roger Herbert Edblom 69 of Virginia passed away June 27, 2005 at his residence. He had been in ill health for the past years. His parents were: Herbert 80, 1987 & Lucile 91, 1999 (Eldien) Edblom of Virginia. He leaves behind a number of cousins on his father's side including; Robert (Audrey) Johnson and Jane Johnson of Virginia. Vera (David 62, 1981) Svedberg of Mt Iron. Muriel (Don) Simonson, Rodney (Margaret) Edblom, and Donna (Roger) Billington of Cook. Vivian Hanson, Warren (Joyce) Edblom, Irene (Jerry) Simonson, Katherine (Robert) Hawkinson, Kathleen (Jerry) Sternberg, Joy Edblom, Richard (Jo Anne) Edblom,  Loretta Turman, Barbara Gunderson, Robert (Lois) Edblom, Arnie (Kathie) Johnson and Hartley (Dorothy) Anderson.

 
 
 

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Sebastian "Seb" Lee Bacon, 11, of Buyck, died on Monday, August 1, 2005, at the Cook Hospital, the result of injuries sustained in an all terrain vehicle accident.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 1: 00 p.m. Monday at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Pastor Ruth Gangloff will be the officiant. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The casket bearers will be cousins: Tony Francke, Tyler Little, Andrew Francke, and Dylan Fee. The honorary bearers will be Seb's basket ball team and friends. Interment will be in the Forest Home Cemetery of Buyck. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

He was born on March 11, 1994, at Woodstock, Illinois, to Scott Bacon and Dusty Francke. He settled to the happiest place in his life, Buyck, in August of 2004. Everybody connected with "Seb", he had a magnetic personality, and his friends were a major love of his life. He was a fine, respectable boy, a good student, played on the basketball team in Orr, and filled in playing Little League baseball. He participated in the summer youth program in Orr. The religious release time class, which was held at Calvary Lutheran Church was very important to him. Andy Rutchasky took a very supportive fatherly role for Seb, and together they explored a lot of good fishing waters, and he was looking forward to learn about deer hunting this fall with Andy. Seb was energetic, always on the go, and loved the outdoors. He will be dearly missed, but not forgotten.

He is survived by his biological father, Scott Bacon of St. Charles, Mo., his parents Dusty Bissen and Andrew Rutchasky of Buyck,; 2 brothers at home, Byron Francke and Zaeden Bissen,; 1 sister Destini Bissen of Port Townsend, WA., maternal grandmother, Shirley Francke of Blythe, Calif., paternal grandmother, Melba Rogers in Ariz.,; paternal grandparents, Frank and Cathy Rutchasky of Buyck,; step-maternal grandparents, Christine & Mike Miles and family of Woodstock, IL., maternal great-grandparents, George and Pat Francke of Orr, ; maternal great grandmother, Alice Pemberton of Blythe, CA., along with numerous special aunts and uncles.

 

 

 

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Sally V. Helstrom, 99, of Cook, died Saturday, July 30, 2005, at the Cook Hospital.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, from the Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook. Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday from the Mlaker Funeral Home. The casket bearers will be: Tim Picek, Mark Pascuzzi, Bruce Larsen, Jay Poshak, Marc Poshak, and Lee Gustafson, The honorary bearers will be: Lloyd Gustafson, Rodney Persson, Donald Persson, Donald Anderson, and Irvin "Ole" Swanson. Kathy Forsline and Rodney Edblom will sing with Lorraine Walker providing the accompaniment. Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

Sally was born on November 16, 1905 , at Togo, the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Jonsdotter) Persson. She grew up in Togo, and moved to the Cook area in the 1920's. She was united in marriage to Joseph Helstrom on January 19, 1924, had lived in Virginia for a short time, then settled in the Cook area where Sally has been a resident since. She was a longtime member of the Evangelical Covenant Church and its Ladies Aid. For a time they owned and operated Head of the Lakes Resort on Lake Vermilion, of which Joe named. She had been employed at the former Swanson Drug Store, then when sold, the Casey Drug Store in Cook. She was a wonderful seamstress, and made numerous afghans and clothing articles. She was a great family cook, talented baker, and dearly loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She moved in to the Homestead Apartment building when it opened in 1976, and has resided at the Cook Nursing Home the past four years.

