Julia R. Jackopich, 78, of Greaney, died Monday, May 3, 2004, at her residence. She was born on September 28, 1925, at Eveleth; the daughter of John and Mary (Broszevich) Capan. She grew up in Eveleth, where she graduated from high school in 1945. She had worked for the Deluxe Cafe, Cluett-Peabody Shirt Factory, and F. W. Woolworths. Julia was united in marriage to Rudy Jackopich on May 25, 1957 at Eveleth. After marriage, she lived in Hibbing for 17 years, then moved to Greaney in 1974, where she has since resided. Julia was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cook. She enjoyed attending adult day care in Cook the past 16 years, and was a senior volunteer for the group. She loved baking, especially poticas, and sewed a lot of clothing, and had a green thumb for indoor plants. Julia was a longtime devoted homemaker.

She is survived by her husband Rudy,; 2 daughters, Kathy (Peter) Dow of Hibbing, and Nancy Jackopich of Hibbing; 2 brothers, Ludwig (Julia) Capan of Virginia and Louis (Doris) Capan of Eveleth, 1 sister, Mary Intihar of Eveleth ; and 1 granddaughter, MaryAnn Dow, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by 2 brothers, Rudy and John Capan, and 1 sister, Rose Noyes.

SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cook. Fr. Larry Antus O.M.I. will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

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Dr. Walter (Scott) Neff, 99, of Mountain Iron, died Friday, April 30, 2004, in Duluth. He was born Oct. 13, 1904, the third of three children born to Walter Scott Neff and Florence May Sprankle of Alexandria, Penn. He graduated from Juniata Academy and Juniata College in Huntingdon, Penn., where he met and married Lois Dugan. He completed his medical training at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1932.

In 1938, he moved to Virginia, where he could practice medicine in a group practice and raise his children in a good educational environment. Dr. Neff was an internal medicine specialist who practiced medicine for 50 years. He was one of the earliest partners in the Lenont-Peterson clinic. He left the LP Clinic in 1979 and helped initiate a rural health clinic practice in New Hebron, Miss., with final retirement in 1982. During his years on the Range, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Range Mental Health Center and Range Youth for Christ. He was active in his church, the Virginia Bible Chapel, and Storybook Lodge Christian Camp. He was on the Virginia School Board in the 1950s and was involved in the Gideons and Toastmasters. One of his outdoor passions was planting and pruning trees.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Nan Wheeler Neff; children, Sallie (Delmar) Shaffer of Kalona, Iowa, Robert (Diane) Neff of Jefferson, Ore., David (Margaret) Neff of Overland Park, Kan., Deborah Klein of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Kathleen Neff of Virginia, and Scott Neff of Britt; eight stepdaughters; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; numerous step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Lois in 1967; his second wife, Elsa Perala Sands in 1994; and two sons, Daniel Edward, and Phillip Andrew.

Walter (Scott) Neff, 99, SERVICES: Funeral service will be at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mountain Iron. Mr. Don McLellan will officiate. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel, and continue at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday at the church until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials will be contributed to Range Youth for Christ and the local Salvation Army. Arrangements are by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share a personal remembrance of Dr. Neff online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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 SERVICE: Graveside services will be held at the spring interment at the Cook Community Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook who passed away last winter.

Axel G. Falk, 91, of Cook, died last, Feb. 15, 2004, at the Cook Nursing Home. He was born February 7, 1913 in Norway. He came with his family to the United States as a child. He graduated from the Cook High School and worked in the CCC camps in Northern Minnesota in the late 1930s.  Axel served with the 47th Bombardment Squadron of the Army Air Corps during World War II where he was a Sergeant and aircraft engine mechanic. He was head surveyor for St. Louis Country for many years. He later worked in the woods and enjoyed the outdoors. He and his brother Andrew "Andy" were talented musicians and played in the Cook area. Axel had lived in the Homestead Apartment building in Cook for several years and had been making the residence at the Cook Nursing Home since 1999. He is survived by one sister, Elsie Nelson of Tower, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by on brother Andrew; and two sisters, Mary Trucano and Emma Duame.

