Mlaker Funeral Home

2008

Audrey Jean Johnson, 56, of Dillon, Mont., died on Dec. 23, 2007, in Barrett Hospital in Dillon. Audrey was born Sept. 7, 1951, to Caroline (Nelson) Johnson and William Johnson in Minneapolis.

She was a graduate of Osseo High School, Osseo, Minn. She was baptized and confirmed at Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Osseo. She grew up in Osseo and Orr, her parents lived at Cusson, before relocating to Alaska then Montana.

While in Alaska Audrey was the lead gardener and groundskeeper at the University of Alaska in Anchorage. She was also the head cook for an engineering company working on the North Slope in Alaska’s oil fields.

She was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an excellent chef and was known for her green thumb gardening abilities wherever she lived. Audrey enjoyed time hunting, fishing, camping and being outdoors. She was an extraordinary horsewoman. Her special affinity for and understanding of animals domestic and wild was renowned.

Most recently Audrey resided in Twin Bridges, Mont., 40 miles from Dillon with her devoted friend and companion John Kent. She and John had just begun enjoying their newly completed Log Home. The home was built by her cousin, Russell Holman and Gary Dantes, both of Orr, as well as by workmen/friends from Montana. Russell is owner of Voyageur Log Homes at Cusson, Minnesota.

Audrey brought a gentle Spirit into this world. She touched many souls with her creativity, wisdom and kind insightful ways. She gave much more than she ever took.  She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and many others.

She is survived by her sisters Linda Grebenc of Eveleth, Diane Johnson Hysler of Savannah, Ga., Marjory (Michael) Wood of Orr, and May Ann (Bruce) Williams of Rosemount, Minn.; her brother, Bruce W. Johnson of Anchorage, Alaska; six nieces and nephews, Jesselynn (Robert) Wilson of Cook, Michael (Michelle) Kraus of Ramsey, Minn., Dale (Christine) Johnson of Hibbing, Christina (Waylon) Johnson of Eveleth, Brian Lee of White Bear, Minn., and Robert Lee of White Bear; her “Greats,” Briana, Rachel, Nicholas, Brandon, Liam, Jacob, Erinn, Brent, Lavonne, Lamar, Tyler, Maija and Gabriel.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, Caroline 67, 1993 and William 74, 1987 Johnson of Orr; grandparents Caroline and Paul Nelson of Duluth, and Minda and Nels Johnson of Orr.

Memorial Services will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 18 at Calvary Lutheran Church, Orr, with the Rev. Art Dale officiating. Services are being held concurrently at 11 a.m. at the Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon, Mont. with Pastor Walde officiating. The Brundage funeral home in Dillon, and the Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook are assisting the family with arrangements. Audrey always welcomed and made homes for dogs, horses, cats and other special animals. She dearly cared for and respected them. Memorials may be directed to the “Animal Humane Society” in her name.

Peter Oscar Peterson, 71, SERVICES: Visitation will be on Monday at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service at the United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth. Pastor Joel Rova-Hegener will be officiating. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Peter “Pete’’ Oscar Peterson, 71, of Iron died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.

Pete was born on Dec. 14, 1936, to Knute and Celia (Anthony) Peterson. He graduated from Cherry High School in 1955 and then served in the U.S. Army. Pete was united in marriage to Sandy Anderson on July 1, 1967. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local No. 49 Union and worked construction. Pete was a member of the United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Sandy Peterson of Eveleth; son, Craig (Nikole (Flack)) Peterson of Iron; two grandchildren, Blake and Kadie; brothers, Bob Peterson of Denville, N.J., and Dale (Becky) Peterson of Eveleth; sister, Dorothy Luukkonen of Iron; sisters-in-law, Nancy Williams of Zim and Marie Peterson of Zim; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Knute and Celia; brothers, Vernon, Ray, Roger, Mike and Russell; sisters, Vera Carlson, Thora Cobb, Lillian Murray and Frieda Rundquist

Dr. Don and Faye Rautio, ages 67 and 65, of New Hope, Minn., died in a tragic automobile accident on Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007.

They are survived by two sons, Eric and Adam; a grandson, Connor of the Twin Cities; and Faye's brother, Alan Tritchler of Virginia, Minnesota, other relatives, many friends and their dog, Buffer.

They will be dearly missed by many people.

Memorial service 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Hennepin Avenue at Groveland Avenue South, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church for the Rautio Memorial Fund. To honor the life and legacy of Don and Faye, go to: wwwericroy.com  Arrangements are by Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, Minneapolis.

Hi Don,
I'm in the Philippines with my wife Dina for four months.  Found out today that mom Elsie past away Dec 23 in her sleep.  She lived a long life some happy days some not. She was cremated on Wednesday Dec 26. 
Terry Rytkonen

Elsie was married to Roy Rytkonen who passed away on December 16, 1979 at the age of 63. They were the parents of; Marie, Roy Jr., Dale, Shirley, Terry and John. Their home was across Highway 24 from the Vermilion Fairways.

Betty Lou Kennedy, 71, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, 2007, at her home. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Betty Lou Kennedy was born Dec. 30, 1935, to Andy Overbay and Fay (Barber) Overbay in Pine Hill, Ky. She lived in Carlsbad for the past 10 years. Cremation has taken place and services will be held in Indiana at a later date. Survivors include her spouse, Gordon Kennedy; two sons; one daughter; three brothers; two sisters and two grandchildren.

Gordon Kennedy was raised in the Cook area. He attended the Cook School with the graduating class of 1956. His parents are; Raymond 69, 1971 & Carrie  97, 2006 Kennedy. He has two brothers; David of Chisholm and Byron of rural Virginia and one sister Doris of Virginia.

Judge Ralph E. Harvey, 88, of Mountain Iron, died Friday, Dec. 21, 2007, at the Virginia Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Dec. 6, 1919, in Virginia to George and Lily (Crago) Harvey and grew up there. He was a graduate of the Virginia High School, Virginia Junior College and the University of Minnesota Law School.

He practiced law with Bill Huhtala and other attorneys in the area, Trenti, Saxhaug and Scherkenbach. He then set up his own practice and served as city attorney for Virginia, Cook and McKinley. He ran for the municipal judgeship and was appointed Judge of the County Court by Gov. Wendell Anderson. He had been a judge for more than 20 years and retired in 1985.

Judge Harvey was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member and past commander of Pratt-Volden-Mickelson-Anderson American Legion Post 239 of Virginia; a member and past master of Virginia Blue Lodge 264, A.F.&A.M.; Eveleth Commandery No. 35; Virginia Chapter No. 77; Royal Arch Masons and Aad Temple Shrine of Hermantown; Range Bar Association and the Minnesota State Bar Association; and was a charter member of the Virginia Lenont Curling Club.

He was an avid reader and loved to hunt, fish and curl, and he loved to dine out with his wife, Ruth.

Survivors include, his wife, Ruth Harvey of Mountain Iron; a daughter, Judith (Richard) Pearson of Lake Vermilion, Cook; sons, George (Phyllis) Harvey of Sand Lake, Britt, Ralph (Sue) Harvey of Virginia, Keith (Laurie) Harvey of Virginia, and Mark (Teresa) Hill of Vandnais Heights; 16 grandchildren, Erik Pearson, Max Pearson, Ross Harvey, Katrina Harvey Bird, Alyson Bialke, Kimberly Belt, Tyler Harvey, Brittany Hedley, Jennifer Kepfer, Sarah Kroeschell, Christopher Harvey, Valerie Harvey, Benjamin Harvey, Bethany Harvey, Kimberly Hill and Jennifer Hill, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lily Harvey; first wife, Janet Harvey; son, Scott Harvey and brothers and sisters

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, with Pastor Robert Simensen officiating. A gathering of family and friends will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are by the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia

Ralph was the Cook City Attorney in the 1960s and 1970s.

As per Meg’s request a private family service was held on Friday, December 21, 2007 at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau was the officiant.  The soloist was Patti Fisher and organist Shirley Rosnau.   The honorary bearers were Farley Fox, Rick Grivette, Dean Seopa and Todd Seopa.  Spring interment will be in the Carpenter Cemetery in Togo. 

Randy Keith Anderson, 44, of Bear River, died Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007, at his residence in Duluth.

He was born on Dec. 17, 1962, to R. Kenneth and Rose (Gerke) Anderson in Janesville, Wis. He moved  to Bear river in 1976, graduated from Cook High School in 1981 and moved to Blaine, Minn., in 1983. Randy was employed by Waste Management for over 25 years. He enjoyed racing and watching Dale Earnhardt and also enjoyed his place in Bear River, snowmobiling and spending time with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his children, Russell Anderson, Sarah Anderson and Dustin Anderson; grandson, Kaleb Dylan Koster; mother, Rose Anderson; sister, Roxie (Dan) Stevens; brother, Ron (Mary) Anderson; niece, Erin Anderson; step-grandmother, Leona (Namchek) Wilson; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins including his Uncle & Aunt Lee & Alberta (Doroff) Anderson

He was preceded in death by his father, R. Kenneth Anderson, 45, 1985, and grandparents, Berton 81, 1990 and Minnie 90, 1998 (Rautiola) Anderson

Memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. The Rev. Bruce Dissell will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to the time of service. Arrangements by the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. .

Memorial services will be held at 12 Noon Saturday, (December 15^th) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.   The honorary bearers will be grandchildren: Chris, Shawn, Samantha and Sarah Hannine, and Sid and Tanya Manly. Military honors will be accorded by the combined honors guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757, and the Orr American Legion Post #480.

Spring interment will be in the family lot in Willow Valley Township Cemetery.

Doris L. (Hoglund) Kronholm 87, of Cambridge died on December 5, 2007. Preceded in death by husbands, Eric Hoglund and Oliver Kronholm. Survived by children, Marlys (Robert) Wood, Eric (Nancy) Hoglund, Barbara (Bjorn) Iwarsson; stepdaughters, Gloria (Paul) Walters, Carol (William) Bell, Joyce (David) Eicher, Lois (James) Weeks; 5 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, 23 step-great- grandchildren; sister, Della Nelson. Funeral service 11 AM Monday, Dec. 10, 2007 at First Baptist Church, Cambridge. Visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials to Grandview Christian Ministries, 322 River Hills Place North, Cambridge, MN 55008. The family expresses their heartfelt thank you to River Hills Senior Community and Allina Hospice for their loving, compassionate and respectful care. Carlson-Lillemoen 763-689-2244

Doris' second husband Oliver Kronholm of Cook, Minnesota passed away on October 22, 2006 at the age of  90. His parents were; John Edward 87, 1975 & Greta 43, 1927, Step-mother; Irene 76, 1969 Kronholm. Oliver's siblings; Einar Kronholm 86, 1998,  Gunnar  94, 2007 & Elna 55, 1967 & Eunice Kronholm, Oliver, Astrid 89, 2003 & Bruce 87, 2003 Fleming and  Judy & Harris Youngquist

Thomas Earl Plunkett, 33, passed away at his home Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Virginia.

He was born June 25, 1974, in Minneapolis. He was a 1992 graduate of Cook High School and received a graphic arts degree from the Range Technical College. He enjoyed nature through biking, hiking, camping, skiing and many other outdoor activities. He had a deep respect and appreciation for the environment and all living things.

He is loved and will be deeply missed by his wife and soulmate, Angela Bowser; his mother, Marilyn; his grandmother, Margaret Johnson; brother, Nathan (Ann) Plunkett; two sisters, Diana (Kevin) Neuman and Leigh Ann (Mike) Rau; honorary sister, Katrina (Yohji) Shionoya; nieces and nephews, Hailey, Robert, Ethan, Katrena, Machel, Kimberlyn, Weston, Damian, Jade and Nina; and extended family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Plunkett; grandparents, Thomas and Bernice Plunkett; and grandfather, Earl Johnson.

Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday at Kaleva Hall in Virginia. Arrangements are by Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

Hershel B. Cope, 85, of Virginia, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at the Virginia Regional Medical Center.

He was born June 17, 1922, in Topeka, Kan., to Esther S. Cope and Fred F. Cope. Except for time in the Navy and when at college, he lived his entire life in Virginia. Dr. Cope graduated from high school in Virginia in 1940. He joined the Navy in 1943 and was honorably discharged in 1949. He completed his medical school education at the University of Minnesota. He married Molly M. Hoey on Dec. 25, 1944, in Virginia. Dr. Cope was well-respected for his calm, kind and friendly manner, his willingness to give time to his patients and his genuine concern for others. Above all else, Dr. Cope had a feeling of devotion to family. His love and guidance for family was the focus of his life to the end. He had a never-ending need to be busy at some constructive effort, ceaselessly planning ahead. Dr. Cope was a member of the United Methodist Church of Virginia, as well as numerous groups and associations.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Molly; six children, Patricia Cope Staley (Paul) of Slaggyford, England, Steven M. Cope (Nancy) of Kohler, Wis., James R. Cope (Jodie A. Steblay) of Britt, Nancy L. Peterson (Jeff) of Lake Vermilion-Tower, John F. Cope (Linda) of Britt, Rhonda M. Wood (Raymond) of International Falls; grandchildren, Norman H. Wood (Nicci), Molly I. Davis (Tyler), Laurie Cope Edgerton (Burke), Angela Cope, Dana M. Cope-Roubik (Tom), Alicia L. Cope (Brent), Jodie L. Cope (Dave), Amanda C. Thompson (Brian), Meghan E. Peterson, Tyler J. Peterson (Margit), Keith H. Peterson (Emma), Andrew R. Peterson (Katherine), Alexander J. Cope, Audrey J. Cope, Elizabeth H. Cope, Andrew H. Cope, Peter W. Cope, Benjamin H. Staley, Samuel C. Staley; great-grandchildren, William C. Peterson, Nolin M. Cope-Robinson, Liesl Belle Cope-Schaeffer, Jude C. Edgerton, Rory J. Cope-Robinson, Sydney R. Cope-Robinson, Corbin T. Roubik, Amelia L. Cope-Robinson, Ellen G. Roubik, Tanner R. Wood, Lila R. Wood; and one sister, Charlotte C. Venn.