She is survived by 1 son, Boyd (Irma) Helstrom of Columbus, Ind.; 1 daughter, Donna (Mike) Picek of Cook; 1 brother, Hilding Persson of Togo, Mn.,; 1 son-in-law, Russell Pascuzzi of Cook,; 5 Grandchildren: Deborah Pascuzzi of Albuguerque, N.M., Mark (Diane) Pascuzzi of Cook, Terri (Bruce) Larsen of Britt, Tim (Jackie) Picek of Cook, and Joe (Patricia) Helstrom of Indianapolis, Ind.,; 8 Great Grandchildren: Tony, Gina, Kaitlyn, Laura, Lance, Chelsey, Bennett, and Hayden, along with numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Joe on November 24, 1939; 1 daughter, Betty Pascuzzi on January 15, 1994,; 4 brothers , Arvid, Albert, Carl, and Helmer Persson,; 4 sisters, Anna Nelson, Elfva Gustafson, Bertha Saari, and Christina Leding.

 

 

 
 

L. Elizabeth  Eberhardt, 81, of Lake Vermilion-Cook, died Thursday, July 28, 2005, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. 

 

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook.  Rev.’s Melissa Stoller and Reuben Rosnau will be the officiants.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral. Casket bearers will be members of the Raps Road Association family

 

She was born on October 8, 1923, in Kempton, North Dakota, the daughter of William and Bernesia (Newman) Lawson.  Elizabeth was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandma.   Liz loved a good book, a good joke, a good no trump hand, and the Twins- whether good or not so good.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from the Larimore  High School in Larimore,  North Dakota.  Elizabeth graduated as Valedictorian of her class at the University of North Dakota, where she earned her teaching degree, and  was Phi Beta Kappa, and met her beloved Hartley, husband of 60 years.  She married Hartley on February 12, 1946, in Duluth.  She taught English at the Hibbing High School from 1961 to 1980, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Hibbing for nearly 40 years.  In 1980, they started coming to Lake Vermilion on weekends and summers, and in 1984, moved there permanently.  Hardly a day passed that Elizabeth couldn’t be seen enjoying the outdoors on one of her long walks.   She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of Cook for the past 20 years, and belonged to  the Red Hat Society and  various book clubs.  She was an accomplished cook, gardener, bridge player, and writer, and Minnesota’s trusted Twins fan.  Elizabeth was an enthusiastic amateur thespian for church and community events, and a Bible  story teller to children’s groups , and a dedicated member of  the Raps Road Assocation

 

She is survived by her husband , Hartley;  a son, David (Margie) Eberhardt of Champlin, Mn.; 2 daughters, Joyce (William) Magee, of Simsbury, CT., and Nancy (Lars) Halstrom of Bozeman, Mont.; 2 brothers, Walter (Nancy) Lawson of Larimore, North Dakota and Floyd (Renee) Lawson of Fargo, N.D., ; 3 sisters, Beulah (John) Farrell of Larimore, N.D., Alma Bratten of Grand Forks, N.D., and  Alice (Gordy) Eider of  Grand Forks, N.D.; a sister-in-law, June Melton of Nevada; 7 Grandchildren: Andrew and Samantha Magee, Karla & Hannah Halstrom, Justin, Shannon, and Ryan Eberhardt, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by 1 sister, Doris Eider.  

 

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook

 

 

 

Helen L. McCormick, 80, Cook formerly of Buyck, passed away Thursday July 28, 2005 the Cook Hospital. Helen was born May 24, 1925 at Keener Township, Indiana, the daughter of William and Mildred (Kerlinski) Tyler. She was adopted in 1930 and lived and grew up in Rensselaer, Indiana.