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Bertha (Silverdahl) Davis 82, passed away at Sandpoint, Idaho on April 10, 2004. Bertha was born in Sweden to John 93, 1982 & Selina 110, 2001 Silverdahl.  She left Sweden with her parents when she was three months old, they settled 30 miles northwest of Cook in a community named after the family, Silverdale.  Bertha lived at Spokane, Washington for several years and worked as a cook. She owned several restaurants during her life. She retired from the Park Cafe. She lived at Cocolalla, Idaho until 1995. She moved to Sandpoint after the death of her husband Arnold in December 1994.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Arnold in 1994, son Ivan Abell, her parents, a sister Karen 80, 1998 (Wayne) Metsa, brothers; Henry Silverdahl 75, 1994 and Lawrence Silverdahl 69, 2003.

Bertha is survived by sons; Roger in Spokane, Bruce in Kelso WA, daughters; Darlene (Les) Norton of Spokane WA and Joanne Monda of Sandpoint ID, Carol (Frank) Wolfram of Sagle ID.

Special nephew Gene Metsa, special nieces Ruth (Sulo 61, 1986) Jacobson of Angora Mn and Kathy Ikola of Trout Creek Mt.

Memorial services were held on Wed. April 14 at the Sandpoint V. F. W. Hall.  Arrangements by the Coffelt Funeral Services of Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Robert L. Moore, 75, of Virginia, entered into the presence of the Lord on April 23, 2004, at St. Michaels Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. He was born on July 23, 1928, in Atlanta, Ga., to Leonard and Lillie (Harris) Moore Sr. He graduated from West Fulton High School in 1946. He attended Georgia Military Academy and the Minnesota Junior College in Eveleth. He served in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He was stationed in Japan and Korea.

Following his discharge from the Army, he married Jeanne Deanne Anderson on Dec. 27, 1952, in Virginia. Bob worked as an electrician and electrical foreman for USX, retiring in 1984. Following his retirement, he drove school bus for the Mountain Iron Buhl School District for seven years. He was an active member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church,

serving in various positions. He taught Sunday school for many years and served on the deacon and trustee boards. Currently he was a member of the congregational care team. Bob shared his life in a very unique way as a mentor and friend to many younger men. He loved the Lord and it was his desire to honor and serve Him.

Robert is survived by his wife, Jeanne Deanne; son, Glenn (Kristen) of Gilbert; daughter, Donna (Paul) Scholtus of Minneapolis; sister, Barbara Wood and son, Timothy, of Cumming, Ga.; brother-in-law, Waldon Anderson of Virginia; grandchildren, Chloe and Justin Scholtus of Minneapolis, and Christian and Mia Moore of Gilbert. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Dale, on April 7, 1994.

Robert L. Moore, 75, SERVICES: A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Emmanuel Baptist Church in  Virginia. The Rev. John Cowan will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.

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Dean A. Bundy, 68, of Buyck, died Sunday, April 25, 2004, at his home, after a battle with cancer. He was born on June 13, 1935, in Long Prairie, Minn., to Donald and Bernice (Determann) Bundy. He grew up and attended school in Long Prairie. Dean was a member of the U.S. Air Force. On June 24, 1967, he married Donna Sokoloski in Buyck. He and his wife co owned Bundy's Wayside. He also was a foreman for St. Louis County. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and his sawmill. He was a member of American Legion Post 480 of Orr and its color guard.

Dean is survived by two sons, Jay (Barbara) Bundy of Tomah, Wis., and Jarrett Bundy of Buyck; two grandchildren, Tyler and Kendra Bundy; two brothers, Wayne (Anita) Bundy of Bovey, Minn., and Gary Bundy of Gheen, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; his parents; and a sister, Janice.

Dean A. Bundy, 68, SERVICES: A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Buyck. The Rev. Larry Antus will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service Thursday. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

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Kathryn L. Benn Cole, 81, of Cook, died Monday, April 19, 2004, at the Cook Nursing Home. She was born on December 2, 1922, at St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur and Louise (Fligge) Larsen. She grew up in Duluth and graduated from Duluth Central High School. She married Sydney Benn on April 14, 1957, at Billings, Montana. She lived in the Minneapolis area, then in North Dakota for 10 years, before settling in Cook in 1966. She had spent winters at Mission, Texas for over 25 years. Kathryn was a member of the First Congregational Church in Cook, and enjoyed singing, playing the organ, and was an avid reader. Sydney died in 1990, and she later married Clarence Cole, who also precedes her in death.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Nancy (Roger) Lindbeck, and Karen Benn, both of Cook,; 2 Granddaughters: Jennifer Brandon of Davis, Calif., and Heather Brandon of Cook; and 1 great grandchild, Aurora Brandon-Newberg.