Dr. Cope was preceded in death by one son, Thomas Hershel Cope; one daughter-in-law, Helen B. Cope; and his parents, Esther S. Cope and Fred F. Cope.

Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at United Methodist Church in Virginia. The Rev. Brenda King will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the church, and continue from 10 a.m. until the service Saturday at the church. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Virginia Foundation or the VRMC (Virginia Regional Medical Center) Foundation. Services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.

Doctor Cope delivered many babies in our area, including four of our children. Only John was born in Cook. We also are clients of the Cope-Peterson Law Firm.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 AM Saturday (December 1^st) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  The honorary bearers will be Shelly Ward, Dave Beckmann, Clark Brenna and Jim Nelson.

Ailie J. Laitala, 91, of Chisholm and formerly of Cook died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2007, at Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm. She was born May 10, 1916, in Meadowbrook, Minnesota which is west of Cook ten miles., to Erick J. and Olga M. (Korpi-Maki) Kangas. She had been a Balkan resident for most of her life. She was a homemaker and was an avid gardener and also loved animals.

Survivors include her children, Gary (Cass) Laitala of Chisholm, Elma (Patrick) Gibson of Hibbing and James (JoAnn) Laitala of Nashwauk; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. Her brother Arne was married to Helmi Paavala Hiltunen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arvid, on April 24, 1986; and also by three brothers and two sisters.

Funeral 1 p.m. Tuesday at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm, with the Rev. Robert Ierien of Faith Lutheran Church in Chisholm officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to service. Interment will follow in Chisholm Cemetery. To sign the guest book online and leave a memorial message, go to: www.ruppfuneralhome.com

Edward L. Wheelecor, 77, of Side Lake, formerly of Chisholm, died Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on April 13, 1930, to Edward and Irma (Mitchell) Wheelecor in Hibbing. Ed grew up and attended school in Chisholm, graduating in 1948. He served in the Navy and the Air Force.

Ed was united in marriage to Lorraine Lehman on Dec. 31, 1955. Lorraine is the daughter of Earl 78, 1978 & Gladys 79, 1981 (Johnson) Lehman of Greaney. She was a 1951 graduated of the Orr High School. He was employed by the First National Bank of Chisholm, eventually becoming president and CEO. He retired in 1994 and continued to serve on the Board of Directors until his death. Ed also served as an officer at the First National Bank of Cook.

Ed was a member of the Chisholm United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, past president of the Chisholm Blueline Club, the Chisholm Curling Club, and was instrumental in the building of the Chisholm Hockey Arena and Curling Club. He was a charter member of the Dreamer’s hunting shack. He also belonged to many other organizations.

Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, berry picking, carpentry, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy. He will be remembered for many things, but especially his sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine; his five children: Susan Wheelecor, George (Robin) Wheelecor, William (Sandra) Wheelecor, Corrine (Paul) Centa, and Rebecca (Charles) Lake; 11 grandchildren: Michael, Amanda (Chris), Chelsea (Derek), Eric, Cassie (Gene), Matthew, Mitchell, Madason, Nicholas, Courtney and Nathan; three great-grandchildren: Peyton, Quinn and Spencer; his brother Bob (Betty) Wheelecor and his sister, Carol (Ed) Broom; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 19, at the Chisholm United Methodist Church with Pastors Barb Hegfors and Jack Harris officiating.

Bertha S. Waisanen, 88, of Chisholm, died Friday, Nov. 9, 2007, at Heritage Manor Health Care Center in Chisholm. She was born May 15, 1919, in Virginia, to John and Susan (Murtimaa) Boutto. Bertha lived in Meadow Brook, Keewatin, and was a longtime resident of Chisholm. She was united in marriage on Oct. 10, 1941, to Neil J. Waisanen. She worked as a seamstress with the shirt factories in Chisholm and Virginia. Bertha enjoyed fishing in all seasons, snowmobiling and picking blueberries. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and was active in the church’s quilting club and WBA woman’s club.

Survivors include her children, Roger (Beatrice) of Angora, Marcia (Dale) Boutang of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Gerald (Wendy) of Side Lake; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Art Boutto of Cook; and one sister, Gertie Kangas of Mesa, Ariz.; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil; and 11 siblings

A memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Faith Lutheran Church in Chisholm, with the Rev. Robert Ierien officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church Friday. Inurnment will be in Chisholm Cemetery. To sign the guestbook online and leave a memorial message, go to: www.ruppfuneralhome.com.

Lorraine A. Elias, 80, of Silver Bay, and formerly of Hibbing, Mankato, Britt, and Togo, died Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, in the Minnesota State Veteran’s Home in Silver Bay.

She was born Dec. 6, 1926, in Togo, the daughter of John and Maria Hanson. She attended school in Togo, and graduated from Hibbing High School. She was married to Jerry Elias on Nov. 29, 1947, in the Solina Lutheran Church in Togo. Lorraine worked as a salesperson for J.C. Penney for many years, retiring in 1995. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, making handcrafts, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Lorraine is survived by two sons, Roger (Tera) Elias of Plymouth, and Dan (Mary) Elias of Hibbing; three daughters, Debra Elias (Warren Schmid) of Elysian, Minn., Diane (John) Nelson of Hibbing, and Bonnie Elias-Olson (Gary Olson) of Eagan, Minn.; 11 grandchildren, Christopher (Ann) Elias, Marni Strauss, Brandon (Becky) Elias, Lucas (Ylva) Elias, Mark (Melissa) Elias, Joshua Hinkel, Jesse (Elizabeth) Hinkel, Jonathon Nelson, Logan Nelson, Garrett Olson, and Grant Olson; 13 great-grandchildren, Chyna, Cameron, Chambers, Emily, Ethan, Alexa, Anna, Libby, Meghan, Gretchen, Abby, Gabe, and Isaac; a brother, Elmer (Myrle) Hanson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry; two brothers; six sisters; her son, Jerry “J.D.;” her daughter, Kerry; her grandson, Matthew; and her great-grandson, Joshua

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Erik Holleque will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, and will continue from 10 a.m. until the service Friday at the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Minnesota State Veterans Home in Silver Bay. Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing. To leave a remembrance of Lorraine online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Tribal Rites will be at 10:00 AM Thursday at the Nett Lake School Gym, where visitation will be after 4:00 PM Wednesday. Gilbert Smith will be the Spiritual Advisor.  Interment will be in the Bois Forte Cemetery, at Nett Lake.

Carol Joan Johnson 73, of Virginia passed away Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, at her home.

She was born Nov. 14, 1933, in Hibbing to John and Eva Johnson. She grew up in Orr and graduated from Orr High School. After graduating she lived and worked in the Twin Cities area before moving back to Virginia to be closer to family. Carol was known throughout her community as a very caring and compassionate woman. She loved to walk and talk with neighbors. She had her common routes and frequent stops, "her trap line" as she referred to that ... always bringing someone a little something along the way. She loved to bake cookies and as most knew, always had enough to go around. She was very fond of the neighborhood children and proud to have experienced many of them grow up over the years. She had a true passion for animals and it wasn't uncommon for most pooches she knew to always have a Christmas gift from her under the tree. She was a giving mother and grandmother, a loving sister and aunt and a dear and special friend who will be sadly missed.

Carol is survived by her daughter, Patty (Kurt) Blegen, and grandson, Ben of Duluth; sisters, Mary (Don) Dobb and Lois (Melvin) Gunderson of Virginia; brother, Robert Johnson, of Orr; and many nieces and nephews and her beloved friends and canines of her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jackie Johnson; dear sister-in-law, Margaret Johnson; and sister, Margaret Burke.

Celebration of life 11 a.m. Friday at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. The Rev. John O’Donnell will officiate. Visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home

Miriam 'Mims' Kaukonen, 87, Miriam “Mims” Lily Kaukonen, 87, of Hibbing died Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, at the Golden Living Center in Hibbing. She had been a resident there for seven and half years.

Miriam was born in North Hibbing on Nov. 20, 1920, to Hilja and Frank V. Hill. In 1938 she married Leo Mathew Kaukonen in Eveleth. They lived in Hibbing and had two daughters.

“Mims” worked for many years at Vera’s Smart Shop in Hibbing and also enjoyed spending time with her daughters at their Lake Vermilion cabin where she liked fishing, sharing coffee with friends and frequenting garage sales.

In later years she enjoyed hunting for treasures at the Goodwill and Salvation Army stores in Hibbing. She and Leo also spent many pleasant hours driving country roads, enjoying the scenery and looking for new picnic spots.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Leo, who passed away on Nov. 3, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and brother, George Koski.

She is survived by her daughters, Carol (Paul) Grierson of Berthoud, Colo., and Kalie (John) Klaysmat of Sterling, Alaska; three grandchildren, Kevin (Lynette) Grierson of Mead, Colo., Kristen (Michael) Lunsford of Loveland, Colo., and Karolyn Kirk of Berthoud, Colo.; six great-grandchildren, Carol, Rebecca, Paul, Michael, Chelsi and Christopher; her brother, Ernest Suronen of Plymouth, Minn.; sisters-in-law: Marie Koski and Ruth Heikkila; nephew, Jerry (Jeanine) Koski; niece, Chris Mohawk; aunt, Ailie Erickson; and numerous cousins.

Funeral: A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Burial: Following cremation, inurnment will be in the Forbes Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to: Canine Companions for Independence, 2965 Dutton Avenue, Santa Rosa, Calif., 95402 (www.caninecompanions.org).

Family services are provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Hibbing.

To leave a remembrance of Miriam online please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Leo Matthew Kaukonen, 90, Leo Matthew Kaukonen, 90, of Hibbing, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007, at the Fairview University Medical Center – Mesabi in Hibbing.

He was born on Nov. 10, 1916, the son of Isaac and Wilhelmina Kaukonen in Cherry. In 1938, he married Miriam Hill in Eveleth. They lived in Hibbing and together had two daughters. Leo was a skilled mechanic and the owner/operator of Leo’s Auto Service on West Howard Street in Hibbing. He was also a member of the Hibbing Co-op Credit Union Board of Directors for many years.

Leo dedicated many hours to the Hibbing Lions Club and was honored as recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellows award. An avid sportsman, Leo enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent many happy days at his cabin on Lake Vermilion. He was also a skilled carpenter who found pleasure in a great number of woodworking projects.

He is survived by his wife Miriam; his daughters: Carol (Paul) Grierson of Berthoud, Colo.; and Kalie (John) Klaysmat of Sterling, Alaska; three grandchildren: Kevin (Lynette) Grierson of Mead, Colo., Kristen (Michael) Lunsford of Loveland, Colo., and Karolyn Kirk of Berthoud, Colo.; and six great-grandchildren: Carol, Rebecca, Paul, Michael, Chelsi and Christopher; his sister, Ruth Heikkila of Hibbing; and his brother-in-law, Ernest Suronen of Plymouth, Minn., as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Oliver, Bill, and Dave, and a sister, Irene.

Funeral: A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, at Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel in Hibbing. Greg Anderson will be the celebrant.

Memorials: Are preferred to the Hibbing Lions Club.

Family services provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. To leave a remembrance of Leo on-line, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Leo's four-stall service garage in Hibbing was so clean you could eat off the floor. Leo & Miriam spent their retirement years at their lake home on Vermilion north of Cook. Their daughter Kalie was very active in the emergency services while they lived at Crane Lake.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday  Nov. 6^th) at the Nett Lake Baptist Church.   Rev. Randy Swenson will be the officiant.  The casket bearers will be: Nolan Littlewolf, John Littlewolf, Ryne Villebrun, Aaron Villebrun, Robert May Jr. and Wendell Hoagland.  The honorary bearers will be: Dana Wakemup, Clyde Day, Raymond Villebrun Jr., Chick Day and Danny Lambert Jr.  Interment will be in the New Nett Lake Cemetery. 

August Emil Kujala, age 85, of Mountain Iron, died on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2007, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm.  He born on Sept. 17, 1922, to Gust and Tilda (Myllykoski) Kujala in Alango. He graduated from Alango High School in 1941. August worked at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Wash., prior to entering the Air Force in January 1943.

He was shot down over Holland on Sept. 17, 1944, on his 22nd birthday and his 22nd flying mission. August was captured by the Germans and held captive until May 1945 and discharged in October 1945.

August was united in marriage on Dec. 21, 1946, to Gladys Salo in Cook. He worked for the Oliver Mining Company in Chisholm and as a locomotive engineer for the Duluth, Winnipeg, and Pacific Railroad for 35 years, retiring in May of 1985. August was a member of the former P.O.W. organization, United Transportation Union, NARVE Unit 92 Duluth/Proctor, a lifetime member of the Mountain Iron Veterans of Foreign Post 5258, a member of the Parkville Cribbage Club and was a former Boy Scout leader of the Parkville Troop #112. His hobbies included golfing, bowling basketball and playing horseshoes. August’s love for his family was always foremost in his life.

Survivors include his wife, Gladys Kujala; Larry (Jane) Kujala of Alvordton, Ohio, and Clayton (Caroline) Kujala of Mountain Iron; grandchildren, Jacob (Sara) Kujala, Nick Kujala, Kristen Kujala and Meredith Kujala; great-granddaughter, Emma Rose Kujala; brother, Allan (Irene) Kujala of Buhl; his special buddy, dog Sammy; and several nieces and nephews.

August was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Olaf and Eugene; and sisters, Ina, Effie, Helen, Aili, Ethel and Ruth.

His family wishes to acknowledge the Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Chisholm for all their care and kindness to August and his family.

Linda Lee Eddy, age 61, of Chisholm, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 22, 2007 at home, surrounded by her family. Visitation will be Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M at the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing, and continuing one hour prior to the 11:00 A.M.  Funeral Services, Friday, October 26, 2007 at the Bear River Lutheran Church in Bear River. Pastor Bruce Dissell will be officiating.  Burial will be at the Bearville Cemetery. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing.