 

Helen graduated from Rensselaer High School in 1943. She married George McCormick on September 28, 1957,at Lafayette, Indiana , and they moved to Medaryville, Indiana in 1958. They later moved to Buyck in 1966, where they resided for many years. Helen was a member of the Eastern Star since 1965 . She enjoyed being outdoors, picking blueberries, hunting and fishing. She also liked knitting and craft type projects. Helen was a care giver to a lot of people. Her door was open to everyone and she never met a stranger. She especially enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include 1 son Charles "Skip" (Cheryl) McCormick of Cook, 3 grandchildren; Kimberly (Tim) Grissel of Solon , Iowa, Kristian (Heather) McCormick of North Mankato and Brandon McCormick of Cook; 2 great grandchildren; Sydney and Kamryn Grissel of Solon, Iowa,; 1 brother in law, Donald Foy of Indiana, a special friend Terry Braden of Cook and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George in 1977,; 2 brothers; Elmer & Ted Hancock, and 4 sisters, Martha Hancock, Mae Clergett, Mabel Hazlett and Minnie Foy.

 

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday , August 3, 2005 at the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service. Pastor Reuben Rosnau and Pastor Ruth Gangloff will be the officiants. Interment will be at the Forest Home Cemetery of Buyck

 

 

 

Nancy Lavine Fogelberg, 51, SERVICES: Joint funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cook High School Gym. The Rev. Randy Swenson will be the officiant. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Cook High School Gym. Burial will be in the Cook Community Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

 

Nancy Lavine Fogelberg, 51, and her daughter, Lindi Fogelberg, 19, both of Cook, went home to be with their Lord on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. They died together in a tragic automobile accident near Pine City, Minn. We are saddened and will miss them dearly, but know they are in a safer and better place.

 

Nancy was born on May 11, 1954, in Mankato, Minn., the daughter of Richard “Dick” and Evelyn (Larson) Lavine. She grew up in Aurora and Timbuktu on Lake Vermilion, graduating from the Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School in 1972. She earned a registered nurse degree from the Mayo Nursing School in Rochester, then graduated from UMD, where she obtained her teaching degree. She taught at Nett Lake from 1982 to the present. She was a kindergarten teacher for many years, and recently a Title 1. instructor in reading and math. Nancy was an active member of the Cook Baptist Church, taught Sunday School, did mission work, along with volunteer youth work (the kids loved having her chaperone, because she made everything fun), and her family described her as a “big kid herself.” Her family, church, friends, and school were her priorities. There are no words to express the fullness of Nancy. Everybody was more important than Nancy, she was a wonderful organizer, could solve any problem, and worked “out of the box.” Though she was always busy talking, she was a good listener, always thinking ahead.

 

She is survived by her husband, Steve of Cook; a daughter, Amy (Steve) Stepec of Marshalltown, Iowa; a son, Nels of Cook; father, Richard “Dick” Lavine of Prescott, Ariz. and Lake Vermilion-Cook; a sister, Linda (Gary) Rice of Iowa City, Iowa; mother-in-law, Anna Olson of Cook; a brother-in-law, Rick Fogelberg of Cook; two sisters-in-law, Kay (Ray) Johnson of Cook and Chris (Dean) Waldon of Hobart, Wash.; and numerous special nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Evelyn Lavine on July 6, 1992; a brother, Lars Lavine on Jan. 27, 2005; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Jean Fogelberg on March 23, 1958, and Dyxie Ann McNeil on Dec. 15, 1987; and father-in-law, Richard Fogelberg on April 13, 1979.

 

Lindi was born on May 29, 1986, in Cook, where she grew up. She graduated from Cook High School in 2004, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, and was a student at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth. Her dreams were to become a teacher and coach. Lindi was a standout in basketball and volleyball. She was All-State as a senior when she led the Little Gophers to the state tournament. She played volleyball and basketball at St. Scholastica as a freshman this past year. She was involved with the Summer Rec Program, the Youth Peer Group at Church and Peer Helpers, and numerous other activities. Lindi assumed the leadership role and kept everybody up. She was a friend to everyone with her kind, sweet spirit. She held firm in her beliefs, and both she and her mother were active Christians, who lived their faith.