She is preceded in death by husbands, Sydney Benn in 1990, Clarence Cole in 2002,; granddaughter, Cassandra "Cassie" Brandon on April 22, 2000, ; and brother John A. Larsen.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be April 21 at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

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Lulubelle "Lulu" Lee, 83, of Cook, died Wednesday, April 7, 2004, at the Cook Nursing Home. She was born at Cook on May 24, 1920, the daughter of Henry and Lena (Ness) Knutson. She grew up in Cook, and lived there most of her life. During World War 11 she worked at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, Washington. She married Arne Lindgren on June 19, 1942 in Tacoma WA, he died Sep 7, 1974 at the age of 59.. She later married Melvin Lee on May 21, 1983, in Cook, he died on Sep 16, 1997 at the age of 82. Lulu worked at the Cook Hospital and Nursing for 25 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Cook V.F.W. Auxiliary. Lulu loved helping people, and was always willing to lend a hand. She also enjoyed flowers and gardening.

She is survived by 1 daughter, Judy Roy of West Palm Beach, Fl., ; one brother, Robert (Marvel Benson) Knutson of Cook,; one sister, Gladys (Harold) DuMarce of Cook,; and one granddaughter, Christina Roy of Boulder, Colo.

In addition to her two husbands, she is preceded in death by one son, John Lindgren on Oct 21, 1984 at the age of 36, ; two brothers, James 64, 1989 (Helmy 56, 1985 Benson) Knutson and Clarence 63, 1962 (Florence 86, 1993 Johnson) Knutson,; and three sisters, Marguerite 67, 1972 (Gus) 82, 1970 Edwardson, Helen 43, 1960 (Everett) 53, 1961 Bystrom, and Ruby 78, 1996 (Charles 41, 1960 Pohl and John Geiselman.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook

Memorial services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Reuben Rosnau will be the officiant. Interment will be in the Field Township Cemetery.

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Paul Raymond Babiracki, 53, of Cook, formerly of Virginia, died Thursday, April 1, 2004, at St. Mary's Medical  Center in Duluth. He was born Nov. 27, 1950, to Raymond and Doris (Ikola) Babiracki in Virginia. He grew up and attended schools in Virginia, participating in football, basketball, and track, and was a 1969 graduate of Virginia High School. 

He was united in marriage to Debra Jangwirth on Dec. 31, 1972. Paul was an executive for Combined Insurance Company of America for 30 years, retiring in 2002 to operate the Head-O-Lake Resort, on the Cook end of Lake Vermilion, which he owned and operated for the past nine years. Paul was a devoted family man, spending time with his two sons and wife. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and being outdoors. He was a member of the Lake Vermilion Resort Association.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie of Cook; two sons, Joe (girlfriend Julie) Babiracki of Champlin, Minn., John Babiracki of Maple Grove, Minn.; mother, Doris Babiracki of Virginia; two sisters, Gail (Kevin) Pullis of Sartell, and Mary (Steve) Wilson of Hermantown; three brothers, Mike (Jen) Babiracki of Centerville, Minn., Glen (Jean) Babiracki of St. Cloud, Minn., and Randy (Theresa) Babiracki of Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Babiracki on February 8, 1997 at the age of 70.

SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The Rev. John O'Donnell will be celebrant. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Range Funeral Home in Virginia and continue from 2 p.m. until the funeral Mass Monday at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia.

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Surviving are his wife, Lila; daughter, Marie (Dr. Daniel) Iverson, of Two Harbors; son, Warren (Debbie Corradi) Iverson, of Side Lake; four grandchildren, Heather (Jeff) Kothbauer of Duluth, Sarah Lagerquist of Hibbing and Kirstin and Marisa Iverson of Two Harbors; a sister, Virginia Vinje, of Minneapolis; a brother, Robert (Nancy) Lagerquist, of Cook; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and 10 sisters and brothers.

Richard P. Lagerquist, 86, SERVICES: Funeral 1 p.m. Saturday at the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing, with Pastor Eric Holleque officiating. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.

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LeRoy H., Johnson, 76, Cook, formerly of Babbitt, died Sunday, March 28, 2004, at the Cook Nursing Home. He was born at Linden Grove Township on June 8, 1927 the son of Sanford and Carrie (Setter) Johnson. He grew up in Cook, where he attended school. He was united in marriage to Myrtle Hanell-Hiltunen on February 21, 1948, in Cook.