Linda was born in Hibbing to Orin and Mina Urdahl of Bear River on October 29, 1945. She graduated from Alango School in 1963 and was united in marriage to Wally Eddy on February 8, 1964.  They lived in Orr until 1987, and then resided in Chisholm. Linda worked as a substitute for the Orr and Chisholm School District.  Linda was a member of Chisholm T.O.P.S., the Red Hat Society and The Lac La Croix Six. She loved watching curling, high school hockey, camping, sitting by the fire and spending time with her family and friends. Linda’s hobbies included rose mauling and creating hand-made cards with Stampin’ Up. 

Linda was preceded in death by her father, Orin Urdahl in 1980; mother, Mina Urdahl in 2007; her sister, Helen Fletcher in 1971 and a nephew, Scott Eliason in 1992.  The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to North Star Hospice of Hibbing and all the family and friends who provided such excellent care and compassion to our wonderful, loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to North Star Hospice, 750 East 34th Street, Hibbing, MN.

Survivors include:

Husband:                      Wally Eddy of Chisholm

Four Children:              Wendy (Todd) Maes of Eveleth

                                    David (Chloette) Eddy of Buhl

                                    Ron Eddy of Hutchinson, MN

                                    Tim Eddy of Chisholm

Five Grandchildren:       Grant and Brandon Luoma of Virginia; Ariel Eddy of
Eveleth; Joshua and Brooke Eddy of Buhl

Five Sisters:                  Irene (Frank) Samec of Hibbing

                                    Lorraine (Wilbert) Eliason of Hibbing

                                    Hazel (Gaylen) Kehoe of Bear River

                                    Mary (Alvin) DeWall of Buffalo, MN

                                    Evelyn (Michael) Levchak of Chisholm

Brother-in-law: Jerome (Barbara) Fletcher of Hibbing

                                    Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends

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Clarence “Timer” Dickson, age 89, of Chisholm, formerly of Balkan, died Monday, October 22, 2007 at Cornerstone Villa in Buhl, MN.  He was born July 11, 1918 in Greaney, MN to Erwin C. and Nettie M. (Ableman) Dickson. He moved to Balkan from Greaney in 1922.
 

Clarence was united in marriage on September 27, 1941 in Hibbing, MN to Sylvia Salo. He was a member of the Balkan United Units, Steelworkers Union #1938, Balkan Community Club and the Balkan Senior Citizens. He was a US Air Force Sergeant of WWII.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years Sylvia Dickson; son – Allan Dickson of Chisholm; 6 daughters – Susan (Irvin) Gustafson of Cook, MN, Sandra (Mike) Tuomala and Christine (Ed) Verant both of Eveleth, MN, Clarice (Ken) Sever, Elaine (Arvid) Roxberg and Amy (Bob) Belluzzo all of Chisholm, MN; brother – Robert (Sue) Dickson of Cook; sisters – Vida Anderson of Cook and Laura Winchell of Eveleth; 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; many step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers – Lawrence on 11/26/1910, Theodore on 12/30/1933, John on 9/20/1973, Glenn on 6/6/1978 and Howard on 6/2/1999; sister – Alice Lokken on 10/24/1994.

Memorial Services will be held at 5:00pm Thursday, October 25, 2007 at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel with Mr. Gordon Dormanen officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday. Private family inurnment will be in Chisholm Cemetery at a later date

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Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday (October 27^th) at the Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 PM Friday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery. 

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Rodney J. Jackson, 54, of Cook, died unexpectedly at his residence on Monday, October 22, 2007. He was born  at Crystal Falls, Michigan on January 13, 1953 the son of William and Florence (Larson) Jackson.  In 1958 the family moved to Ely, and in 1963 to Virginia.  Rodney graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1971.

His love of the outdoors led him to work for the U.S. Forest Service and guiding on Nelson’s Resort.  Rodney was an avid fisherman and hunter. Fall was his favorite time of year and he looked forward to deer hunting. Rodney loved the “simpler” things in life.  He will be remembered as kind and “easy going”, and a friend to many. 

He is survived by his sister, Sally (Phil) Carlson of Las Vegas, NV.,; his brother and best friend, Roy Jackson of Eveleth; niece, Hillary Jackson of Mt. Iron;  nephews, Boyd Peterson of Eveleth, Scott (Dawn) Peterson of Bemidji, and Todd (Kris) Peterson of Las Vegas. He is preceded in death by his parents, William (1992) and Florence “Chick” (2001)

SERVICES:  A gathering of family and friends will be Thursday (Oct. 25th) from 1:00 PM until the 2:00 PM memorial service at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.   Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant.  A light lunch will follow at the Cook VFW. 

Funeral arrangements with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

Marilyn R. Ferguson, 69, of Cook, died Thursday, October 18, 2007, at theCook Nursing Home. She was born on November 2, 1937, at Butte, Montana, the daughter of  Elmer and Sally (Himango) Milan.   She grew up in  Butte and later moved to Northern Minnesota, where  she had relatives living in the Biwabik and Gheen area.  She married Neil Ferguson on November 2, 1955 in Biwabik.   They settled in Field Township, where they lived for many years.  Marilyn worked in the medical records at the Cook Area Health Services, and was also a nursing assistant at the Cook Hospital.  She enjoyed gardening, watching the wildlife-especially bird watching, along with her annual predictions of when the ice would be out on the Little  Fork River near the homestead.  She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by 2 sons, Chris Ferguson of Duluth and Mitch (Robin) Ferguson of Cook; 3 sisters, Charmaine Martin of Wise River, Montana, Mary Lou (Richard) Carlson of Butte, Montana and Susan (Joe) Johnson of  Jackson, Montana; a grandson, Alan Ferguson of Orlando, FL.; 2 sisters-in-law,  Amy (Bob) Kessanen of Alaska and Marie Milan of Orr;

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of nearly 43 years, Neil Ferguson on December 9, 1998;  a sister, Sandy Faulkner, 2 brothers, Gary and Frank Milan,; and 2 brothers-in-law, Ross Martin and Ray Ferguson. She is also survived by "numerous nieces & nephews."

Family memorial services will be held at a later date.
 

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Muriel Joyce Paavola, 83, of Hoyt Lakes, died Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2007, in the Skilled Nursing Facility of the White Community Hospital in Aurora following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born March 19, 1924, in Clyst Honiton, England, to William and Esther Hinnem. On Nov. 11, 1944, she married Elmer Paavola in Clyst Honiton. Following their marriage they moved to Cook, later to Virginia and in 1957 became residents of Hoyt Lakes. Joyce worked as a dietary aide at the White Community Hospital for 15 years, retiring in 1985.

She was a homemaker and a charter member of Trinity United Methodist, where she served as church secretary, taught knitting and served on various boards. Joyce enjoyed cooking, knitting, planting flowers in the spring at Plagemann’s greenhouse and especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Survivors include her children, Ann (Tom) Hillman of Hoyt Lakes, Gary (Jan) Paavola of Hoyt Lakes, Robert (Melanie) Paavola of Hoyt Lakes, Muriel Vangness of Kasson, Minn., and Glenn Paavola of Aurora; seven grandchildren, Marc Hillman, David (Melissa) Hillman, Adam (Christina McKenzie) Jagunich, Abigail (Chad) Pontinen, Stephanie Paavola and Ryan and Scott Vangness; great-grandchildren, Madeline and Ethan Hillman, Mallory Hillman and Taylor Vangness; sister, Dorrie Bess of England; and three nieces and one nephew in England.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer, in August 1995; grandchildren, Craig and Kimberly; and brother, Cyril.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Trinity United Methodist Church in Hoyt Lakes, with the Rev. Elton Brown officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at a later date in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home.

Muriel's husband Elmer Paavola 73, 1995 was born in Linden Grove, he has many relatives around the Cook area. His parents were; Victor 82, 1960 & Elizabeth 89, 1974 (Aho) Paavola.

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James W. Majeski, 70, of Buyck passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth on Friday, Oct. 12, 2007, with his children at his side.

He was born on April 3, 1937, in Biwabik. He was the eldest son of Walter and Florence (Kowalczyk) Majeski. He lived his entire life in Buyck and graduated from the Orr High School in 1955. Jim started his work career at age 13 selling Raleigh products. He worked during several summers for Rose and Bill Maki at their resort on Sand Point Lake. After graduating from high school, Jim worked at McClellan’s Five and Dime in Virginia. He was employed at Ulland Brothers Construction, and later became an owner-operator in the logging business. He was self-employed until his retirement, when he graded the roads in Buyck for the township. Jim enjoyed being outdoors, trapping, hunting, and fishing, being on the lakes, and socializing with his friends.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Shari Majeski and her husband Randy Harriman of Cumberland Center, Maine, Char Majeski of Excelsior, Minn., Debbie (John) Rahn of Belle Plaine, Minn.; two sons, Todd (Kristin Billington) Majeski of Angora and James, Jr. of Canada; grandchildren, Ben and Patrick Majeski, Joseph, Jonathan and Jacob Majeski, Kyra, Brendan and Lainie Rahn; several cousins, and many friends that have been important to him throughout the years.

He was married to Verna (Ruoho) Majeski 68, 2007 from 1958 to 1981, and married to Jaki Majeski from 1992 to 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter 88, 1995 and Florence 91, 1998; and his brother, Robert Majeski 48, 1992.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Buyck with Rev. Fr. Larry Antus, O.M.I. as celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery in Buyck. Arrangements are by the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

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Address; Arvid & Helen Edblom, 405 East Vermilion Blvd, Cook, Mn 55723

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Kenneth B. Zeman, 73, of Cook, died  Saturday, October 6, 2007, at his residence on Elbow Lake.

Kenneth was born in Minneapolis on February 20, 1934, to John and Betty (Pembrook) Zeman.  He served in the US Army and was employed  at the 3M Company in St. Paul for 36 years. While at 3M. he was involved with a variety of jobs there including machinist, and an specialist inspector and trainer on hoist safety and the fire protection system.  He married Frances “Fran” Pierson on May 5, 1979 at the Sand Lake Chapel. Ken was also an instructor at the Technical Vocational Institute in St. Paul during his employment with 3M. Ken retired from 3M in 1989, and started the Zeman Brothers Construction Company, which he owned and operated for about 6 years. He was a member of the Stillwater Eagles, East St. Paul’s Knights of Columbus, and the Cook Lions Club.   He served on the Board of Directors of the Elbow Lake Association and the W&I Park (233 homes) in Mission, Texas.  Ken enjoyed traveling and being in God’s great outdoors.  He especially enjoyed the times spend with his family and the many friends they shared. 

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Fran;  7 children: Jeffrey Zeman of Welch, MN., David Zeman of St. Croix, WI., Susan (Dale Domian) Zeman of Toronto, Canada, Richard Pierson, Kenneth (Anita) Pierson and Tony Pierson, all of St. Paul, and LeeAnn Smith of Stacy, MN.; 8 Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren; 2 brothers, Roy Zeman of River Falls, WI. and Byron Zeman of Chisholm, along with nieces, nephews, and friends.   

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia on September 13, 1976.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 PM Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Graveside services will be at 1:00 PM Thursday Oct. 11th)  at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, MN.

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

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Hartley Edward Anderson, 77, Prairie Lake (Floodwood), Minnesota, went to be with his Lord October 1, 2007.  He was born in Duluth on April 3, 1930 to Peter and Hulda (Edblom) Anderson. Hartley was raised at Cook, Minnesota and was a 1948 graduate of the Cook High School, UMD and held a Masters Degree in Education. He was an Army Veteran of the Korean War.

Hartley had worked for the Duluth School District in Elementary Education for over 30 years.  He was a member of  Temple Baptist Church where he was a Deacon, choir member and Sunday School Teacher.  He was preceded in death by his parents; Peter 64, 1961 & Hulda 72, 1969 (Edblom) Anderson and first wife, Nancy (Olson) Anderson 58,1989. Nancy's parents Arthur 60, 1961 & Olga 75, 1979 Olson of Duluth.

Hartley is survived by his wife, Dorothy, children Scott (Debra) Anderson, Duluth, Dr. Kurt (Kris) Anderson, Elk River, Minnesota, Brenda (Dan) Peterson, Duluth, Lisa (Leslie) Pincombe, Rockford, Illinois, stepchildren Cindy (Bruce) Laurila, Hermantown, Randy (Nancy) Van Nispen, Westland, Michigan, Penny (Jim) Kult, Cloquet, Don (Ruth) Van Nispen, Garden City, Michigan and a sister Muriel (Don) Simonson, Cook, Minnesota.  20 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.  Hartley is also survived by the brothers of  his first wife Nancy; Rev. Wally (Shirley) Olson and David (Joan) Olson.

Visitation Friday, October 5, 2007, 6-8pm at the Williams-Lobermeier Funeral Home and continues 2:30pm until the 3:30pm with the Funeral service Saturday, October 6, 2007, at Lincoln Park Community (Temple Baptist) Church.  Burial at Sunrise Cemetery  We have lost three family members in three weeks.

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Also survived by a sister; Myrtle (LeRoy 76, 2004) Johnson of Cook, nieces, Dorene DeRusha, and Darlene Fugate,nephews Duane Johnson and Dennis Johnson. Funeral was held Wed Oct. 3, 2007 in Longview, Texas

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Irene Helen Anderson, 84, of Soudan, passed away Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007, at the Chris Jensen Nursing Home in Duluth.  She was born April 18, 1923, in Kugler Township, the daughter of Charles and Helen (Lempia) Helen. She grew up in Embarrass, where she attended school and graduated as salutatorian of her senior class. She furthered her education by attending Duluth Business University. She was united in marriage to Albert J. Anderson on Aug. 16, 1947 in Eveleth. They made their home in Soudan , where she lived until moving to the Chris  Jensen Nursing Home in  Duluth in October of 2003.

