Shirley M. Tournat, 87, formerly of Brainerd, passed away on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Lt Col. Theodore J. Labernik, USAF, Ret. 83, of St. Cloud, MN - June 8, 1933 - April 7, 2017.
Lieutenant Colonel Theodore (Ted) John Labernik passed away peacefully with his beloved wife by his side, Friday, April 17, 2017 at the St Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St Cloud, MN. Ted was born to Rose (Veranth) and John Labernik in Ely, Minnesota. He was married to Mary Sue Fay on July 5, 1958 in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely.
Ted is survived by his wife, Mary, of 58 years and five living children and their spouses: Debra (John) Curry (Colorado Springs, CO), Linda (Tom) Himmelberger (Puyallup, WA), Laura Fay, Colonel USAF, Ret. (Alexandria, VA), Daniel (Carol) Labernik (Fargo, ND) and Steve (Karla) Labernik (Spencer, IA). He is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, and daughter Susan North.
Ted was a Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat veteran in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1951 and Ely Vermillion Junior College in Engineering in 1953. Ted enlisted in the Air Force in 1954, graduated from Aviation Cadet Flying School, and was commissioned as an officer in 1955.
Ted proudly served before God and country as a fighter pilot, with several assignments in the following aircraft: T-33 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-106 Delta Dart, A-1E Skyraider, and F-4D Phantom II. Ted was a member of the USAF 4-man Bob Sled team that won the 1958 North American Championship at Lake Placid, New York and qualified for the 1960 Olympics in Italy.
He served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia, during the Vietnam War, flying search & rescue and air-interceptor missions. Lieutenant Colonel Labernik was decorated with the Silver Star for valor in combat and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during flight.
Ted traveled the country from base to base and loved to vacation in the family Mercury station wagon and 8-pack Holiday Rambler.
After 28 years of service, he retired and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Moorhead State University, MN and began building his dream, A-frame cabin on Burntside Lake. Ted cherished many wonderful memories with family and friends there.
Ted recently shared that although he had the best job ever, his family was his greatest pride and joy, and that he lived a wonderful life with no regrets.
A funeral mass with military honors will be held for Ted this summer, the same date he was married, July 5 2017 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with mass at 11:00 and a reception to follow in the church basement.
Interment with full military honors, will be conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, where Ted will be laid to rest

Helvi E. Dojan, 99, of Mahtomedi, MN, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2017.
Preceded in death by husband, Arnold; and daughter, Joan Hadley. She will be sadly missed by children: Donna (Warner) Esterberg, Russ, Phyllis (Rich) Tillit, Harold (Jeannie), and Paul (Kellie); 13 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Melia Korpi; numerous nieces and nephews.
Helvi was raised on a farm and was fond of her cows, chickens, dogs and cats. As a young woman, she loved to play baseball and was quite good at it. She was an accomplished knitter and cook. She particularly enjoyed cooking Finnish foods. She worked as a cook at the Ely Hospital and Stillwater Hospital. After she retired from the Stillwater Hospital, she baked apple pies at the Pine Tree Apple Orchard until she was 89 years old.
Memorial service Tuesday, April 18, 2017, 11:00 A.M. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
Arrangements with Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, 2800 Curve Crest Boulevard, Stillwater, MN 55082 651-439-5511.

Walter Alan Tomlinson, 92, of Ely, passed away on Friday, April 14, 2017 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Edward F. Rozman, 69, of Virginia, passed away suddenly Thursday April 13, 2017 at home. He was born December 23, 1947 to Daniel and Alice (Volk) Rozman.
Ed was raised in Ely and was a 1966 graduate of Ely High School. He married Jan Caskey in Ely, October 24, 1970. Ed initially worked for Reserve Mining in Babbitt. In 1972 he went to work for Minntac as a production truck driver and worked until retiring in 2003.
Ed enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing. He loved to watch the MN Vikings and Nascar. Ed had a lifelong passion for music that he passed on to his son. He was active in his Midway neighborhood assisting anyone who needed help. Ed was a man of his word and his handshake was his bond. He was a master of the grill and considered the meat man. Most of all he loved his wife, kids and grandkids.
Ed is survived by wife Jan; daughter Heather (Lyle) Knudson of Monticello, MN; grandchildren: Carter Knudson and Courtney (Taylor) Wrobel of Big Lake, MN; great grandchildren: Cooper and Gracie.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; son Bradley in 2009; brother Daniel Rozman.
A celebration of life will be held this summer with announcement to follow. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