He drove truck for Northwest Gravel in Virginia for several years. The couple moved to Babbitt in 1954, where LeRoy worked for Reserve Mining for 30 years, retiring as truck supervisor in 1984. While in Babbitt, he formed his band, first playing country music, then later more of polka music. His music brought joy and smiles to many people throughout the years. He played bass (which he almost wore out) at numerous receptions, events, including Ironworld, and was tireless in helping fill in for other bands that needed a good bass player. After his retirement from the mines, he moved to Lake Vermilion - Cook, where he hauled gravel in the area. He was affiliated with the Evangelical Covenant Church in Cook, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose in Ely. He loved feeding his deer, and in the early years he enjoyed motorcycles, stock cars, fishing, and snowmobiling.

He is survived by his wife, Myrtle, 2 sons, Duane (Kathleen) of Grandbury, Tx., and Dennis of Maple Grove, Mn.; 2 daughters, Doreen (David) DeRusha of Ft. Worth, Tx., and Darlene (Chuck) Fugate of Roseburg, OR., 6 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren, and nieces, nephews

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one sister, LaVerne (Willard) Lindgren who died on March 28, 2001, and 1 brother Stanley "Sonny" who died at the age of 4 in 1936.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday (April 2nd) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Rev. Reuben Rosnau of the Evangelical Lutheran Church will be the officiant. Kathy Forsline will be the soloist and Lorraine Walker the organist.

The casket bearers will be LeRoy's grandchildren: Paul DeRusha, Christopher DeRusha, David Johnson, Trevor Johnson, Travis Johnson, and Jody Folkedahl Interment will be in the Cook Community Cemetery.

The honorary bearers will be: Ray Anderson, Darrel Lindgren, Roy Carlson, Richard Monk, Gene Anderson, Dennis Setter, Jerry Mihm, Andy Brunner, and Bryan Fultz.

David Erickson 92 passed away on March 22, 2004 at the Good Samaritan Center in Hoffman Mn. He was born on March 1, 1912 in Moron, Cuba and raised in Cook. He married Lois LaBelle in Cook on February 9, 1946 who survives him, he is also survived by his daughter Kallie and son Mark "Tony". Their son David "Butch" Erickson passed away on Oct 30, 1990 at the age of 42.

David was inducted into the Army on November 23, 1942 and served in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater where earned two bronze stars.

David's parents  John Peter "Cuba" & Elizabeth (Schroeder) Erickson were Swedish immigrants that came to America in 1885;. His siblings were: Walter, Art, Fred, Hilder, Tillie, Mary, Betty, Hazel, Rueben, David and Willard. In 1911 John Peter Erickson moved his family to Cuba but they were not able to make a living there and returned the next year to Cook.

Services will be on Monday, March 29 at the Hoffman Good Samaritan Center Chapel at Hoffman, Minnesota. Pastor Steve Olson will officiate.

David was the last survivor of this pioneer family that came to the Cook area as a homesteader. He still has nephews and nieces living in the Cook area, namely;  Zoe (Bill) King, Lois (Alan) Larson, Wally (Marilu) Refsdal and Bill (Donna) Ongalo,

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Harry W. "Billy" Peterson, 91, of Lake Vermilion, Cook and formerly of Britt and Eveleth, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at Rising Sun Vista in Hibbing. He was born May 14, 1912, in Eveleth, to Peter and Wilhelmina (Heikkila) Peterson. He graduated from Eveleth High School and attended Eveleth Junior College and Dunwoody Technical College. Billy was a veteran of the Eighth Air Force, having served during World War II. He earned a bronze star for his work to enhance radio strength to help guide planes safely back to their bases in England. He married Hulda Perala in Chicago, Ill., in 1949.

Billy worked on the Peterson family farm south of Eveleth and enlisted in the service after Pearl Harbor. He was an entrepreneur in the 1950s, became an electrician helping build taconite plants on the Range and he was a member of IBEW 294 until retirement. He was a member of the Eveleth Masonic Lodge and the American Legion. He loved his home of 33 years on Lake Vermilion.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Roger) Freeman; two grandchildren, Christopher (Lorinda) Freeman, and Angela (Frank) Debelak; four great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Theodore and Tobias Freeman, and Miriam Debelak; numerous nieces and nephews; and compassionate caregivers Dana and Randy Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hulda, in 1989; brothers, John, Atry, Ben, Harold, Edward, Richard, George, Jacob; an infant brother; infant sister; and sister, Beatrice.