Irene was a State of Minnesota parks worker for twenty six years. She was the Township of Breitung Water Commission secretary and Township treasurer for many years. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, Needlepoint, crewel embroidery, knitting, baking, reading, and in her later years, she liked to travel. Irene was a loving mother and grandmother who created a heart fill home for her family. She had a strong work ethic that she passed on to her children. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Soudan and it’s Women of the Church, where her recipes were used for the church pasty and Finnish tart sales.

She is survived by her nine children, Carol LaTour of Duluth, Susan (Keith) Kotzian of Minnetonka, Robert (Shirley) Anderson of Britt, Dawn (Fred) Nilsen of Duluth, Janis (Doug) Swanson of Duluth, Jack Anderson of Soudan, Peter Anderson of Tower, Alan (Stacie) Anderson and Dana (Michelle) Anderson, both of Soudan; twelve grandchildren, Bradley and Craig LaTour, Brianna and Natalie Kotzian, Lindsay Anderson, Christopher and Janelle Swanson,Laurel Anderson, Brody and Audrey Anderson, Travis and Zachary Anderson; four great-grandchildren, Sophie Swanson, Andie Swanson, Gabriel LaTour and Preston LaTour; two step-grandchildren, Julie DeRoche and Carrie Misuraco; four step- great-grandchildren, Kayla and Dylan DeRoche ,Trent and Nicholas Misuraco; one sister, Charlene (Rich) Lewis of Minneapolis, along with nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Anderson, on Nov. 6, 1974; two brothers, Albert and Arnie Helen.

Family graveside services were held Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2007, at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower, with Pastor LeRoy Holmes officiating.

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Mildred “Millie” Kamppi, 93, of Virginia died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007, at the Virginia Regional Medical Center.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1914, to Andrew and Josephina (Honkaniemi) Pihlaja in Angora, where she grew up and attended school. On Sept. 4, 1937, she was united in marriage to Reino Kamppi in Orr. They lived in Orr and Alango, moving to Kinney in 1943, to Ogilvie, Minn., in 1959 and returning to Alango in 1966. After her husband’s death Mildred moved to Virginia. She had worked for the Cluett-Peabody Shirt Factory, the U.S. and State Forest Services, the Cook Hospital and Nursing Home and Hill Wood Products and had been a columnist for the Ogilvie Sentinel Newspaper. She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. She loved to volunteer her time at the Arrowhead Nursing Home in Virginia, was known for beautiful quilts that she donated to numerous charities and for her special gift of working with animals. She prided herself in physical fitness which she passed on to her grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughter, Marlene Foster of Eveleth; son, Sam Kamppi of Angora; seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Reino, in 1972; her daughter, Rose Chewning; three grandchildren, 13 brothers and sisters and her parents.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service Saturday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Angora. Burial will be in the Leiding Cemetery in Orr. Arrangements are by the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

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Jerry Edward Hilligoss, age 73 (although he claimed to be 55 - sorry ladies), of Minneapolis, died Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2007.

Born Oct. 27, 1933, in Fargo, N.D., to Omar and Leotta Hilligoss. Attended Breck boarding school where he met many lifelong friends whom he considered family. He attended Grinnell College, St. Thomas and the University of Minnesota. Jerry loved his friends. He lived life to the fullest. Enjoyed many years hunting, fishing in the northwoods. Some of his fondest memories included racing his 1958 Corvette in Wisconsin, flying, boating, skiing, and just spending times with his friends. He had a passion for good food and spent hours in the quest for the perfect meal, and a good chocolate scratch cake.

He is survived by brother, Donald of Hibbing; son, Ryburn Hilligoss (Pamela) of Ely; daughters, Kimberly Scheerer (Martin) of Edina, Minn., and Melissa Coleman (Timothy) of Northfield; grandchildren: Janelle and Jacob Hilligoss, Bodhe, Brooke, Bram Scheerer and Samuel, Landen Coleman.

He was preceded in death by brother, William.

Funeral: Memorial service was at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, at St. Marks Episcopal Cathedral, 519 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis.

Memorials: Preferred to the family.

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Gustav “Gus” Stone, 82, of Bear River, died Sunday, September 23, 2007, at St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia.

 He was born on December 20, 1924 at Iron Mountain, Michigan; the son of Gustav and Mildred (Carver) Stone.  He attended schools at Bear River and Alango.  Gus served for 3 years in the Marines during World War 11. After his tour of duty, he returned home where he married Lorraine Bristol on June 3, 1949.  He  was a truck driver for E.W. Coons Construction of Hibbing and Carl Dahlberg’s Logging of Effie.  He drove truck, and lived 18 years in the Madison, Wisconsin area where he drove for Wisconsin Power, the Midland Coop Corp. and Arrowhead Transport, until his retirement.  He was a longtime member of Bear River Lutheran Church.  Some of his favorite pastimes were 4-wheeling, cutting firewood,  and hunting.   

He is survived by two sons, Peter (Susan) Stone of Alango, and Stuart Stone of Cook; two daughters, Jody (Richard) Luecken of Bear River and Tina (Don P. Olson) Luecken of Side Lake; 9  Grandchildren: Chad (Connie) Stone, Jake (Amy) Luecken, Brandi (Max) Embacher, Adam (Abby) Luecken, Brad (Tracy) Luecken, Ashley Luecken,  Michelle (Rarule)  Perez, Stewart (Elizabeth) Stone and Amber Stone; 9 Great Grandchildren, and  numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine on April 16, 2007; and  sisters: Claire Suomela, Jean Lokken and June and Joyce Stone who died when they were 6 months old. 

The family wishes to thank St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center for the kindness and care given to Gus.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Friday (September 28th) at the Bear River Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  Pastor Bruce Dissell will be the officiant.  The casket bearers will be grandchildren: Chad Stone, Brandi Embacher, Jake Luecken, Adam Luecken, Brad Luecken and Ashley Luecken.  The honorary bearers will be the grandchildren:  Michelle Perez , Stewart Stone and Amber Stone.  Interment will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by the combined Honor Guards of the Orr American Legion Post #480, and the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757

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Mary (Belich) Parson, 87, of Virginia died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, at her daughter’s home in Orr. Mary was born on April 4, 1920, to Danie and Mildred (Kacher) Belich in Gilbert. She grew up in the Cloquet area. Mary manager her brother’s restaurant in Duluth with her sisters, Bess and Dorothy. Mary was the head cook. She was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Parson on March 6, 1945, when he was a sergeant and mechanic in the Air Force. They lived for a while in Bangor, Maine, at the Air Force base. While Bob was in the service during World War II, Mary worked at Honeywell in Minneapolis. After World War II ended, they moved to Virginia, where they raised their two daughters. Mary loved to garden, sew, bake, and cook. Her hobbies also included reading, doing crossword puzzles, and embroidery. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her daughters, Darlene Elverum of Orr and Candace (Kevin Spotts) Wogsland of Minneapolis; sisters, Helen Painter of Prescott, Ariz., Bess Chapel of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Dorothy Croke of Two Harbors, Minn.; grandchildren, Ian (Pam) Elverum, Poul (Ashley) Elverum, Orion Elverum, Ben (Carin) Wogsland and Mariya Elverum; great-grandchildren, Brittany, Michael, Cooper, Lily and Emerson Elverum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert (Bob) on June 15, 2000; their son, Bruce, who died at birth; brothers, Peter, Eli, Ted, Nick and Bobby Belich; sisters, Julia Radovic and Anna Fabrello; and her son-in-law, Michael Elverum

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Pastor Arthur Dale will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the service at the Range Funeral Home on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Willow Valley Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society

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Aaron E. Mason, 31, of Hibbing, died unexpected at his mother’s residence in Togo on September 20, 2007.  He was born on July 19, 1976, at Virginia.  He grew up in the Cook-Orr area and attended high school in Orr and Virginia.  He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed hunting.  He loved his two boys.  Aaron worked for Atlas Moving Company for several years, and most recently worked at a roofing business in Hibbing.

He is survived by 2 sons, Christian and Collin Warmuth of Eveleth,; his mother and step-father, Dana Mason and Bill Steib  of Togo; his father, Randy (Maureen Critt) Parson of Keewatin;  a brother, Tony (Billie) Mason of Nett Lake; maternal grandparents, Helen (Desi) Stafslien of Portland, OR. and Hugh (Bev) Blair of Linclon City, OR.; paternal grandmother, Dorothy Parson of Virginia; his special friend, Pam Kallio of Hibbing,; along with nieces,  aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by the mother of his two sons, Jaralee Warmuth in 2006.
 

A gathering of family and friends will take place at 1:00  PM Friday (Sept. 28th)  at the Pete and Doris Isham residence  at  5206 St. John Drive, at Nett Lake.

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Donald “Don” Lowell Erickson, 76, Alango, died Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at the Cook Hospital.

He was born on October 8, 1930 at Emerald, Wisconsin, the son of  Walfred “Al” and Engle (Hansen) Erickson.  He grew up in Bear River, attended the Alango High School and graduated from the Grand Rapids Ag. School.  Don enlisted in the Navy for four years and served during the Korean War.  He returned to the area and worked for a time in the mines.

He married the former Shirley Elsie. Nurmi on May 21, 1955, in Chisholm.  They lived in several areas, including many years in Circle Pines, (Minnesota), where Don drove truck.  They moved to Alango in 1971, where they lived for over 30 years.  Don worked for St. Louis County for 20 years, retiring as foreman in 1992.  He and Shirley have wintered in Florida since 1992.  Don was a life member of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post#1757, and former member of the Orr American Legion Post #480. 

He was an avid sports fan, along with enjoying hunting and fishing. But his greatest hobby and pursuit was that of playing the accordion, he entertained and brought the joy of music and dance to many throughout the years.  He was a talented, self taught musician. He kept up with the music trend and always had the latest technology to go along with his playing. 
 

He is survived by his wife of  52 years, Shirley; four sons, Steven (Teresa) of Hernando, FL., Darren of Cook, Daniel (Carol) of Cook, and Scott (Carrie) of Alango; 2 brothers, Duane (Lorraine) Erickson of Virginia and Lester (Nancy) Erickson of Alango; one sister-in-law, Joan Erickson of Grand Rapids, MN.,; 11 Grand children, and 2 Great Grandchildren-with another one due in October, along with nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents,  Walfred “Al” and Engle Erickson; a brother Clinton Erickson, and a nephew Ricky Erickson.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday at the Alango Township Cemetery.  Rev. Richard Lohry will officiate.  Military honors will be provided by the combined honor guards of the Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1757, and the Orr American Legion Post #480.
Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. 

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Marguerite I. Skala, 92, of Tower, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2007, at the Ely Bloomenson Community Nursing Home.

Marge was born on June 20, 1915 in Virginia, the daughter of James and Margaret (Pierce) Prodinsky.  She grew up in the Virginia-Gilbert area, where she attended school. She was united in marriage to Matt Skala on November 5, 1936 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Virginia.  They settled in Tower, where they owned and operated Skala’s Bar for many years. Later she worked in food service at the Tower school.  She truly enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow.  Marge was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church and the Slovenian Women’s Union of America, Local Branch #34 of Tower-Soudan. 

She is survived by her children, Barbara (John) Baucom of Andover, MN., Marguerite M. Skala of Burnsville, MN. and Matt (Connie) Skala of Tower,; Grandchildren: Jess (Amy) Skala, Casie Skala and Kathy Baucom; Great Grandchildren, Aidan, Shea,
Brody, Heather, Emily and Megan; along with nieces, nephews and friends.

 In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Matt;  a brother, James Prodinsky and a sister Geraldine Panian.

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower, with the Rev. Father Joseph M. Thomas, MCBS as celebrant.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Arrangements  with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Ely Bloomenson Community Nursing Home, 328 Conan Str. West, Ely, MN.  55731

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Ann Marie Scott 97, of Cook, died Monday, September 17, 2007 , at the Cook Nursing Home. She was born on December 14, 1909, at Field Township near Cook; the daughter of Andrew and Anna (Oling) Scott. She attended elementary school in Cook then went to Eveleth High School where she graduated. She worked as a governess in Evanston, Ill for the Robert Ringling and Vice President Charles Dawes families. Later she was employed at the Elgin National Watch Factory. She returned back to Cook in 1943 to help raise her nephew Scott Refsdal, after her sister Esther had died when he was born. When in Cook she was employed at the Cook Clinic and as a nursing assistance at the Cook Hospital.

Ann was the youngest of eight children. Ann’s mother had died when she was a infant, and her Dad had jobs that took him away from home so she was raised by her sisters, brothers and neighbors.  Ann was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, its  Martha Circle, and  earlier sang in the church choir.

She was an avid Scabble player, a dedicated caregiver, and was known for always having “an extra hand” to help someone. She was also active in the Cook Area Health Services Auxiliary, commonly known as the  Thrift Store.

She is survived by an adopted son, Scott (Penny) Refsdal of Lake Havasu City, AZ.; 2 Grandsons, Mark and Ryan; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by five brothers; Arthur, Edwin, Walter, Carl and Clarence (J.C.) Scott; and two sisters; Amanda Carlson and Esther Refsdal

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Thursday (September 20th) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Pastor Melissa Stoller will be the officiant.  There will be a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service at the church.  The soloist will be Kathy Forsline and the pianist Pam Ruuska.   The casket bearers will be Fred Shapansky, Gordon Anderson, Rob Scott, Ervin Scott, Gary Boutto and Lloyd Holter.  Interment will be in the Field Township Cemetery

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook

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Norma Burnett Simonson 89, of Grantsburg, Wisconsin and formerly of Cook, Minnesota passed away on September 15, 2007 at the Heritage Nursing Home in Chisholm, Minnesota where she had resided for the past 11 years, including time at the Chisholm Buchanan Nursing Home.

She was born on March 19, 1918 at Grantsburg, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ernest & Minnie Anderson. Norma married Jesse Simonson at Pine City, Mn on January 12, 1935 and they made their home at Grantsburg, Wi.. Their marriage lasted for over 54 years, until Jesse passed away on June 24, 1989. She was also preceded in death by one son; Duane  who died this past week on September 9, 2007 at the age of 68 from cancer.