Thomas G. Walton, 86, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, April 16, 2017 at St. Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

David Lee (Dave) Veranth, 68. Of Zimmerman, MN, formerly of Ely passed away peacefully on April 19 after a serious illness. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Mary E. Wineski, 75, of Winona, MN, passed away on Monday, April 24, 2017, at Lake Winona Manor, surrounded by family.
Mary was born on March 28, 1942, in Ely, to Joseph and Agnes (Koval) Jenko. She was united in marriage with Jerry Wineski on April 14, 1967, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
She will be remembered for her love of reading, trips to the casino, and how she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren at their sporting events. Mary was a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.
Mary is lovingly survived by her husband, Jerry, Winona; children: A. J. (Jodie) Wineski, Des Moines, IA; John (friend, Tracy Heaser) Wineski, Rochester, MN; Terri (fiancé Dave Dailey) Kosidowski, Olathe, KS; and Shawn Carr, Duluth, MN; grandchildren: Tayler Jo, Drew, Alexandra, and Danielle; great-granddaughter: Isabella; brother: Jerome (Sarah) Jenko, San Antonio, TX; brother-in-law: James (Maisie) Wineski; sister-in-law: Jeanette (Art) Speltz; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father Anthon Perushek; step-mother: Val, and sister-in-law: Doris Wineski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 Noon on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in Winona. The Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer will officiate.
Mary will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Friday, April 28, 2017, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., where the Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will be held at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka on Saturday, April 29, 2017, from 11 a.m. until the time of the Mass.
Memorials may be directed to Lake Winona Manor, or to the building fund for the new Sobieski Park pavilion.
Online condolences or memories may be left for Mary’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.
The Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home of Winona is assisting the family with arrangements.