 

She is survived by her father, Steve of Cook; a sister, Amy (Steve) Stepec of Marshalltown, Iowa; a brother, Nels Fogelberg of Cook; her paternal grandfather, Richard “Dick” Lavine; maternal grandmother, Anna Olson of Cook; and many special aunts, uncles, and friends

 

 

 

 

 

Paige Deann Bergman 18, of Cook, died in a tragic automobile accident on July 27, 2005, with her longtime boyfriend, Dan Swanson, and friends Nancy and Lindi Fogelberg.

She was born on November 1, 1986, at Cook, the daughter of Charles and Gail (Hard) Bergman. She was a 2005 graduate of the Cook High School, a member of the National Honor Society, Captain of the High School Volleyball team, a graduate of the CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) Program, and on the yearbook staff. She was to attend the College of St. Scholastica this fall under a Benedictine Scholarship, majoring in Health Care. She was known by many for her sunny disposition. Paige had a great love of Lake Vermilion and summer. She enjoyed camping, "not like camping in a Hotel", swimming, and playing volleyball. She enjoyed being around children and babysat for many in the community. Paige had a host of friends and a zest for life.


In her words: "Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose."

She is survived by her parents, Charles and Gail Bergman of Cook,; 2 brothers, Chad (Laura) Bergman of Detroit Lakes, Mn., and Seth Bergman of Hibbing and one sister; Kim Bergman of Portland, Oregon,; 1 nephew, Matthew Dahl of Detroit Lakes, Mn., along with a host of family and countless friends.

She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, John and Vi Bergman, and maternal grandparents, Delmar and Alice Hard.

 

Joint memorial services with Dan Swanson, will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Cook School Gym. Rev. Reuben Rosnau and Brenda Tibbetts, Associate in Ministry will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will be for one hour prior the service at the school gym. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

 
 

Dan L. Swanson 20, was taken from us in a tragic automobile accident that also took the lives of his dear friends, Nancy and Lindi Fogelberg and his beloved Paige Bergman on July 27, 2005. We find comfort in knowing that they will always be together.

He was born in Hibbing, Minnesota on April 26, 1985, the son of Terry and Sharon "Toni" (Maki) Swanson. He lived in Kinney until the age of three, when his family bought "Toni's Place" in Sturgeon. There, Dan became quite the movie critic and pool shark in his younger days at "the bar." Dan attended school in Cook and graduated in 2004. In his youth, "Mad Dog" Swanson loved to play hockey with his brother, cousins, and friends. Later, he was a class officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and participated in a number of other school activities. In his senior year, he was crowned Homecoming King and was made captain of the football, basketball, and baseball teams. His greatest love was working with children. He coached youth basketball and baseball and worked at a summer recreation program in Cook. Dan was about to enter his sophomore year at the College of St. Scholastica, where he had hoped to purse his dream of being a teacher during the school months and playing golf and painting with his father during the summer.


Dan is remembered by his parents, Terry and Sharon "Toni" Swanson of Angora,; his brother, Dustin (Nicolle) Swanson of Angora, his sister, Ashley Swanson of Washington D.C.,; his nephew Jacob, his grandmother, Leona Swanson of Angora; his aunts and uncles: Tom and Toni Swanson of Angora, Todd and Char Swanson of Angora, Tim and Anita Swanson of Lake Vermilion-Cook, Diana and Darin Thornton of Hibbing, Bob and Phoebe Maki of Cotton, and Ken and Donna Maki of Kinney, along with numerous cousins and friends.


He is preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Rollin "Red" Swanson, his maternal grandparents, Veikko and Elsie Maki, and his best friend, Patrick Wilenius.