A funeral service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Anderson Daniels Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Mark Palmer will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service in the chapel. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are with Anderson Daniels, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Hibbing. To leave remembrances of Billy on-line, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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Laila H. Roine, 89, of Chisholm and formerly of Sturgeon Township, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing.

She was born Jan. 10, 1915, in Chisholm, to John and Fanny Nordlund. She was a 1932 graduate of Chisholm High School and had been a longtime Sturgeon Township resident before returning to Chisholm in 1998.

Laila was united in marriage on April 13, 1940, in Sturgeon Township, to Reijo Roine. She worked as a seamstress at the former Cluett-Peabody Shirt Factory in Chisholm and as a cook at the Pearson Resort on Lake Vermilion and at the Cook Community Hospital. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed working on jigsaw and crossword puzzles.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Cathy) of Hibbing; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a brother, Albert (Sylvia) Nordlund of Cook; and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reijo, on April 25, 1998; a daughter, Jeanette Nelmark in 1986; and by two sisters and a brother.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm. The Rev. Bruce Dissell will officiate.

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Harold R. Streeter, 72, of Kelly Lake, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing.

He was born Oct. 29, 1931, in Wheaton, Minn., to Raymond and Irene (Tennu) Streeter. He grew up in the home of Herb and Elsie Fibranz and graduated from Wheaton High School in 1948. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, after which he moved to the Iron Range. Harold was united in marriage to Alice Mortensen on June 12, 1954, in Hibbing. The couple made their home in Kelly Lake for the last 50 years. He worked at the underground mines until he landed a job at EVTAC and retired in 1994. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a volunteer driver for the DAV and volunteered at local nursing homes. He attended the Assemblies of God Church and did volunteer work for M.A.P.S., traveling to the southern U.S., building churches for the Assemblies of God Church. He was a member of the VFW Post 8510 and the Keewatin American Legion.

Harold is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Keri (Ray) Litchy of Island Lake; three sons, Ray (Lori) Streeter of rural Nashwauk, Rocky (Kerry) Streeter of Kelly Lake, and Randy Streeter of Hibbing; two grandsons and his best buddies, Jackson and Benjamin Streeter of Kelly Lake; sister, Betty (Wayne) Osborne of Wahpeton, N.D.; and brother, Charles Streeter of Crystal, Minn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; and sister, Delores Kaiser.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Range Funeral Home in Hibbing. The Rev. John Koppel will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by VFW Post 8510.

Rocky Streeter works at the Cook Nursing Home

William A. Crego, 68, of Ash Lake, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, at his residence. He was born on July 12, 1935, at Cook, the son of Lyle and Mary (Simone) Crego. He grew up in the Ash Lake area where he lived most of his life. Bill served for 4 years in the Air Force, and was a member of the Orr American Legion Post #480.

He worked as a general laborer, and had liked hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.

He is survived by 1 son, William "Billy" Crego of Little Falls, Mn.; 2 daughters, Carol Hines of Hibbing and Debbie Eichhorn of Beallesville, Mn.,; 2 brothers, Charles (Elizabeth "Elsa") Crego of Ash Lake, and James "Jim" (Carol) Crego of Big Lake, Mn., along with grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by 3 brothers, Lyle Jr., Patrick Crego and Richard and 4 sisters, Betty Davis, Harriet Mahlberg, Jean Mahlberg, and Sally Crego who died in childhood.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday (March 20th), at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Fr. Larry Antus O.M.I. will be the officiant. The casket bearers will be: Peter Crego, Charles Crego Jr., Brent Crego, Michael Crego, James Crego Jr., and Robert Corniea. Military honors will be accorded by combined Honor Guards of the Cook VFW. Post #1757, the Orr American Legion Post #480, and the Bois Forte Color Guard. Spring interment will be in the Leiding Cemetery of Orr. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

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Joseph R. Morrison, 73, of Nett Lake, died Friday, March 12, 2004, at the Cook Hospital.

Joe was born Oct. 11, 1930, at Bois Forte Reservation, Nett Lake, Minn., to John L. and Angeline (Wein) Morrison. He attended schools in Nett Lake, Orr, and graduated from Flandreau Indian School, Flandreau, S.D., in May of 1950. In 1951 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and, during the Korean Conflict, he served at various air bases, including Lackland AFB in Texas, March AFB in California, Camp Kilmer in New Jersey, and Rabat Base in French Morocco. He was honorably discharged in 1955.