Norma was the mother of four sons; Don and his wife Muriel (Anderson)) Simonson of Cook Mn and their children: Carol (Dan) Greiner and their children; Rachel, Katie, Peter, John and James. Mike (Janet) Simonson, John Simonson, David (Michele) Simonson and their children; Sarah and Mark. Becky (Eric) Trip of Christchurch, New Zealand and their children; Anna, Zoe, Emily and Lydia.

Jerry and his wife Irene (Edblom) Simonson of Silver Bay Mn, and their children; Dianne (Leonard) Robinson, their children; Aaron, Nicole and Gina. Annette (Kevin) Gustafson, their children; Ryan and Kelly. Curtis (Carol) Simonson and their children; Nathan and Craig. Timothy (Julie) Simonson, their children: Colton, Jayden, Josh, Mary Jo and Mckenzie.

Duane’s wife Cheryl (LaFlex) Simonson of Cook Mn and their children; Joe (Kathy) and their daughter Andrea, Bill (Pam), and their children Ian and Molly, Tammy (Brian) and their sons Josh (Cassie) and Ryan, Cody, Mardi (Kurt) and their children Jacob, Baile and Casie.

Mike and his wife Mary (Geib) Simonson of St. Paul, Mn and their children; Dean, Kurt and Chad (Jenny) and their children Michael, Ryan and Brooke..

After Norma's husband Jesse passed away, Norma lived in an apartment at Grantsburg until she was not able to care for herself.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest & Minnie Anderson and nine siblings: Raymond, Alice, Harvey, LaVonne, Nita, Delores, Agnes, Delbert and Dale. Only her brother Otmer "Andy" Anderson of Grantsburg, Wisconsin survives her. Also four great-great-grandchildren.

Norma moved with her husband many times as he was a pulpwood contractor and moved to where the jobs were. They lived in a number of Wisconsin communities, Michigan, Montana and Minnesota. They settled at Cook, Minnesota in 1953 but returned to Grantsburg in 1968. Norma and her husband were active in each church they attended. She enjoyed teaching young children in Sunday Schools. She was a devoted Christian and spent her life for her husband and her four sons. Mom was a fine Christian example to each of her sons.

Funeral Services will be at the Grace Baptist Church of Grantsburg, Wisconsin on Thursday, September 20, 2007, at 1:00 PM with a time of visitation an hour before.

A memorial to my Mother and Brother Duane

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Graveside services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday at the Field Township Cemetery and all are welcome to attend.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Coffee and refreshments will be served at the Brian & Tammy Cornelius residence after and all are welcome.

A memorial to my Mother and Brother Duane

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Vernard Leland Cheney, 82, of Cook, died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007, at St. Michael’s Health & Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. Vern was born May 25, 1925, to Fay and Irene (Heckendorn) Cheney in Puyallup, Wash. He joined the United States Army at the age of 20 and became a paratrooper. Vern was a resident of Oregon for many years. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, motorcycling, dancing and life in general.

Survivors include sons, Brad (Peggy) of Oregon, Mich (Shirley) of Cook; daughter, Pam (Bruce) Tandy of Sammamish, Wash.; brother, Wesley Cheney of Cook; grandchildren, Benjamin Cheney, Sarah Tandy, Dawn Tupy, Bobbi Malecha, Craig Tuorigney, and Julie Madsen; numerous great-grandchildren. Local nephews and nieces; David (Dorothy) Pederson, Andrea (Rodger "Kent") Vogel and Eric (Anna) Pederson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay on May 23, 1976 at the age of 73 and Irene (Heckendom) Cheney on January 1, 2001 at the age of 93.; one sister, Evelyn on March 16, 1993 at the age of 65 (Peder) Pederson on April 29, 1977 at the age of 77.

A celebration of Vern’s life will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Cook VFW. Arrangements are by Range Funeral Home, Virginia

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Megan A. Anderson, 20, of Bear River-Cook, died tragically as the result of a homicide on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 in Eveleth.  She was born in Virginia on June 29, 1987, the daughter of James and Robyn (Lind) Anderson. 

She grew up in the Bear River-Cook area and graduated from Cook High School in 2005 and was a member of the National Honor Society.  Megan completed the Graphic Arts Course at Mesabi Community College-Eveleth Campus and graduated with High Honors  in May of 2007, and was currently employed as a graphic designer for Durkee Signs and Graphics in Eveleth.  While in High School, she played in the  senior high band, participated in Tap Dancing, and had worked for Zups Grocery in Cook for four years.  Megan was soft spoken, respectful, always shared a resilient smile, and had a zest for life.  She loved times with family and friends, and the outings they shared at concerts, snowboarding, bike rides and games.  She was an avid Minnesota Twin fan, liked country music and  Nascar.  Everyone knew her as a quiet-sweet girl. 

She is survived by her parents, James D. and Robyn Anderson of Bear River-Cook; 2 brothers, Jesse Anderson of Soudan and Brett Anderson of Duluth; maternal grandmother, Karen Lind of Cook; best friend and cousin, Courtney Anderson of Hibbing; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, and her special pet dog, “Maddie”.  

Megan is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Delbert Anderson in 1990, maternal grandfather, Loren Lind in 1991, paternal grandmother, Joyce Anderson in 2005, and uncle, Kenneth Anderson on July 23, 2007.

Funeral arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

Funeral services will be at  11:00 AM Monday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Rev. Bruce Dissell, pastor of Bear River Lutheran Church will officiate, with Gloria Hegg, participant.  Visitation will be from 6 to 9 PM Sunday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Interment will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery.

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Karen Lea (Tokvam) Waldvogel, 64, died Saturday, August 25, 2007, in the University Medical Center-Mesabi, Hibbing. She was born in Grafton, N.D., on Sept. 4, 1942, to Clinton “Bud” and Irene Tokvam.

Karen had worked in Cook and for many years at the Carousel Hot Dog Stand in Hibbing. She loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandson. Karen enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing bingo. Karen was a 1964 graduate of the Cook High School.

She is survived by her husband, Jim Waldvogel of Nashwauk; son, Bernie Waldvogel of Keewatin; two daughters, Sally Rekkedahl of Coleraine and Sherri (Brian Tobey) Waldvogel of Virginia; two sisters, Linda (Marvin) Aune of Cook, and Janet (Dale) Luoma of Eveleth; brother, Roger Tokvam of Waseca, Minn.; four grandchildren: Tara (Nick Spotts) Waldvogel, Melissa Jarvi, Aaron Jarvi, and Halen Spiering; a great-grandson, Caleb Sanchez, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clinton :Bud" 80, 1998 & Irene 83, 2005 (Dokken) Tokvam, and an infant brother, Michael Tokvam 0,1945. Funeral: Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 29, in St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, Nashwauk. The Rev. Dennis Hoffman will officiate.

Visitation: Will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial: Interment will be in Nashwauk Cemetery, Nashwauk.

Pallbearers: Nick Spotts, Brian Tobey, John Waldvogel, Ted Sundberg, Tim Aune, and George Aune. Honorary pallbearers: Bill Hendricks, Cody Weaver, Sean Peterlin, and Brent Martin. Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing

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Marie Elvira Hejda 83 of Lake Vermilion-Cook passed away on August 24, 2007 at the Virginia Hospital. She was born on February 20, 1924 in Virginia to Richard and Fanny (Wainionpaa) Moore and had been a life long resident of Virginia until moving to Lake Vermilion in 1981. Marie was  Virginia High School graduate and the Duluth Business College.

On November 23, 1949, she married Jed Hejda in Virginia. She was co-owner/operator of Hejda TV & Sound Center in Virginia. Marie was a member of Hope Community Presbyterian Church; Chapter 210 Order of Easter Star; a 50 year member the Women's Auxiliary to the Pratt-Volden-Mickelson-Anderson American Legion Post 239 and was a past member of the Soroptimist Club, all of Virginia.

Survivors include her husband, Jed of Lake Vermilion, Cook; three sons, Jed Hejda of Alango, Paul (Melody) Hejda of Virginia, and Brad (Tammy) Hejda of Mountain Iron; three daughters, Judy (Ron) Cimperman of Virginia, Susan (Clayton) Gwash of Virginia and Holly Hedja of White Bear Lake; 11 grandchildren, Eli (Dionne Hejda, Alex Hejda, Sean and Jeana Cimperman, Nicholas, Joseph and Wade Hejda, Lisa (Eric) Maki, Sara Gwash, Jason and Casey Ness four great-grandchildren, Dylan Maki, Lauren Maki, Logan Hejda and Jordan Sampson; on brother Richard (Mary) Moore of Virginia; one sister, Kay Dalton of San Francisco, California; sister-in-law Alice Netell; daughter-in-law, Peggy Hejda her "other daughter" Peggy Parise; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister Elsa Moore.

Memorial Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Hope Presbyterian Church in Virginia with Pastor Mary P9l officiating. Visitation will be for an hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are by the Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

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Mary V. Johnson, age 89, of Mountain Iron, died Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2007, in the Diamond Willow Assisted Living Residence.

She was born Dec. 2, 1917, in Virginia, the daughter of Walfred and Hilma Carlson. At the age of 2, the family moved to Angora where she grew up. She graduated from the Cook High School and the Young & Hursch Business College of Duluth. She was employed as a bookkeeper for the Bridgeman Russell Creamery in Virginia for seven years. Then she moved to Minneapolis where she was a bookkeeper for Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance. She returned to Virginia and worked as a secretary to the Superintendent of the DW&P Railroad.

At that time she met her future husband, Harry G. Johnson, and they were married on Nov. 16, 1946. She worked at her husband’s business, Johnson Electric, until 1949 when they moved to a farm in Forbes on the bank of the St. Louis River. They had a very active and enjoyable life there. They moved to Mountain Iron where they built a new home in 1959. Mary enjoyed going to their cabin on Lake Vermilion, picking berries, reading and doing crossword puzzles. Mary was a long time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Virginia.

She is survived by one son, Larry Palmer Johnson, of the St. Cloud area; one granddaughter, Jennifer Marie (Eric) Smith of Virginia; one brother, Oscar (Lorraine) Carlson of Cook; and nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Harry on April 30, 1991

Visitation on Saturday, Aug. 25, from10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia. The Rev. H. Arthur Dale will officiate. Interment will be in the Cook Cemetery. Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share a personal remembrance of Mary online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com

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Vienna Catherine (Saari) Maki, 88, of Idington, Virginia and formerly of Hibbing and Duluth, died on Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2007, at St Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center, in Virginia.

Vienna was born on Nov. 11, 1918, in Virginia, to Gust and Katri (Laakkonen) Saari. In 1922 the family moved to Idington. Vienna graduated as valedictorian of the Cook High School class of 1937. In 1941 she married Eugene Maki of Cherry. They lived in Hibbing for 38 years and later resided in Mt. Iron and Duluth. Vienna returned to Virginia in 2000.

Vienna was a member of many organizations including the Finnish American Translators Association, the Iron Range Historical Society, and the Finnish American Historical Society. During the 1970’s, she was the Hibbing correspondent to the Finnish language newspaper Amerikan Uutiset.

Vienna was deeply interested in family history, her own and that of others. As Iron Range coordinator of the 1978 to 1981 Minnesota Finnish American Family History Project, she interviewed 29 people and transcribed the interviews, translating 15 of them from Finnish.

These are preserved at the U of M Immigration History Research Center. Vienna’s translation of an uncle’s reminiscences of his life as an underground miner became the book “Ready to Descend,” published in 2000.

Vienna became a member of the Screen Actors Guild when she was cast in the movie “Wildrose”, filmed on the Iron Range in 1982. She played the role of Vienna Maki Lorich, the mother of the female lead, a taconite worker. The film premiered in 1984.

Vienna is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Maki of Angora and Susan (Robert Myers) Maki of Duluth; four cousins, Rauha (Kaarlo) Savela of Angora, Raili (Weikko) Rautio of Kinney, William Malila of Angora, and Daisy Elizabeth Tuomi of Bolinas, California; and one aunt, Aune Kauristie, and several other cousins in Finland.

Vienna is also survived by the staff at Saint Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center of Virginia, where she lived for the last four years of her life. The family extends their appreciation to the Center staff.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eugene in 1995; and her brother, Edwin Saari, in February 2007.

Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and will continue one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service on Saturday, which will be held at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia. The Rev. Suzanne Wasilczuk will officiate. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.

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Ina Helen Stauner, 86, of Hibbing, died Friday August 3, 2007 at her residence. A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 5:00 P.M. at the VFW Post 8510 in Hibbing. Gordy Dormanen and Barbara Novak will be officiating. Burial will be in Leiding Cemetery in Orr at a later date.

Ina was born in Gheen, MN June 2, 1921 to Nester and Elsie (Puttonen) Johnson. She graduated from Orr High School in 1939. During WWII she worked at a refinery in Richmond, CA. Ina returned to Virginia, MN and than back to Gheen where she lived until 1969, when the family moved to Cherry. Ina was active in community affairs in the Cherry area, including being instrumental in obtaining flashing lights at the intersection of Hwy. 5 and 16, obtaining First Responder equipment and the new Cherry Fire Hall. She was on the St. Louis County Fair Board, and was a ballot counter. Ina was known for her passion and perfectionism as a seamstress. She wants to be remembered for her cinnamon rolls, sewing, and sense of humor. Honorary Casket Bearers will be her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother; Armas Johnson, and a sister-in-law; Angie.