Samantha Lundstrom of Anoka, MN, formerly of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 1 at Kerntz Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Walter Anzinger, 90, of Babbitt, passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1926 to Helen Fobler and Marion Anzinger. He graduated from Mankato High School and left the next day for the U.S. Navy. While in boot camp he studied in electrical school. He served on DE49 Doneff in the Pacific based in Guam until 1946 when he returned to Littlefork, MN. He married Beth in 1950.
Later that year he was recalled into the Korean Conflict serving again as an electrician on an LST and was based in Inchon, Korea. In the fall of 1952 he returned to Littlefork, MN.
With his electrical experience he was hired by RMCO. He then moved his family in May of 1953 to Babbitt. They lived on the old town site on the “Hill” until housing was available in the new town site. Walt was involved in the American Legion, the original Volunteer Fire Department, St. Pius Council, VFW, Credit Union board of directors, PUC, and City Electrical inspector.
The father of four children, he enjoyed yearly family vacation as well as hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and back to love of water with his 22 ft. Chrysler sail boat on Birch Lake.
Walt was diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic in 1992 with monoclonal gammopathy (mgus) along with peripheral neuropathy that curtailed his activities, however he fondly remembered his experience with the Navy and his family and friends.
He is survived by his children, Michael Anzinger, Ball Ground, GA, Theresa (Matt) Levar, Jordan, MN, Brian (Renita) Anzinger, Centennial, CO. Walt and Beth lost their daughter Cathy Qicn in 1982 in a car accident in Gillette, WY; sister Margit (LeRoy) Nelson, Baudett, MN, Brother Roy (Judy) Grotberg, Ely, MN; grandchildren, John (Jennifer) Levar, Jordan, MN, Dawn (Shawn)Sampson, Babbitt, MN, Jill Anzinger, Marble Hill, GA, Brenda Carlan, Jasper, GA, Ryan (Amanda) Levar, West Fargo, ND; Great-grandchildren Koydi, Alyx, Nathanial, Ethan, Parker, Jaylee, Braxton, Cayley, Austyn and many nieces and nephews
Thank yous to family members, Babbitt Care Free Center workers, Dr. Monana and the Ely Bloomenson Hospital staff.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with visitation one hour prior. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Elias James Cersine, 26, of McKinley, formerly of Babbitt passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Elias James Cersine, 26, of McKinley, formerly of Babbitt passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Lt Col. Theodore J. Labernik, USAF, Ret. 83, of St. Cloud, MN - June 8, 1933 - April 7, 2017.
Lieutenant Colonel Theodore (Ted) John Labernik passed away peacefully with his beloved wife by his side, Friday, April 17, 2017 at the St Cloud Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St Cloud, MN. Ted was born to Rose (Veranth) and John Labernik in Ely, Minnesota. He was married to Mary Sue Fay on July 5, 1958 in St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely.
Ted is survived by his wife, Mary, of 58 years and five living children and their spouses: Debra (John) Curry (Colorado Springs, CO), Linda (Tom) Himmelberger (Puyallup, WA), Laura Fay, Colonel USAF, Ret. (Alexandria, VA), Daniel (Carol) Labernik (Fargo, ND) and Steve (Karla) Labernik (Spencer, IA). He is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, brother Kenneth, and daughter Susan North.
Ted was a Lieutenant Colonel and decorated combat veteran in the United States Air Force. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1951 and Ely Vermillion Junior College in Engineering in 1953. Ted enlisted in the Air Force in 1954, graduated from Aviation Cadet Flying School, and was commissioned as an officer in 1955.
Ted proudly served before God and country as a fighter pilot, with several assignments in the following aircraft: T-33 Shooting Star, F-86 Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, F-106 Delta Dart, A-1E Skyraider, and F-4D Phantom II. Ted was a member of the USAF 4-man Bob Sled team that won the 1958 North American Championship at Lake Placid, New York and qualified for the 1960 Olympics in Italy.
He served two tours of duty in Southeast Asia, during the Vietnam War, flying search & rescue and air-interceptor missions. Lieutenant Colonel Labernik was decorated with the Silver Star for valor in combat and the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism during flight.
Ted traveled the country from base to base and loved to vacation in the family Mercury station wagon and 8-pack Holiday Rambler.
After 28 years of service, he retired and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Moorhead State University, MN and began building his dream, A-frame cabin on Burntside Lake. Ted cherished many wonderful memories with family and friends there.
Ted recently shared that although he had the best job ever, his family was his greatest pride and joy, and that he lived a wonderful life with no regrets.
A funeral mass with military honors will be held for Ted this summer, the same date he was married, July 5 2017 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Visitation will be at 10:00 am, with mass at 11:00 and a reception to follow in the church basement.
Interment with full military honors, will be conducted at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, where Ted will be laid to rest

Earlene M. O’Brien, 83, of Ely, formerly of Chicago, passed away at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital on Saturday, May 13, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Floyd K. Bach, 79, of Ely, passed away on Monday, May 15, 2017 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Robert Karasti, of Ely, passed away Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Lindsey E. Lien, 68, of Excelsior, Minnesota and Ely, passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, at his home as a result of cancer diagnosed in 2015 and, after a short remission, returned. His wife, Mary Ellen, was at his side.

Lindsey was born November 16, 1948, in Princeton, Minnesota, the son of Elton and Mildred (Schultz) Lien. At a young age, he moved with his family to Northfield where he was raised and graduated in 1967. He then attended the University of Minnesota where he met his future wife, Mary Ellen Gardner. Lindsey and Mary Ellen were united in marriage on June 25, 1971 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Minneapolis. Lindsey worked as a carpenter and built their dream home near Lake Minnetonka and their cabin in Ely.

Those that knew Lindsey, knew him as a fair, kind and thoughtful man. He had a gentle demeaner about him and was respected by all that called him friend. He had a great sense of knowledge, remembered stories in great detail and added his own personal twist. Just recently in the mail, Lindsey received his invitation to the Northfield High School 50-year reunion. He understood that he wouldn’t be able to attend as with time and his health deteriorating wouldn’t be possible.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Ellen of Excelsior, a sister Betsy Lien of St. Paul, sisters-in-law Cathy (Hank) Brooks of Robbinsdale, Flora (Steve) Thomsen of Carlsbad, CA, Susan (Mike) Stearns of Eagan, and his brother-in-law Frank (Karen) Gardner of Minneapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A reception and luncheon will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 beginning at 1 PM at Bierman Funeral Home, Northfield. Services will be on Saturday following the luncheon at 2 PM in the funeral home. For those that cannot attend the service, visitation will continue until 4 PM. Arrangements by Bierman Funeral Home.