 

Joint Memorial services with Paige D. Bergman will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Cook High School Gym. A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the gym. Rev. Reuben Rosnau and Associate in Ministry, Brenda Tibbetts will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Alango Township Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

 

 

 

 

Donna Mae Saarikoski, 62, of Gheen, passed away Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at the Cook Hospital. Donna was born January 30, 1943 at Hibbing , the daughter of William 53, 1961 and Inez 55, 1967 (Lagerquist) Odella. She grew up in Gheen and went to school in Orr. She married Leonard Saarikoski on Sept. 12, 1958 at Bear River.

 

Donna and Leonard raised five wonderful daughters. After the girls grew up, she was employed at the Cook Hospital and retired in the fall of 2004. Donna was a wonderful Mother and Grandmother and enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing and going to casinos.

Survivors include her husband of almost 47 years Leonard of Gheen, five daughters; Tami (Wesley) Johnson of Orr, Toni (Curt) Sheehy of Greaney, Trudy (Bill) Skubic of Chisholm, Terre' Saarikoski of Gilbert, and Tracy (Todd) Wuori of Buck Lake. One sister: Jean (Tom) Novak of Hoyt Lakes. four brothers; Gilbert (Patti Himango) Odella of Gheen, Rodney (Judy Flake) Odella of Minneapolis, Mark (Karyn) Odella, and Larry Odella both of Virginia. eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren; Savannah Johnson, Reilee Mancina and Nia Moni Rose Kingbird, along with two special friends Kathy Tupy And Joyce Holman, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends..

She was preceded in death by her parents.

 

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church of Cook. Rev. Melissa Stoller and Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiants. Visitation will be Monday from 6-8 pm at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, and will continue for 1 hour prior to the services at the church. Interment will be in the Willow Valley Township Cemetery.

 

 

 

Carolyn Metsa, 61, of Maple Grove, formerly of Britt died Tuesday, July 19, 2005 at North Memorial Hospital in Robbinsdale, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the 3:00 P.M. Memorial Service on Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Carolyn was born on June 16, 1944 to Elmer & Marjorie (Bolster) Snell in Seattle, WA. She graduated from the Cook High School. Carolyn was united in marriage to Merwyn Metsa in 1964. They lived in Britt for 30 years until they relocated in 1998 to Maple Grove to be near family. She was full of love and laughter and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Carolyn was preceded in death by her father, Elmer who died on June 10, 1978 at the age of 58. Merwyn's parents were William 59, 1971 & Martha 85, 2001 (Hannula) Metsa owned Metsa's cabin court in Cook which is now the Vermilion Motel and Country Store.

Survivors include: Husband: Merwyn of Maple Grove, Son: Tom (Lisa) Metsa of Delafield, WI, Daughter: Tami (Tom) Metsa Shustarich of St. Michael, Mn, Grandchildren: Meggan & Tyler Shustarich of St. Michael, Mn Zachary & Matthew Metsa of Delafield, WI., Mother: Marjorie (Bolster, Snell) Storm of Cook, Sister: Shirley Snell – Storm of St. Paul, MN. Two Brothers: Jack (Vicki Wolverton) Snell of Cook, Don (Donna) Snell of Loveland, Co., Brother-in-law: Mick (Laurie) Metsa of Hermantown, Several Nieces & Nephews.

   
   

 

Aaron Walter Hall 88, of Cook died Monday, July 18, 2005 at the Cook Community Hospital after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. Visitation will be from 6-8 P.M. on Friday, July 22, 2005 at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Graveside services will be at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, July 23, 2005 at the Cook Cemetery. Rev. Rueben Rosnau will officiate. Military rites will be accorded by the Cook VFW Post #1757. Because of his love of country and never-ending affiliations with veterans & their organizations, in lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the VFW Post #1757.

Aaron was born on December 27, 1916 at Lake Vermilion, Cook, the youngest son of Ted and Nettie (Lamar) Hall. He attended school in Cook before the family moved to Virginia where he was a graduate of Roosevelt High School class of 1936. Following high school he operated and managed movie theaters with his brother, Thomas in Buhl and Carlton.