He married Marjorie Boness in 1956 and he and his family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio under the BIA Relocation Program. Upon his return to Nett Lake, he was employed with several Iron Range mining companies, along with other smaller businesses in the area. Beginning in 1963, he was employed under various programs of the former Nett Lake Reservation Business Committee. He most recently held the position of Nett Lake School custodian/bus driver from July 11, 1996 until he was hospitalized on Nov. 7, 2003. The kids at school fondly called him Grandpa Joe. He enjoyed hunting and loved telling hunting stories and adventures (or misadventures) of his childhood friends. He also enjoyed reading good books and watching quality television programs, and especially loved spending time with his great-grandchildren. Joe is also missed and remembered by his extended family, his many friends, and his young friends at the Nett Lake School.

Joe will be loved, missed, and remembered by his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Faith A. (Clarence ""Bubba"" Roy Jr.) Morrison of Nett Lake; two brothers, Daniel E. (Priscilla) Morrison and Floyd L. (Arlene) Morrison, both of Nett Lake; three sisters, Marcella L. Connor and Lucille L. Morrison, both of Nett Lake, and Edith M. Villebrun of Orr; five grandchildren, Melissa K. Strub, April M. Boney, Shawna L. Boney, Keith J. Roy, and Jeffrey S. Morrison; seven great-grandchildren, John Little Bear Kingbird, David J. Connor, Vanessa K. Connor, Elliot M. Boney, Alexis B. Gustafson, Aviana Boney, and Kiarra Boney; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and other relatives.

Joe was preceded in death by his children, Kay Janelle Morrison in 1957, Roxanne Morrison in 1959; one son, Keith J. Morrison in 1978; his father, John in 1973; his mother, Angeline in 1983; sister, Geraldine Morrison in 1928; one brother, Ronald in 1933; foster

Tribal Rites will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Nett Lake School. Gilbert Smith will be the Spiritual Advisor. Visitation will be at 4 p.m. today at the Nett Lake School. The casket bearers will be Clarence Roy ""Bubba"" Jr., Keith Roy, David Villebrun Jr., David ""Squidg"" Morrison Jr., John Villebrun, Mike Les Connor, Daniel ""Jim"" Morrison, and Corey Strong. The honorary bearers will be David Sr., Jon, and Danny Morrison, Ira ""Pete"" Isham, Gary ""Squeaky"" Strong, Burdell ""Birdie"" LaRoque, Dave Danz, Les, Allan ""Buz,"" Vern, Marty, David James, and Janice ""Groucho"" Connor, Marilyn Geshick, Richard Wilkie, Sylver Goodsky and Donna Hoffer.

Burial will be in the Nett Lake Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded and led by the Bois Forte Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

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Molly Zupancich, 90, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2004, in the Ely-Bloomenson Nursing Home. She was born Aug. 3, 1913, in Ely to Charles and Mary (Ballas) Merhar. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1931. She married Edward Zupancich on Aug. 12, 1935, in Ely.

Molly worked at Zup's Store until 1957 and was a partner in Zup's Trucking Co. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church and was president of the Red Cross Volunteers for 30 years. She was named volunteer of the year and was active in the Hospital Auxiliary, Catholic Council, Women Foresters, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, Slovenian Choir and the Zveja. She was an avid sports fan and loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in their activities. She enjoyed many summers at Farm Lake, spending time with her family and friends, picking

blueberries, enjoying her flowers, working crossword puzzles and humdingers of jigsaw puzzles.

Molly is survived by a daughter, Theresa Jamnick, of Ely; sons, Edward (Judy) Zupancich of Silver Bay, Bernard (Sandy) Zupancich of Silver Bay, Paul (Pat) Zupancich of Ely and Robert (Deb) Zupancich of Ely; grandsons, Joe Jamnick, John Jamnick, Mike Jamnick, Matt Jamnick, Edward Zupancich, Tom Zupancich, Brian Zupancich, Chris

Zupancich and Bob Zupancich; granddaughters, Theresa Harris, Ann Johnson, Maureen Zupancich-Kemp, Toni VanEyll and Leslie Zupancich; 16 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Zupancich and Margie Zupancich; cousins, Jennie Folio and Mimmie Novak; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Edward; brother, Charles Merhar; sisters, Ann Vesel,  Mary Palcher and Christine Tekautz; son-in-law, Joe Jamnick; and granddaughter, Patricia Jean Jamnick.