Survived by: 6 Children: Linda Rissanen of Maple Plain, MN, Bill (Diane) Stauner of Fairbanks, AK, Denise Vesel of Nashwauk, Donna Klaven of Gheen, MN, Michael Stauner of Minnetonka, MN, Lori (Ray) Streeter of Nashwauk,

10 Grandchildren: Brett,  Rissanen of Maple Lake, MN, Danelle Wilson of Burnsville, MN, Toni Babcock of Blain, MN, Brandon, Lea, Brady, Brian and Kaylee Stauner of Fairbanks, AK, Amy Larson of Eugene, OR, Dusty Klaven of Gheen, MN

10 Great Grandchildren: Maxwell and Zachary Rissanen, Parker, Bennett, and Mya Wilson, Drew, Taylor, and Hailey Babcock, Cale, and Jace Larson, Nephew: Jimmy Johnson of Mt. Iron, MN, Great Nephew: Nicholas Johnson of St. Paul, MN.  And Several Cousins in Finland

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Julie Ann (Nelson) Childs, 37, of Calumet, died Friday, July 27, 2007, at the Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born on February 3, 1970 to Kermit and Denise Nelson in Virginia. In 1988, she graduated from Hibbing High School and then attended Hibbing Community College both in Hibbing. She was united in marriage on May 1, 1993, to Joseph Childs in Grand Rapids.

Julie managed both the Hibbing and Grand Rapids Payless Shoes stores until 1995 when she became the city clerk of Calumet. She was a member of the First Church of God where she served as Sunday School secretary, youth leader and with the kitchen committee. She was a member and past president of the P.T.C. in Marble, a member of the League of Minnesota Small Cities and the Greenway Recreation Board.

Julie loved bowling, the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. She was an avid fan of her children, Zach and Sarah. She was a loving wife and mother with a strong spirit who was always involved with her children and all of their endeavors.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph; one son, Zachary, at home; one daughter, Sarah, at home; one sister, Joey Lampi of Hibbing; parents, Kermit (Char) Nelson of Hibbing and Denise (Loren) Forry of Merkel, Texas; maternal grandmother, Dorene (Elmer 60, 1985) Millbridge of Rockport, Texas; nieces, Lindsey and Leah; and nephews, Lucas and Isaac.

Funeral: Services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 1, at the First Church of God in Grand Rapids. The Rev. Oscar Marth will officiate.

Visitation: Will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, and for one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday at the First Church of God in Grand Rapids.

Burial: Will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Coleraine. Arrangements are by Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids.

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Kenneth LeRoy Anderson, age 59, of Cook died unexpectedly Monday, July 23, 2007 at his residence. Visitation will be on Friday, July 27, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing and continuing on Saturday, July 28, 2007 from 10:00 A.M. until the 11:00 A.M. Funeral Service at the Bear River Lutheran Church in Bear River. Pastor Bruce Dissell and Gloria Anderson-Hegg will be officiating. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Hibbing.

Kenneth was born on June 5, 1948 to Delbert and Joyce (Fredlund) Anderson in Hastings, Nebraska. He grew up in the Bear River area and graduated from Cook High School in 1966. Kenneth graduated in 1968 from Hibbing Technical College after completing the diesel mechanics program. Kenneth was drafted to serve in the Army in 1968, serving in Vietnam and Germany and was discharged in 1971.

He was united in marriage to Dana Olson on November 10, 1973 at the Bear River Lutheran Church in Bear River, MN. After he returned from the Army he worked for 3 years at US Steel Minntac and retired from Hibbing Taconite after 30 years. Kenneth enjoyed working in his large and wonderful garden, hunting, an avid fan of racing, outdoor activities, his truck, helping friends and neighbors, but most important to him was his family, especially walking his grandsons. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert in 1990 and Joyce in 2005.

Survivors include: Loving Wife of 34 years: Dana Anderson Three Sons: Matthew (Sheri) Anderson of Hibbing, MN., Ryan (Nicole) Anderson of Hibbing, MN., Kirk Anderson of Hibbing, Mn. Twin Grandsons: Alex and Jonathan Anderson. Four Sisters: Lois (Don) Jenson of Bigfork, MN., Judy Anderson of Bear River, MN., Barbara Hoover of Side Lake, MN., Patricia (Ron) Owen of Snohomish, WA.; Nine Brothers: Donald (Mary) Anderson of Chisholm, MN., Charles (Norma) Anderson of Hibbing, MN., Richard Anderson of Cooperstown, ND., Thomas (Margo) Anderson of Chisholm, MN., James (Robyn) Anderson of Bear River, MN., Brian (Gail) Anderson of Cook, MN., Gary (Amy) Anderson of Cook, MN., Robert Anderson of LeRoy, MN., Jeffrey Anderson of Bear River, MN., Father and Mother-in-Law: Richard and Selma Olson. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins

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Lloyd H. Gerdes, 80, Lloyd H. Gerdes, 80, of Togo, died on Friday, July 20, 2007, at his residence. Lloyd was born in Jackson County, Minn., on April 4, 1927, the son of Frank and Alvina (Bayerkohler) Gerdes. He grew up on the family farm and went to school in Isle. He served in the Army during the Korean War He lived in Minneapolis for five years before settling in Togo in 1957 where he since lived. Lloyd was a self-employed mechanic overhauling engines. He farmed for many years and enjoyed hunting. Lloyd was a member of the VFW in Grand Rapids.

He is survived by one sister, Velma Braun of White Bear Lake, Minn., along with seven nieces and nephews.

Funeral: Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 26, at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial: Will be in the Bearville Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home Cook

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Palmer Vern Moberg, 87, Palmer Vern Moberg, 87, died Sunday, July 15, 2007, peacefully surrounded by his family in Hibbing after a courageous battle with cancer. Born March 6, 1920, in Cook to Per and Marta Moberg, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II. His working career spanned early times at the Seattle shipyards and Oliver Mining Company.

Family ownership of restaurants, including the Palmer House in Hibbing; many years in the sales field on the Iron Range and in the Twin Cities, most recently selling electrical supplies through his company, Centra-Lite in Hibbing. Palmer was an avid outdoorsmen who loved fishing and hunting, and his greatest joy was teaching his children and grandchildren the skills of hunting and fishing. He pastored Hibbing Fellowship and ministered in his latter years throughout the upper Midwest and Canada. To share the love of Jesus and faith in God was his primary focus in life. He was a gifted musician, especially as an accomplished guitarist and bassist. He has left a legacy of music extending to generations, playing in his younger years with the Chet Crippa Band, and ministered with his music throughout his life — especially with the King’s Way Singers.

He has been an active senior volunteer for the Range Center, Mapleview Homes and Family Investment Center of the Hibbing Housing Authority and was once a member of the Toastmasters.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly Moberg of Hibbing; his children: Doug (Fern) Moberg of Hibbing, Vern (Donna) of Hibbing, Mary Jo Moberg (Perry’s wife) of Hibbing, Randy (Mavis) of St. Paul; Sandra Moberg Walls, of Champlin, Minn.; Dan (Ann) of Hibbing, Mike “Myron” of Canadensis, Pa., Ron (Kerry) of Forest Lake, Minn.; stepchildren, Mandy Okeson (Matt), of Thief River Falls, Minn., and Paul Engebretson (Julie) of Superior, Wis.; 23 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Phyllis Moberg of St. Paul, Evelyn Miller of Apache Junction, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Herbert (Jerry) Garrard of Hibbing; many beloved nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Verna Olive (Nylund) Moberg; his son, Palmer “Perry” Moberg Jr.; brother, Eddie Moberg; sisters, Priscilla Garrard and Helen Moberg; son-in-law, Ronald Walls.

Funeral: Memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church, Hibbing. Visitation: one hour prior to the funeral Friday at the church. Burial: Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery. Family services provided by Anderson-Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing.

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Memorial services will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 4^th, at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Rev. Bruce Dissell will be the officiant.  Music will be provided by Carol Newman.  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 the Morcom Township Cemetery of Bear River. 

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Services will be held at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing on Friday, July 20, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m

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Floyd Fred Peterson 85 of Camino, California and former of Cook, Minnesota died on July 10, 2007. He was born on April 19, 1922 at Cook. He was a veteran of the Second World War and the Korean War. Lloyd graduated in 1940 from the Cook High School.

He is survived by his wife Mary of Camino, California and brother Ernest Peterson of Cambridge, Minnesota. Sister Lorraine Soderberg of Portland, Oregon. Sons; Lloyd Jr. Marty, Ernie, Dale and Tim. He was preceded in death by his parents: Lawrence & Esther (Shoquist) Peterson; brother Leonard and sister Helen (Ben) Landmark.

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Eva Snell 82 of Edmonds, Washington and formerly of Cook, Minnesota passed away on July 2, 2007. She was born at Cook on September 5, 1924.

Eva was a 1941 graduate of the Cook High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jacob & Alma and all of her siblings; William Snell, Martha (William) Turkia,  Elmer (Margorie Bolster) Snell,  Esther (Uno Alano and Gene) Maki,  Joe (Gladyce Trygg) Snell, Eva Snell and Elsie McDougall.

Eva's relatives living in the Cook area are; sister-in-law Gladyce (Joe) Snell, nieces and nephews; Jack Snell, Jerry Snell and Judy (David) Grebenc.

Marilyn S. (Schreiner) Woods, 69, died peacefully at her son’s home on Thursday, June 28, 2007, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Marilyn was born March 22, 1938, in Hibbing. Her parents moved to Moville, Iowa, where she was raised and graduated from high school. She went to college at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Neb., where she was accepted into the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy in Rochester, Minn. She graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and a post-graduate certificate in physical therapy.

Marilyn worked at the Iron Range Rehabilitation Center, Henry Ford Hospital and Palo Alto Medical Clinic. She married Roger Woods on March 2, 1968. She continued her physical therapy work at the Cook Hospital and Bigfork Hospital, moving down to the Twin Cities in 1991 to work at the Methodist Hospital rehabilitation department. She retired from Methodist in 2001. Shortly after retiring she went to work for the Struthers Parkinson’s Center.

She was very active in the American Physical Therapy Association, she was a mentor and inspiration to many in the Minnesota chapter. In April 2007 she received the Lifetime of Service Award, which has been renamed the Marilyn Woods Lifetime of Service Award. Helping people was her passion in life and she showed it in many ways. In 2006 she started the Wings Program at Circus Juventas for disabled children.

She is survived by her children, Eric Woods, Eron (Chimgee) Woods and Elana Woods; grandson, Tamir Bayarsalhan; brother, Dale Schreiner; sisters, Doris (Ed) Williams and Diana Stumm; numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and her extended Mongolian family.

Memorial service 5 p.m. Saturday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 13207 Lake Street Extension, Minnetonka, MN, 55305 and Sunday, July 15, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Moville, Iowa. The family is setting up a scholarship fund in Marilyn’s name for future physical therapists. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota, Edina, Minn.

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Louis J. Chos Jr., 55, of Lake City, passed away at his home Monday, July 2, 2007. Louis was born on Sept. 22, 1951, in East Cleveland, Ohio to Louis John 68, 1992  and Ellen 83, 2006 Virginia (Carlson) Chos. He received his bachelors of science in chemical engineering and was employed at The Dow Chemical Company of Midland for 31 years until his retirement. He was associated with St. John's Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Houghton Lake and also attended Resurrection Life Church in Cadillac. He enjoyed painting ceramics, hunting, fishing in the upper peninsula, Canada and northern Minnesota with his close friends John and Gary.

He is survived by his fiancé, Darlene Keely and his extended family, Doris "Mom" Bradley of Lake City, David and Paula Fox, Abigail and Emily Messing, Xavier Fox of Gaylord and Jim and Linda Keely of Old Mission; his aunt Esther Jowaski; his cousins, Kenny (Bryn) Jowaski, Kaye (Bill) Herman of Cook, Minn., Kathy Jowaski of South Elgin, Ill. and Karol (Jurek) Grzybowski of Poland; his great-aunt, Ann Scott; and his stepdad, Gordon Anderson also of Cook, Minn.
 

Louis' mother Ellen Carlson grew up in Cook and was a 1939 graduate of the Cook High School. After his father died in 1992 his mother Ellen was married in 1997 to Gordon Anderson of Cook who was also a 1939 Cook School graduate.

Memorial Services will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007, 1 p.m. at the Young Funeral Home, 403 S. Pine, Lake City with Pastor William C. Winter officiating. Burial will be in the Field Township Cemetery in Cook, Minn.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. John's Lutheran Church in Houghton Lake or the Resurrection Life Church Building Fund in Cadillac.

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Delphine “Del” H. Beatty, 92, passed away on Monday, June 18, 2007,at her residence. Del was born on December 13, 1914, at Silver Lake,  Minnesota; the daughter of Matcuss and Martha (Mickowski) Nawrocki.  She  grew up on the family farm in Silver Lake (near Hutchinson). She moved to Minneapolis, where she completed beauty school, built a house  and operated her own shop  in Northeast Minneapolis for nearly 15 years.  She was united in marriage to Russell B. Beatty on September 13, 1947, in Minneapolis. 

The couple settled in the Cook area in 1948, where they since resided. They farmed for 25 years, mostly dairy farming.  After Russell’s retirement, Del completed Nurses Aid Training and was employed for years as a Nurses Aid at the Cook Hospital.  She was a longtime  faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook and its Council of Catholic Women’s Group. .

Russell and Delphine were well known for their  yearly, abundant cultivated vegetable gardens and were instrumental in forming the Cook Area Farmer’s Market, of which they supplied fresh vegetables for many years. She was a wonderful baker, and prolific canner, along with being an avid reader. 

She is survived by 2 sons, James of Minnetonka and Mark (Bonnie Peterson) Beatty of Shoreview; 2 daughters, Martha Jane (Bob) Sills of DeMoines, Iowa and Sharon (David Stanton) Beatty of Sanaa, Yemen;  9 Grandchildren: Adam Beatty, Zachary Beatty, Alexander Beatty, Hytham Ashuraey, Sam Ashuraey, Yasmine Ashuraey, Nik Budnik, Kajsa Beatty and Stephanie Maddox. 