 

He was a veteran of the US Army serving from 1942 until 1946 in the 440th Signal Battalion at New Guinea, the Philippines & Okinawa. He was honorably discharged at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin in 1946. Aaron returned to Cook and was employed at the Northern Farmer's Co-op and later worked for Range Cooperatives as a fuel delivery driver.

 

He was united in marriage to Dorothy Lucille Erickson on December 6, 1952 in Virginia. Together they traveled extensively throughout the 20 years of their marriage until her death in 1972. Upon his retirement in 1974 he continued to travel, wintering with his brother, Thomas or son, Larry in Albuquerque, NM and Corpus Christi, Texas

 

Aaron was an honest, kind, generous man who loved people and especially supported his many friends and family in Cook, Lake Vermilion and the surrounding areas. He was a former Boy Scout and Scout leader and deacon of 1st Congregational Church of Cook. Aaron was a longtime member of the Cook Volunteer Fire Dept. and loyal member of the VFW Post 1757 of Cook. He was welcomed at VFW & American Legion Posts throughout the US. His superb memory recalled many people, places and events and he was considered a living historian on the Cook area. He will always be remembered fondly by his family, friends and strangers alike.

 

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dorothy, infant son, Kenneth Earl Hall in 1953, sisters, Mary Lounds, Hallie Steiger, brothers Tedford "Hoot" Hall & Thomas Hall.

Survivors include: one son: Larry Bialke of Virginia, three Granddaughters: Mindy Bialke of Virginia, Brynn (Marcus) Fischer of St. Joseph, Mo., Casey Liljeblom of Gunnison, Co., one Grandson Aaron Bialke of Virginia. One sister: Helen Marturano of Two Harbors, Mn and numerous Nieces & Nephews.

 

 

 
 

Ailie A. Toivola, 91, of Orr, Mn passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2005, at the Cook Hospital. She was born June 25, 1914, at Orr, Mn, the daughter of John and Mary (Luomala) Jyrkinen. She grew up at Myrtle Lake. Ailie's first husband Neilo Pentilla died in September of 1939. She then married Martin Toivola on July 14, 1945 at Virginia, MN.

 

After their marriage they moved to Hibbing for 1 year. Then back to Orr until 1967. Ailie and her husband moved to Eugene Oregon for 10 years then moved back to Orr. Ailie was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary of Orr. She also enjoyed reading and going with her daughter Alice and her husband Harold to Sunday night dance group in Virginia. Ailie especially loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and they never left her house without a hug from Grandma.

Survivors include her daughters Delores Zika of Cook, Alice (Harold) Antikainen of Orr and Diana (Grover) Gillespie of Orr. Sisters; Vienna Carlson of Hibbing, and Ida (Trenton "Bud" 79, 2001) Fry of Orr. 18 Grandchildren, 38-Great-grandchildren and 3-Great-great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents, her 1st husband Neilo in September 17,1939, her 2nd husband Martin on July 5, 1993, 1-daughter Beverly Scheuring on March 12, 1997, 2-sons-in-law; Larry A. Zika Sr. on July 12, 1995 and Richard Scheuring on May 14, 1998, and 2- brothers Toivo Jyrkinen, 43, 1955 and Tauno Jyrkinen 66, 1992.

Memorial service 1 p.m. Friday at Calvary Lutheran Church of Orr. Rev. David Solberg will be the officiant. Gathering of family and friends will be 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at the Leiding Cemetery of Orr. Funeral arrangements are by the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

 

 

 
 

Lila Marie McCue, 69, of Bear River, MN passed away Monday, July 11, 2005, at her home, with her family by her side. She was born August 14, 1935 on the family farm in Brooks, Mn, the daughter of Ralph and Eva (Sauve) Barrow. In 1937, the family moved to Effie, where she grew up and attended the Effie Elementary School and graduated from the Bigfork High School in 1953.

 

Lila was united in marriage to Donald C. McCue on September 11, 1954 at the Bear River Lutheran Church . Lila was a homemaker and also worked as a teacher's aid at the Bear River School for 10 years. She enjoyed quilting and knitting. She made special quilts for all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Spending time with her family was most important to her. Lila was a member of the Bear River Lutheran Church, it's ladies aid and the Red Hats of Bear River.