Molly Zupancich, 90, SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in

Ely, with the Rev. James Scheuer as celebrant. Visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be in the Ely Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be set up for Ely High School Athletics. Services  provided by Kerntz Brothers Funeral Home, a Bauman Family Funeral Home.

Molly was part of the Family that own the Zup's grocery store in Cook.

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Ardith Mayme Thiel, 75, of Virginia and formerly of Hutter, died Saturday, March 6, 2004, in the Miller Dwan Hospice unit in Duluth.

She was born July 27, 1928, in Summit, S.D., to Walter and Verna (Campbell) Barry. She attended school in South Dakota and later married Earl S. Thiel on June 3, 1947, in Waubay, S.D. They farmed in Waubay until 1957, when they moved to Hoyt Lakes. In 1958, they moved to Hutter, where Ardith raised her family and worked as a homemaker. Shortly after her husband’s death, she moved to Virginia in June 2001.

She was a member of Faith United Lutheran Church, attended the Virginia Bible Chapel and was a member of the Cursillo Community. She enjoyed creative writing, photography and skiing. She especially enjoyed traveling and was always willing and free-spirited to travel anywhere with her children. Ardith worked as a volunteer for the Virginia Regional Medical Center and the Salvation Army.

She is survived by her sons, Rodger (Cindy) Thiel of Hutter and Douglas (Cynthia) Thiel of Embarrass; her daughters, Barbara (Eldon) Etter of Zim, Marilyn Dimberio of Virginia, Nancy Domiano of Eveleth, Pamela (Steve) Biondich of Palo, Darlys (Jon) Jacobson of Virginia and Shelly Thiel of Virginia; a brother, Wallace Welch, of Kansas City, Mo.; sisters, Lucille Lewandowski and Lorna Phillips, both of Waubay, S.D.; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl S.; sons, Earl Jr. and Richard; brother, Edward; sister, Lola; and great-grandson, Jarod.

SERVICES: Funeral 1 p.m. Wednesday in Faith United Lutheran Church in Iron, with the Rev. Matt Griggs officiating. Visitation 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the church and will continue one hour prior to service Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements are by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Gilbert.

Ardith's grandson Douglas Thiel lives at Cook and is married to the former Allison Leander.

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Margaret (Johnson, Carter) "Muggs" L. Ruppel, 70, of Orr, died from cancer on March 5, 2004, at her home. She was born November 17, 1933 to Melvin and Jenny (Ableman) Johnson in their home on the Littlefork River in Greaney, MN. "Muggs" attended school in Greaney and Orr, graduating in 1951. She and her former husband, Jason Carter 47, 1979 lived in Orr. Margaret moved to Duluth and attended the U of M - Duluth, where she was graduated with high honors (Magna Cum Laude) in 1967. She then taught Language Arts and Art for 22 years at Chester Park School in the Duluth School System.

She was united in marriage to Laurence "Larry" Ruppel at their Deer Lake property near Deer River on July 17, 1979. They resided in Duluth until June 1991 when they retired from teaching and moved to their Pelican Lake home near Orr.  Margaret was well known throughout the area for her wonderful artwork, many flower gardens, and children's book writing. She will also be remembered for her marvelous disposition, strong faith, and kindness to everyone.

Surviving are her husband, Larry; 2 sons, James W. "Jim"" (Jan) Carter of Angora, Mn. and William A. "Bill" (Cheri) Carter of Orr,; 1 stepson, David J. (Brenda) Ruppel of Hamburg, AR., ; 1 stepdaughter, Jennifer (Craig) Yelle of Elk River, MN.; 2 sisters, Gladys Anderson of Spokane, WA.., and Catherine "Tootie" Bennett of Evergreen, CO., 7 Grandchildren: Megan, Laura, and Christina Carter, Renee and Paula Ruppel, and Amy and Kasey Kilde; 4 nieces, Pat (Jim) Anderson, Pam (John) Heimbach, June Anderson, and Melissa Bennett; and 2 nephews, Steve (Nancy) Bennett and Gary (Kathy) Anderson.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by 1 niece, Janet Anderson.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

SERVICES: Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday (March 13th) from Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Rev. David Solberg will be the officiant.

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Aino “Ina” Jarvi, 82, of Angora, died Tuesday, March 2, 2004, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Ina was born on Dec. 11, 1921, to John and Aina Musakka in Virginia, where she grew up and attended school. She was united in marriage to Ero Jarvi on June 21, 1951 in Virginia. They made their home in Angora. Ina worked at several restaurants as a waitress. Her hobbies included berry picking, knitting, and cleaning house. She loved to visit with people.