Delphine is preceded in death by her husband, Russell on  December 11, 1992; a daughter-in-law, Jane Ann Skaja; 5 brothers - Alphonse, Henry, Joe, Leo, and Emmett Nawrocki; and 5 sisters - Helen Smigleski, Joan Jagodzinski, Margaret Kology, and Martha and Regina Nawrocki who died in childhood.
 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday (July 7th) at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook.   The con-celebrants will be Father Joseph M. Thomas MCBS and Father Larry Antus OMI.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Friday (July 6th) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, with Parish Wake Service Prayers said at 7:30 PM.  St. Mary’s Choir will sing and Marjorie Miller will be the organist.  The casket bearers will be: Adam Beatty, Zachary Beatty, Alexander Beatty and Hytham Ashuraey.  Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery 

Funeral arrangements were with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

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Sally "Stella" Hodge, 44, Sally “Stella” Hodge, 44, Hibbing, died Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. She was born on Feb. 12, 1963, in San Antonio, Texas, to Robert V. and Darlene W. (Essex) Hodge. She had been a resident of Hibbing for the past 15 years. She was an avid bird enthusiast.

Survivors include her parents, Pastor Robert V. and Darlene W. Hodge of Angora, Minn.; siblings Johnny V. (Susan) Hodge, Breaux Bridge, La.; R.V. (Jennie) Hodge, Smyrna, N.C.; Leah (Mark) Rock, Chisholm; Rebekah (Rod) King, Bear River, and Micah (Jacinda) Hodge, Janesville, Wis.; 10 nieces and seven nephews.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Monday, July 2, at First Baptist Church of Hibbing with the Rev. Greg Stevens officiating.

Visitation: Will be for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. To sign the guest book online and leave a memorial message, go to www.ruppfuneralhome.com.

Burial: Private family interment was held at Chisholm Cemetery.

Arrangements are with Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Chisholm.

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A celebration of Lillian’s life was held at 4:00 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2007 at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Art Dale was the officiant.   The honorary bearers were Kris, Savanna, Justin, Arby, Amanda and Marc.

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Funeral services were held  at 11:00 AM Tuesday (June 26^th) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower, with Pastor Aaron Lofgren officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the church.  The music was provided by Mary Beth Reller.  The casket bearers were Erlene’s children, Janice Morin, Bruce Carlson, Jim Carlson, Bill Johnson, and Randall Johnson.  The burial was in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Arrangements were with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

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Judith Ann (Hinman) Schaefer, 63, of Pengilly died Saturday, June 23, 2007, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. She was born Oct. 16, 1943, in Alton, Ill., the daughter of Selma Markham Hinman and Leonard Calvin Hinman. She graduated from East Alton Wood River Community High School in 1961 in the top ten percent of her class.

She attended classes at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill. She left there in 1963 and went to Scruggs Vandervoort Barny, a major retail store in St. Louis, Mo., and completed a two-year buyer’s training program. She was made assistant buyer for the corset and bra department and a buyer for Casey Sporting Goods, also in St. Louis. In 1968, she became an employee of Target Inc. and worked her way up to Softlines merchandise manager.

Judy married Ronald Schaefer on July 7, 1971, in Britt, and they had one son, Gerald Calvin Schaefer, born on March 30, 1976. She served in this area as a home health aide for Itasca County.

She was a recipient of the DAR Award in high school, state representative for Home Economics Girl’s Leadership Camp, was an officer in the Order of Eastern Star, and a past president of East Side Neighbors. An active member of Nashwauk Lutheran Church, she served as president of the women’s organization and was stewardship secretary for the statewide women’s group of the American Lutheran Church. Judy taught art and Bible studies for a Christian school housed at St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Nashwauk as well as being a former Sunday school, Bible school and Release Time teacher at Nashwauk Lutheran, and with her husband, Ron, served as Sunday school superintendent. She also taught “Project Charlie,’’ an anti-drug program at Nashwauk and Keewatin public schools. She was an avid golfer at Swan Lake Country Club, a computer enthusiast and she loved painting and sewing.

She is survived by her husband, Ron, of Pengilly; son, Gerald (Becky McLaughlin) Schafer, of Fridley, Minn.; brother, Joe (Ruth) Hinman, of Pacific, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Val Hinman of Missouri and Barb (Clark) Brenna of Cook; nieces, Teri Brenna of Virginia, Amy (John) Nelson of Angora and Tina (John) Ripper of Pacific, Mo.; her niece and godchild, Cindy (Jason) Palm, of Cook; and a nephew, Chris (Lisa) Ashabanner, of St. Louis, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Daniel Raye Hinman and Donald Lee Hinman.

Funeral service at 1 p.m. Thursday at Nashwauk Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Jean Megorden officiating. Pallbearers will be Bob Silcox, Clark Brenna, John Nelson, Jason Palm, Larry Potocnik, Tom Mattson, Bob Johnson and Randy Metzer. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, and will continue one hour prior to service Thursday at the church in Nashwauk.

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Allen Richard Quaas, 67, of Two Harbors and formerly of Orr, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, June 20, 2007. He was born Jan. 25, 1940, to Allan and Gayle (Leaf) Quaas in Grand Rapids. He grew up in Blackberry, Splithand Township, attended school in Windego and Grand Rapids Senior High. He worked for M.A. Hanna Mining Co., Coleraine and Stagberg Mills in Orr. He was constable in Orr. He began a career in truck driving, driving for various companies until retiring from Uland Brothers Construction Co., after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Teamsters Union No. 346, Duluth, and the Loyal Order of the Moose. Allen was well-known for his quick wit, charm and tall tales. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, riding on his motorcycle, and his muscle car, a GTO.

Al will sadly be missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth; daughters, Robin (Jim) Aker of Orr, Sheila (David) Malmstrom of Virginia, Becky (Donnie) Luecken of Orr, and Chelsey of Duluth; sons, Rick and Dan, both of Orr, and Matt of Two Harbors; former wife, Deanne Saarikoski of Orr; brothers, Wayne (Grace) of Hill City, and Eddie (Jill) of Swatara; sisters, Sharon (Darrell) Bruggman of McGregor, Diane (Len) Flesher of Baxter, Bev (Kraig) Kiger of Grand Rapids, Shelly Nelson of Grand Rapids, and Roxanne (Al) Kellerman of McGregor; granddaughter, Michaela Luecken; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Barbara Essen; nephew, James Essen Jr.; niece, Dustie Brown; and mother-in-law, Mary P. Symons

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Two Harbors. Visitation will be from noon until the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are by Cavallin Funeral Home.

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Edward W. "Bill" Sarazine, 70, of Owatonna and formerly of Cook, died Monday, June 18, 2007 at Owatonna Hospital. He was born Jan. 25, 1937 in Comfrey the son of Leo and Elizabeth (Konz) Sarazine. Bill graduated from the Alango High School in 1954 and then started working in the Iron Ore mines of northern Minnesota. He and his brother  Raymond "Tom" owned and operated a Phillips 66 station in Cook and he later moved to the Twin Cities area and drove over the road for the Holiday Stores.

He married Karen Dolgner- Herman June 26, 1977 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna, together the couple owned and operated Dairy Queen stores in Owatonna and Blooming Prairie for over twenty five years. When Bill retired he drove for the Owatonna Bus Company. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Elks, Eagles, and Steele County Historical Society.

Bill is survived by his spouse Karen of Owatonna; his children Charlotte Thacker of Owatonna, Billy (Robin) Sarazine of Owatonna, Michael R. Sarazine of St. Louis Park, Patrick A. Sarazine of Burnsville; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren; two brothers, Norbert (Twila Hokkanen) Sarazine of Macon and Michael F. (Michelle Ranta) Sarazine of Layton, Utah; four sisters, Corrine (Ron) Maki of Middleton, Wis., Rita (James 63, 2000) Cheney of Angora, Jean Sarazine of Waite Park, Phyllis (Jim) Anderson of Fairfax.

His parents; Leo 51, 1959 & Elizabeth 75, 1990 Sarazine, two brothers; Bernard "James" 28, 1963 (Christine Nissinen 67, 2006)  Sarazine and Raymond "Tom" 60, 1998 (Kathleen Martinson) Sarazine, one sister, Patricia 62, 2004 (Gene) Skraba and previous wife Elizabeth Hyvair 30, 1970 Sarazine preceded him in death.

Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral service will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church with the Rev. John Lestock officiating. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna Youth Hockey Assoc., or the donor's choice.

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From: Karin [mailto:juttakarin@2z.net Sent: Monday, June 18, 2007. Don, Theone's mother and Lucky's grandmother, passed away May 29th and I just got the Obituary for it and thought I would send it to you to post. Many people here knew Helen and so would be interested in reading it...Thank you so much for all  you do. Karin

Helen Parker, 103, Brainerd, passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2007, surrounded by her children at Woodland Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd. Helen was born May 14, 1904, in Pipestone, Minn., to Charles and Anna (Jacobson) Turnquist. She received her teaching degree in Valley City, N.D. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd.

She is survived by her children, Dwight (Shirley) Parker, Lake Shore, Fred (Linda) Parker, Brainerd, Tim (Peg) Parker, Truman, Ramona (Don) Stumvoll, Nisswa, Anecia (August) Langenbay, Stewart, Evelyn (Ronald) Knauss, Forest Lake, and Patsy (Jim) Knauss, Lino Lakes; 20 grandchildren and 11 step-grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren and six step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; five children, Tommy Parker, Douglas Parker, Jimmy Parker, Dolly Parker and Theone Schultz; two sisters; and five brothers.

Services were held on Monday, June 4, 2007, at 10:30 a.m. at the  Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home with Pastor Barb Christensen officiating. Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery near Clotho, Minn. Friends  called on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at the Halvorson-Johnson Funeral Home in Brainerd and one hour prior to the services at the funeral home on Monday.

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Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Monday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. 

A gathering of family and friends will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  The honorary bearers will be: Joe Kosluchar, Ron Hakkila, Ron Setter, Craig Morrison, Charlene Morrison, and Steve Brown.  Interment will be in the Alango Township Cemetery.

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Irene E. Schall, 91, of Togo, died Monday, June 11, 2007, at her residence. Irene was born on July 21, 1915, at Maple Grove Township (Osseo), Minnesota; to William and Mary (Grambart) Seibert.  She attended the schools at Osseo.  Irene  married Henry Schall of Bear River on December 14, 1932, in Osseo.  She worked in a dehydrating plant in Osseo, then for Bishman Manufacturing- where they made small tools for cars.  They  moved to Togo in 1946, where they since resided. 

She was a member of the Bear River Lutheran Church.  Between the Celina Lutheran Church then later Bear River Lutheran Church, Irene played the organ for nearly 30 years.  Henry was the custodian for the Togo school for 25 years, and Irene helped him clean there and was the cook there for 4 years. She retired in 1977. 

She is survived by one son, Dale (Cindy) Schall of Togo; 8 Grandchildren: Wanda Adams of Virginia, Ron (Chris) Adams of Aurora,  Jill (Gary) Shannon of Chaska, MN., Susan (Lawson) McKenzie of Faribault, MN.,  Krista (Jason) Lane of Togo,  Kylah (Mike) Elofson of Mounds View, MN.,  Trevor Schall of Togo, and Tanner (Samantha) Schall of Eveleth, along  with 14-Great Grandchildren and 5-Great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry on October 16, 2000;  two daughters, Evelyn Adams in 1991 and Shirley Rahier in 2000;  a grandson, Jim Rahier in 1978,; three brothers, Ralph,, Walter and Virgil Seibert; and three sisters, Elizabeth and Isabell Seibert and Louise Fisher; and a son-in-law, Gerald Rahier in 1993.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Friday (June 15^th) at the Bear River Lutheran Church.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 PM Thursday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.   Rev. Bruce Dissell will be the officiant.  Carol Newman will provide the music. 

The casket bearers will be Ron Adams, Trevor Schall, Tanner Schall and Jason Lane  Interment will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery

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Mary Eileen Pohl, 86, of Duluth, died Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at the Benedictine Health Care Center. She was born Jan. 1, 1921 in Glidden, Wis., to Phillip and Ann (Eineichner) Pohl.

Eileen graduated from Cook High School in Cook, Minnesota in 1939. She graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and took graduate courses at USC. She worked as a case worker for the Catholic Welfare Bureau working with teenage girls in Los Angeles, Calif., and returned to Duluth and did adoption work for the Catholic Charities of Duluth for 22 years. Eileen worked at St. Luke's Hospital as a social worker until she retired in 1984. She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Charles 41, 1960 (Ruby Knutson 78, 1996) Pohl. She is survived by her siblings, Lorraine Pohl of Duluth, Don (Janet) Pohl of Bemidji, Minn., Marilyn (Jim) Friedl of Hartford, Wis., Jim (Mary) Pohl of Alexandria, Minn.; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The only Pohl now living at Cook is Charles & Ruby's son William who still lives on the family farm.

Eileen's last wish was to thank Dr. Peaslee for his exceptional and compassionate care given to her for the past 13 years.

PRIVATE FUNERAL SERVICE: will be held. Interment at Cook Community Cemetery, Cook, Minn. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805, 218-727-3555.

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Rose Marie Maki,92, of Cook, formerly of Vermilion Dam, died Tuesday, May 8, 2007 at the  Cook Nursing Home. Rose Marie Maki was born on August 6, 1914, at Buyck,  the daughter of  Henry and Stella (Sokoloski) Gruska.  She grew up in Buyck, where she married William A. Maki in September 1934.  They moved to Vermilion Dam, where she lived most of her life.  She and Bill owned and operated Maki's Sand Point Lodge on Sand Point Lake for 13 years, selling it in 1955. 

They lived in Aurora for a few years, where she managed the A & W Root Beer Stand.  They then moved back to Vermilion Dam, where she worked at the Vermilion Dam Resort until stricken with rheumatoid arthritis. She hand peeled all the logs for the log home she and Bill built.  They moved to Orr in 1977, then Cook in 1979.  Rose had resided at the Cook Nursing  Home the past 6 years.   While living in the Buyck and Vermilion Dam areas, she was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Buyck and later a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cook while there.   Rose was a member of the Catholic Women's Club.  She was a talented knitter, and made many items for family from her hand crank knitting machine.  She loved to hunt, cook, save recipes, berry pick, and appreciated the outdoors.        