Survivors include her children; Ron (Janean) McCue of Side Lake, Dennis McCue of Minneapolis, Jim McCue of Bear River, Josie (Alan) Krueger of Togo and Eva (Elliot) Hannine of Linden Grove. Brothers; Richard (Evelyn) Barrow of Effie, Duane (Ann) Barrow of Grand Rapids and Ralph (Kathy) Barrow of Anchorage, Alaska. Sisters: Alice (Wayne) Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada and Phyllis Rich of Effie, 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald on April 11, 2000 at the age of 70 and a granddaughter Tiffany Hannine on January 8, 1988 at a year and a half of age.


SERVICES: Funeral 1 p.m. Thursday at Bear River Lutheran Church of Bear River. Pastor LeRoy Holmes will be the officiant. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook and 1 hour prior to the service at the church. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Krista Lane, Tanner Schall, Kylah Schall, Christopher Hannine, Trevor Schall, Shawn Hannine, Shane McCue, and Taryn McCue. Interment will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery in Bear River.

 

 

 
 

Elias James, 74 of Brooklyn Park, passed away July 8, 2005. Preceded in death by wife, Rosemarie; siblings, Marie, John, Rose, Bess, Evelyn, Edward and Libby. Survived by brother,

 

Jerry of Silver Bay, MN; sister, Regina Champa of Placerville, CA; many loving nieces, nephews and relatives. James was a SSGT in the USAF and a member of the American Legion Westphal Post 251. He was also one of the founders of the Beaver Brook Sportmans Club in Blaine. James was an avid outdoorsman, gardener, and supplier of fresh vegetables to many. He was loved by all.

 

Funeral service Wed. July 13, 11 AM Kapapla- Glodek-Malone, 7800 Bass Lake Rd., New Hope. Visitation Tuesday, July 12, 6-8 PM and 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment with military honors at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor's choice. KAPALA-GLODEK MALONE 763-535-4112

 
 

Gerri Araminta (nee Peil) Burd, 74, of North Manchester, Ind., passed away with her family surrounding her at 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 4, 2005, at her residence in North Manchester, of an aggressive cancer after surgery March 17, 2005. She loved the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior as she survived 18 major surgeries in her life, beginning with open heart surgery in 1951, when that surgical procedure was in its infancy. She served Him in gladness.

She was born Sept. 3, 1930, in Tower, to John and Mintie (Kitto) Peil. She was married on June 10, 1955, and was the loving wife of the Rev. William F. Burd, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on June 10, 2005.

She was educated at Northwestern School in Minneapolis, Minn., during the time Billy Graham was president of the school. She went to Whitworth College in Spokane, where Bill and Gerri met and married in that summer.

Gerri received her bachelor’s degree in education at Huntington College and her master’s degree at Indiana University-Kokomo, Ind. She taught elementary education at W.C. Mills School in Wabash, Ind., and also in the Oswego School System near Aurora, Ill.

She served as the medical records review coordinator and medical librarian for the Physician’s Study Area at Holland Hospital in Holland, Mich. She had also served two churches in Mountain Iron and Virginia as a youth director. Then she became staff at The Navigators in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Gerri lived two years in Kosciusko County, Ind.; and 10 years in Wabash County, Ind.

She was a true Proverbs 31 woman, who ""took care of her household while arising early in the morning."" She bought and sold real estate by her own abilities and saw that it was profitable. Her husband had full confidence in her and her lamp does not go out at night. Among other attributes too numerous to mention, she never ate the bread of idleness.