Survivors include one son, Steve Jarvi of Angora; two sisters, Helmi of Duluth and Ilmi of Chicago, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ero on May 26, 2003; and her brother and other sisters.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today and will continue from 10:30 a.m. until the 11:30 a.m. funeral service on Thursday, all at the Range Funeral Home in Virginia. The Rev. Jeffrey Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Idington Cemetery.

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He was born in Cass Lake on June 4, 1952, the son of Leland and Vera (Wakemup) Hoagland. He grew up in Nett Lake, and attended school there and in Orr. Dickie lived in Minneapolis for many years and for the past 3 years has resided in Duluth. His family fondly remembers him as a collector of many things. He liked to read, watch movies, and loved the outdoors. The family wishes to thank the Bayshore Health Center staff and patients, for their kindness, care, and wonderful hospitality.

He is survived by his mother, Vera Belt of Nett Lake,; 1 son, Rory Erler of Morton, Mn.;

1 daughter, Aileen Erler of St. Paul,; 3 brothers, Earl (Kathy) Hoagland of Naytahwash, Mn., Donald Hoagland of Mpls., and Leland Hoagland of Lino Lakes, Mn.; 5 sisters, Cheryl Jensen of Nett Lake, Frances "Dolly" May of Dallas, TX., Betsy May of Nett Lake, Wendy Hoagland of Mpls., and Rhonda Hoagland of Nett Lake; 2 Grandchildren, Caitlin and Sean Erler.

He is preceded in death by his father, Leland Hoagland,; 1 brother Theodore Hoagland,; and 1 sister, Joyce Day.

SERVICES: Tribal Rites will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday (March 5th) at the Nett Lake Community Center. Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Thursday at the Center. The Spiritual Advisor will be Gilbert Smith. Interment will be in the Nett Lake Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.

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Richard “Rick” M. Waataja, 76, of Cook, died Monday, February 23, 2004, after a brief courageous battle with cancer.  He was born on May 6, 1927, in Cook, the son of Elmer and Erma (Farrington) Waataja.  He graduated from the Cook High School in 1945, and  joined the U.S. Marines, serving in the latter part of World War 11.  

After his service duty, he went into Business in Cook with this father, forming “Waataja & Son”.  Rick earned a degree in Management from Duluth Business College, and earned a license in Hospital Administration.  He married Erlene M. LeMoine on August 20, 1960 in Cook. Rick worked as general manager of Hill Wood Products, and as accountant at the Cook Community Hospital. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, and was a Boy Scout leader for many years.  Rick loved the outdoors, and was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He owned and operated  “E & R Enterprises, a cedar and wood products plant in the 1970’s and 1980’s. He was Cook’s Clerk and Treasurer for 20 years, and was also in the  Real Estate Business, and Income Tax preparation.   He helped organize and chair Cook’s All Class Reunions.  He and Erlene enjoyed dancing, especially Polkas, and spent numerous good times on the many dance floors on the Range.  One of Rick’s personal achievements was  his traditional log cabin, which he built almost entirely himself at the age of 68.  The cabin serves as a gathering center for many family reunions, friendship dinners, and dances. 

Rick was proud of his family heritage (Waatajas’ and Farringtons’), and that of his wifes’ (LeMoines’), which spans back 3 generations to the early pioneering settlers who established numerous businesses, in  Cook shortly after the turn of the 20^th century.

He is survived by his wife, Erlene; 2 sons, Timothy (Susan) of Charleston, S.C. and William “Bill” (Di) of Burnsville, Mn.; 2 daughters, Debbie Lenzen of Cook, and Tammy (Mark Duame) Morin of Virginia; 2 brothers, Robert “Bob” (Margaret) Waataja of Bowie, Md, and Ronald “Ron” (Rosemarie) Waataja of Littleriver, Calif.,; 5 Grandchildren: Terri (Rick) Jansen, Jason & Joey Lenzen, Kyle Aune, and Ross Waataja,; 2 Great Grandchildren: Cianna and Reese Jansen. He is preceded in death by son-in-law Richard Lenzen on July 24, 2003. 

SERVICES:  Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook.  Rev. Dennis Morreim will be the officiant.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.  Spring interment will be in the Cook

Community Cemetery.