Joseph A. Kastelic, 62, of Chippewa Falls, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at his residence surrounded by his loving family under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice.
Joe was born May 29, 1954 in Ely, MN, the son of Joseph G. and Mary Ann (Arola) Kastelic.
On June 9, 1984, Joe married Kristi Sellon at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, MN.
Joe graduated from St. John’s College in 1977. He then taught Social Studies, History and Civics at St. Cloud Cathedral from 1977-1978, he was an computer programmer at AFU in Ely and substitute teacher and coach at Ely High School, and then moved to Chippewa Falls to teach at McDonell from 1986-1988 where he was an assistant football coach and golf coach, and later taught Social Studies and was a class advisor at New Auburn from 1988-2004 until early retirement due to health issues.
Joe was a member of Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls from 1986 until the present. He was involved in many church activities, usher, and Eucharistic minister of Holy Communion, parish picnics, soup suppers and church dinners.
Joe was the official Grade 1-6 CCD hall monitor along with his faithful dogs, Shanie and Lacie. Joe would help students with assignments with Shanie and Lacie providing therapeutic assistance to encourage students with completing their lessons.
Joe was an avid Vikings and Twins fan attending games and watching on TV He faithfully endured his teams through the good and “there’s always next season”.
Joe enjoyed fishing and looked forward to the Minnesota opener every year.
Joe attended local high school and elementary school sporting events, supporting and encouraging students.
Joe was a volunteer for Friends of the Library providing book deliveries for homebound patrons
Joe’s favorite holiday was “Groundhog’s Day”. He would deliver home baked ground hog cookies to friends around Chippewa Falls.
Joe’s social studies students frequently scored above the 95th percentile in the WKE. He was selected several times by students as their most influential educator.
During the summer, Joe enjoyed gardening and yard work, mowing his own lawn and moving along to assist his neighbors. Fall was leaf raking, picking up leaves and hauling brush to the dump. During the winter, was snow blowing.
Joe had an interest in Civil War history. He provided opportunities for his students to take advanced placement and individual studies on the Civil War.
Joe and Kristi would spend part of their summer vacations visiting Civil War historic sites.
Joe had the heart of a caregiver and teacher.
Joe’s motto was “the more the merrier and the “bigger the better” always including everyone.
Joe was a member of the Ely Lions Club from 1978 to 1986, Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 since 2011.
Joe is survived by his wife, Kristi; two brothers, David (Janice) Kastelic of Roseville, MN and Jon (Anneka) Kastelic of Duluth, MN; one sister, Mary (Jeff) Johnson of Roseville, MN; nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Joseph and Mary Kastelic; and maternal grandparents, Axel and Elise Arola.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 22 at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. Rev. Msgr. Mark Pierce will be celebrant of the funeral Mass. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 21 at the Horan Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Notre Dame Church in Chippewa Falls. The Knights of Columbus Goldsmith Council #974 will recite the rosary at 4 p.m. and there will be a Christian vigil service at 6 p.m. both on Sunday at the funeral home.
Joe’s family prefers memorials to St. Francesca Resource Center at Notre Dame Church or St. Joseph’s Hospice.

Richard (Dick) W. Maki, 82, born May 21, 1934 - died May 12, 2017.
His life revolved around music, playing in the MN Brass Drum & Bugle Corps for over 60 years and in the Zuhrah Shrine Drum Corps & Band. He was inducted into the World Drum Corps hall of fame. He liked schnauzers and singing in church. He enjoyed traveling in the US, South America & Europe, and spending time at his lakehome in Ely, MN. He was a Vikings season ticket holder for 50 years.
He is survived by wife of 53 years, Bunny (Margaret); children: Richard T. Maki and Sara Marcatto; grandchildren: Kaarina Maki and Dalton Thibodo; nephews Brett and Scott Esterberg. Preceded in death by his parents and sister. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, June 3 at St. Michael Lutheran Church, 1660 W. County Rd B, Roseville with visitation 1 hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to MN Brass Drum & Bugle Corps, PO Box 7341, St. Paul, MN 55107.

Judith Vollom, 72, of Babbitt, passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.