Gerri served as helpmate to Bill, her husband, in all of his churches. She had a God-given gift of serving and used that gift of serving and love jealously, in the best sense of the word, with her family. Gerri was much loved for using her gift freely and without complaint by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, the Rev. William F. Burd of North Manchester, Ind.; daughter, Chayris I. Burd of Los Angeles, Calif.; son, James S. (Linda) Burd of North Manchester, Ind.; three grandchildren, Christie Burd (age 12), Jonathan Burd (age 10) and Lilie Burd (age 7); a brother, Raymond Peil of Tower; and a sister, Pauline Housenga of Holland, Mich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Richard Peil.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 13 at St. James Presbyterian Church in Tower. The Rev. Bill Evans and the Rev. Bill Kuale will officiate. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. An earlier service will also be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 210 High St., Warsaw, Ind., 46580. The Rev. Ron Horgan will officiate.

Memorials may be sent to Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church; the Wabash Presbyterian Church at 123 West Hill St., Wabash, Ind., 46992; the St. James Presbyterian Church at 302 Spruce St., Tower, Minn., 55790; the Wabash-Miami Home Health Care and Hospice, 710 N. East St., Wabash, Ind., 46992; the American Cancer Society of Kosciusko County, P.O. Box 1386, Warsaw, Ind., 46581-1386, or to a church of choice. Arrangements are with Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw, Ind

Bill & Gerri have a cabin on Lake Vermilion and spent time at Cook during the summers

 
 
 
 

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CROSBY __ Helen Fannie Marie (Mannila) Pappas died in her sleep on July 18, 2005, with her family nearby. She looked forward to meeting her Savior, Jesus Christ, face to face.

Helen was born in Eveleth, Minn., on Aug. 18, 1929, attending school at Britt School, Idington, Alango, Kinney and Chisholm. Her father drove a covered wagon/sled to Britt school for all the children who lived along their route. A life_long learner, Helen attended Brainerd Area Vocational_Technical School for psychiatric technician training. She was a student in several writing classes at Brainerd Community College, one with Jon Hassler. She also attended many poetry workshops through Split Rock Arts Program, the National Federation of State Poetry Societies, Inc., and the League of Minnesota Poets.

Helen worked at various jobs. First she worked at American Linen and White Castle, later as a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital. Here, in Duluth, Minn., she met and married John Pappas. She thoroughly enjoyed working at Cedarbrook Manor in Deerwood. She also worked as a hospital cook, turkey plant worker, census taker, piece work seamstress at a garment factory and on the Crosby Election Board.

Helen is a published poet. She was a member of Heartland Poets and the League of Minnesota Poets where she recently served as Corresponding Secretary. She judged school district, state and national poetry contests and volunteered to teach poetry in area schools for the past 10 years. Helen's poetry and other writing are published in Dust and Fire, Twenty Poets Celebrate the Lake Country, The Talking Stick, From Ottertail and Thereabouts, the Brainerd Dispatch, the Crosby Courier and in several C_I Presbyterian Church bulletins.

Helen was a multi_talented woman who painted, sewed and created costumes and crocheted. She encouraged her children in their many creative endeavors. When her children were young, she taught Sunday school. A long_time member of the C_I Presbyterian Church, Helen enjoyed singing on the praise and worship team.

Helen was always interested in people __ from the spelling of their names, to their nationalities and idiosyncracies. She loved to travel and often went on jaunts with her children and grandchildren. She had an innate love of nature, enjoying both plants and animals. A person with a one_of_a_kind with and humor, it tickled her to be thought of as eccentric or unusual.

Helen will be sadly missed by her husband of more than 50 years, John Pappas, Crosby; her five children and their mates, Bruce (Debbi) Pappas, Nokay Lake, Charmaine (James) Donovan, Brainerd, Mary (Brad) Pappas_Ladd, Brainerd, Steven (Reyyna) Pappas, Hollywood, Fla., and Deanna (Jim) Choate, Richfield; and by all of her extended family including her sister and brother_in_law, Betty and Larry Butterfield, Brooklyn Center. Helen was the grandmother of nine grandchildren and of three great_grandchildren. Her mother and father; brother, William; and grandson, Jason Ladd, preceded her in death.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at C_I Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby. Friends may call from 4_8 p.m. Friday at Koop Funeral Home in Crosby and an hour prior to services Saturday at the church

 

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