Rose is survived by one daughter, Nancy (Jerry) Mihm of Cook; 2 Grandchildren: Greg (Coralee) Mihm of Vermilion Dam and Susan (Peter) Stone of Alango; 4 Great Grandchildren: Chad (Connie) Stone of Cook, Brandi (Max) Embacher of Mankato, Justin Mihm of Wyoming, MN., and Brandon (Amber Wilke) Mihm of Vermilion Dam; 5 Great Great Grandchildren: Steven Stone, Makenzie Mihm, Hailey Embacher, Kate Stone and Devin Embacher

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, William on April 17, 1983; and 4 brothers: Valentine "Val", Ignac "Tom", William "Bill", and John Gruska.

Mass of Christian Burial  will be celebrated  at 11:00  AM Saturday at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.   The celebrant will be Fr. Larry Antus O.M.I. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Susan Stone, & Greg Mihm and great-grandchildren: Chad Stone, Brandi Embacher, Justin Mihm & Brandon Mihm

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook

Verna M. Majeski, 68, of Belle Plaine, formerly of Orr and Buyck, died March 25, 2007 at the Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park.   In addition to the memorial service in Belle Plaine, there was a memorial service at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Verna was born on March 13, 1939, to Eino & Elma (Lammi) Ruoho in Virginia, Mn.

She grew up in Orr and graduated from the Orr High School in 1957. She attended college in Duluth for a short time and returned to Orr and was married to Jim Majeski. Verna operated the Post Office in Buyck and raised her five children. Later she drove school bus and worked as a bookkeeper until moving to Arizona where she continued to work as a bookkeeper.

In 2004 she retired in Arizona for a short time before returning to Minnesota. She was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Eino on September 13, 2002 at the age of 91 at Tucson, Arizona, and Elma on April 15 1992 at Eveleth at the age of 79.

She is survived by her children: Shari (Randy) Harriman of Cumberland Center, Maine, James Majeski Jr. of Canada, Todd (Kristen) Majeski of Angora, Charlene Majeski of  Osseo, Mn., and Deborah (John) Rahn of Belle Paine. Eight grandchildren; Benjamin, Patrick, Joseph, Jonathan and Jacob Majeski, Kyra, Brendan and Lainie Rahn; Brother: Ray (Bea) Ruoho of Tucson, Arizona. Many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial services will he on Saturday, April 07, at 11 a.m. at the Kolden Funeral Home Chapel in Belle Plaine. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services. Pastor Chris Teien will officiate.

Selma Petersen McCollum 97 of Duarte, California and formerly of Cook on February 20, 2007 at her home. She was born on October 11, 1909 at Cook to Albert & Augusta Peterson, she moved to California in 1929 where she has lived since.

Selma is survived by one son, Don McCollum of Duarte, California; two grandsons, James and drew McCollum. One sister-in-law, Mabel Peterson of Los Angeles, California. Selma’s care giver, Sue Holbrook; along with three nieces and four nephews, including Yvonne (Sam) Pajari of Angora.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Albert 65, 1939 & Augusta 73, 1953 Peterson, brothers; Carl Peterson 24, 1930, Alvi Peterson 56, 1959, Uno Peterson 78, 1985, Ralph 78, 1990 (Marge 75, 1998) Peterson, sisters; Emily Peterson 63, 1976 and Ann Sites 81, 1999.

A family grave side service will be he held in June at the Cook Community Cemetery.

Vivian Johansen Vasile passed away February 10, 2007. She was 85 years old when she died at Yuma, Arizona following a massive stroke five days previously. Vivian and her husband Leonard had lived in Duluth, MN until their retirement, when they moved to Texas and then Yuma.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Evelyn Johansen.  Her survivors are husband Leonard, daughters Kathleen Thomas (Stuart) of Greensboro, N.D.; Jean Kuusisto of Duluth; and Carol Fish (Patrick) of Yuma, AZ, six grandchildren and several great grandchildren; Siblings; Rosemary Gebauer of Orlando, Fl; Roger Bruce Johansen (Jean) of Britt, MN; and Beryl (Bill) Sersha of Cook, MN.  A memorial service will be held in Yuma in March.

From: jeanroger57@cpinternet.com

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook.  Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant.   Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral at the church.  The singing will be congregational and Norma Thomas will be the organist.  The casket bearers will be: Gordon Siegle, Gene Wilenius, Erland Alto, Johnny Ray Wilenius, Ernie Seppala, Terry Treloar, and John Severson.  Spring interment will be in the Alango Township Cemetery.  

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook

Oiva Walter Tuuri, 82, passed away on Monday, Jan. 29, 2007, in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. He was born Jan. 29, 1925, in Virginia, to Gust N. and Saimi (Hasu) Tuuri. Oiva moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., four months ago, with his usual address being in Cook, Minn. He attended Virginia Junior College in Virginia, University of Minnesota-Duluth, and Colorado State College in Greeley, Colo., where he obtained his master’s degree in education and administration. Oiva worked as a teacher and principal in Wrenshall, Minn., 1951-1953; Remer, Minn., 1953-1968; and Virginia School District No. 706, 1968-1982. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. At the age of 19, Oiva was a soldier on the first wave on Leyte and Okinawa in the South Pacific. On the Island of Okinawa, he was one of 36 survivors of the “Lost Battalion,” Company A, 383rd, Battalion of the 96th Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart due to his service in World War II. Oiva was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1757, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion Post No. 239. He loved hunting, trapping, fishing and his family. Oiva will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Oiva is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Gladys (Seppala) Tuuri of Cook; daughter, Judith Ulseth and husband Bob of Cook; sister, Linda Young of Britt; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, William Nickolas Tuuri 32, 1982; daughter-in-law, Diane 48, 2000 Tuuri-Kaml; sister, Helvi  71, 1987 (Holger 82, 1992) Nykanen; and grandchildren, Will 5, 1983 and Luke 3, 1983 Tuuri.

A memorial service will be held in Cook at a later date. Condolences and thoughts can be made to his family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials may be made to the war memorial in Virginia in care of Bunny Isaacson.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, (February 1^st) at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Rev. Arthur Dale will be the officiant. Shannon and Preston Gunderson will provide the special music. The honorary bearers will be: Phil Anshus, John Mathson, Ben Mathson, Mark Nolin, David Gunderson, Dale Gunderson and Jeff Gunderson.   Spring interment will be in the Leiding Cemetery of Orr.

Dorothy Esther (Luoma) Neva, 83, of Duluth, formerly of Angora, passed away on Jan. 24, 2007, in the Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born in Orr on June 6, 1923, to John and Lempi (Uutela) Luoma. Dorothy was united in marriage to William Andrew Neva on April 18, 1942. A terrific hostess, Dorothy was very fond of cooking and entertaining family and friends. She also wore out several encyclopedias and dictionaries in satisfying her appetite for crossword puzzles.

Dorothy is survived by her son Ron (Cathy) Neva; daughter Sharon (Gordon Rue) Karr; nine grandchildren, Jim (Jodi Buchanan) Smith, Roni (Nathan) Sarazine, Mike (Becky Boutto) Smith, Scott Neva, Heather (Geoff) Koller, Jennifer Neva, Tara (Andy) Mosley, Andrew (Tina) Karr, Adam (Jenny Kugel) Karr; 15 great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband Bill Neva on Dec 20 1978 at the age of 66; son Terry (Susan) Neva on Jan 26, 20004 at the age of 56 and two brothers, Earl Luoma on Aug 14, 1966 and Wilbur (Lois) Luoma on Sep 22, 1972 at the age of 37.

Memorial service will held at 2 p.m. on Saturday in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Angora, with the Rev. Reuben Rosnau officiating. Services entrusted to The Cremation Society of Minnesota

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday (January 25^th) at Faith Baptist Church in Bayfield, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Rev. Dave Phelps and Rev. Wally Olson will be the officiants.  Mark and Nancy MacIntyre will sing a duet.  Solos will be sung by Kathy Forsline and Pam Ruuska, with Pam providing the accompaniment.  Military honors will be accorded by the Bayfield VFW Honor Guard.  Interment will be Greenwood Cemetery in Bayfield.

Harland John Siiro, 65, of Grand Rapids, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 in Deer River HealthCare Center, Deer River.

Harland was born on May 4, 1941 in the village of Scanlon (near Cloquet), to Nestor and Alice (Lundeen) Siiro. He was raised in the logging camps and at home in Orr, where he attended Orr High School until the 9th grade, after which he transferred to the School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids, graduating with honors in March, 1959. Harland attended Virginia Jr. College (now Mesabi) and graduated in 1961 when he transferred to Bemidji State College and graduated with a B.S. Major in Biology. His graduate study was at Bemidji State College and the University of Minnesota. Harland taught school for 32 years in classes ranging from biology to math to logging and agribusiness. He worked with his father and brother for four years assisting in development of mechanized logging equipment. Harland retired in the spring of 1998. He was an active member in professional organizations such as National Ag Teachers Association (N.A.T.A.); Minnesota Ag Teachers Association (M.A.T.A.), where he served as a district director for 12 years; Minnesota F.F.A. Adult Advisory Board, where he received an honorary Minnesota State Farmer Degree; National Science Teachers Association (N.S.T.A.); and Minnesota Science Teachers Association (M.S.T.A.).

Harland belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Grand Rapids Chapters. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and, he spent countless hours in the woods and on the lakes of Minnesota, Ontario, and Manitoba. Much of this time was spent with his sons or his long-time friend, A.D. Donald Fredrickson. Harland built a number of cedar log buildings, cabins, saunas and a hunting shack. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed reading paperback novels of all kinds, as many as 70 to 80 a year was normal.

Harland was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Darlene Rojeski and Shirley Watkinson; and his buddy, Fred.

He is survived by his daughters, Carissa Siiro of Scottsdale, Ariz., Kristine (Corey) Shovein of Burnsville, Mandi (Brandt) Wallace of Knapp, Wis.; his sons, Craig (Therese) Siiro of Bloomington, Matt (Becky) Siiro of Hawley; 10 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. One brother Ronald Siiro.

Services: Visitation is from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22 in Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids. Memorial Service is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 in Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, the Rev. Lynn Ronsberg officiating.

Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

David Martin Nelson, 53, of Tower, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2007, in his home. He was born Oct. 16, 1953, in Virginia, the son of Richard O. and Elsie B. (Falk) Nelson. David was confirmed in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower and was a longtime Tower-Soudan resident.

David is survived by his mother, Elsie of Tower; brother, Richard Nelson of Tower; and cousins, John Nelson, Rod Nelson, Joyce Hayes, Marcy and Ray Hendrickson, Dorothy and Lowell Hendrickson, Doreen Milbridge, Jill Duame, Mike, Lisa, Mark, and Brian Duame of Cook, Andrea and Dan Alto, Linda Trucano, and Mike Alto.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. The Rev. Aaron Lofgren will officiate. A spring interment will be held in the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share a personal remembrance of David online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Mary A. Collyard, 100, Virginia, formerly of Hibbing, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2007, at Edgewood Vista, Virginia. She was born Dec. 7, 1906, in Ely, the fourth of 13 children, the daughter of Martin and Mary (Church) Jackopich. She and her family moved to the homestead in Greaney, Minn., when she was 2 years old. In true pioneer spirit she helped to clear the land, to convert the forest into garden space, grain and hay fields. She drove a team of horses, plowing, making hay and helped with logging, caring for livestock, gardening, canning and other chores.

She became an accomplished businesswoman. Her first venture was selling a hatchet designed to be a meat tenderizer, traveling on horseback for miles to sell door-to-door. Eventually she left the farm to work in a household in Balkan, and later was a housekeeper for several families in Hibbing.

She married Charles C. Collyard in 1935, in Hibbing, and he died in 1964. Together the Collyards traveled Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin and Iowa with a mobile food concession stand at county fairs, carnivals and powwows. She developed her famous Wonder Bar ice cream on a stick dipped in chocolate and rolled in nuts. She also made delicious caramel apples, cotton candy, popcorn and snowcones. For many years she managed the concession stands at the Hibbing Memorial Building, feeding busloads of hungry student athletes with her chili, sloppy Joes and foot-long hotdogs. She and her husband owned and operated the Log Cabin Store across from the Hibbing High School for several years. She was active in promoting Hibbing, especially preparing for the Centennial Celebration and the Hibbing/Chisholm Aviation Days. She was famous for her apple strudel, potica, caramel rolls and lemon pie she happily shared with others. Always generous, she promoted youth programs and employed several youth during the summers at the concession stands.

Her family is deeply indebted to her for always being there for them. She was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Hibbing, and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1221 Auxiliary.

She is survived by her sisters, Jennie Salo of Virginia, and Rose (John) Gonzales of China Lake, Calif.; a brother, Rudy Jackopich of Greaney; nieces and nephews Teri Weeks of Monrovia, Calif., Tony Caucci of Hibbing, Dr. David Caucci of Muncie, Ind., Greg Caucci of Virginia, Bonnie (David) Arndt of Izins, Utah, Connie (Joe) Dren of Gilbert, Monica (Ruben) Zaback of Pueblo West, Colo., Margie O’Leary of Hermantown, Minn., Tony Martin (Andrea) Jackopich of Grand Marais, Minn., Kathy (Peter) Dow of Hibbing and Nancy Jackopich of Hibbing; a sister-in-law, Edna Jackopich of Cook, Minn., and several grand-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; brothers Martin (Frances), Joseph, Tony, Louis and Gabriel; and sisters Margaret Jackopich, Anna Pianfetti, Angeline (Louis) Caucci and Agnes (Archie) Iveson.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 15, in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 501 E. 21st St., Hibbing, with the Rev. Erik Holleque officiating.

Visitation: Will be in the Dougherty Funeral Home, Hibbing, on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. until service time Monday in the church.

Burial: Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers are Brian O’Leary, David John Arndt, Greg Caucci and Scott Caucci.

Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.