Peter Karberg Pestalozzi, 64, passed peacefully in his home in Ely on May 20, 2017, surrounded by family and friends.
Peter was born November 19, 1952 in Roslyn, New York. He moved to the Twin Ports, where he raised his children, set the stage for grandchildren, and fell in love with the creative energy of Lake Superior and the Northwoods.
Peter was known for his creative talent and love of fine woodworking-- from photography, building organs, sea kayaks and canoes, cabinetry, and finally his most acclaimed artwork-- the design and creation of fine wood furniture.
Peter embarked on his final creative journey last August 2016, with a solo kayak trip around Lake Superior, supported in part by the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council He was equipped with his kayak and camera, with intention to capture photographs that would inspire one of a kind furniture designs. His existing designs and pieces can be admired at www.odysseydesignworks.com.
After twenty days on the water, with MN and WI under his belt, the return of his Thyroid Cancer forced him to stop, which he fought with optimism and endless support over the past year.
Peter is survived by his loving wife and partner, Jeanne Bourquin, daughter Christine (Travis) Knutson, son Stephen (Robin) Pestalozzi, grandsons Alex and Henry Knutson, loyal hunting and shop dog Suzie, as well as countless forever friends.
A celebration of life will take place June 4, at 2:30 p.m., at his home on Shagawa Lake in Ely, MN. Friends, family, and admirers welcome

Mary E. May, 91, of Ely, passed away on May 24, 2017 at Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital.
She was born on September 24, 1925, to Joseph and Sylvia (Dolenshak) Zgainer of Ely. Mary graduated from Ely Memorial High School, Class of 1943. Following her graduation, she moved to Detroit to work as a “Rosey” at the Cadillac Tank Arsenal factory until the end of WWII. She then worked for Common Wealth Brass in Detroit. Mary returned to Ely to take care of her mother with failing health. Mary is a former member of the Ely VFW Auxiliary.
She is survived by a granddaughter, Michelle (Dale) Rever of Ely, special nephew, Joey Zgainer; numerous other nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her son, Edward “Bob” May; daughter Marilyn Jo May; brothers, John, Joseph and Robert; sister Emily Fordham.
Burial will be in the Ely Cemetery. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Lynette M. Huovinen, 76, of Babbitt, passed away on Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Johanna Baltich passed away on May 24, 2017 in Edmonds, Washington.
Known as Joanne or Babe to her many friends, she was an Ely native born on January 24, 1932 to Helen and Frank Novosel. With her four older brothers and a sister, she grew up in Ely and graduated from Ely Memorial High School. In 1952 she married Frank Baltich, also of Ely. Frank’s job as a game warden moved the young couple to Forest Lake and Cloquet before they returned to Babbitt to raise their family in a home they built together on Birch Lake. Frank passed away in 1998 and eventually Joanne moved to California to be near her son, Frank, and later to Washington state where she was cared for by her daughter, Mary Ann, and son-in-law, Scott Donahue.
Johanna loved people and made friends everywhere she went. She enjoyed conversation, classic movies, crossword puzzles, playing Bingo, and cooking and baking for her friends and family. Despite leaving her beloved northern Minnesota, she remained a loyal Twins, Vikings and Timberwolves fan and rarely missed an opportunity to watch them play. She liked working jigsaw puzzles both for the puzzle making and the companionship. She always tried to look out for and support her friends and was generous with her time when someone was in need.
Johanna is survived by her children: Frank (Mary), John (Linda), Mary Ann (Scott), Michael (Karen) and her five beloved grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband, Frank. A memorial will be scheduled when arrangements have been completed.

Judith L. Vollom, of Ely, passed away May 22, 2017 surrounded by her family at the Babbitt Carefree Living Center. She was born on August 20, 1944 to Gaylord and Ellen Bailey. Judy graduated from St. Paul Central High school and college from Vermilion Community College and Bemidji State University with a degree in American Indian studies and Ojibwe language. Judy taught the Ojibwe language at Vermilion and Mesabi Community Colleges and authored the book Ojibwemowin which was nominated for the 1995 Northern Minnesota Book Award. She had a passion for the Ojibwe language and culture that was shown through her teaching. Judy also owned and operated a greenhouse and floral business in Ely. Judy loved spending time with her 12 grandchildren baking, crafting, gardening and loving them dearly. Judy was married to Douglas Vollom August 3rd, 1963 and they enjoyed 54 years together. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents Gaylord and Ellen Bailey, brother Gordon and sister Margret. Judy is survived by her loving husband Douglas, daughters Tammy Matturro and Jennifer Ware, sons Thomas and Daniel, 12 grandchildren, brother Don Bailey, sister Jean Suomi and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held June 25 at 3:00 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely.

Philip A. “Phil” Hogan, 85, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2017. Born December 25, 1931.
Phil grew up in Michigan graduating from Ludington HS and from the University of Michigan. After serving in the Army, he moved with his wife and family to the Twin Cities working 30 years at Honeywell. Phil and Jan then moved to Ely where he built a lovely home in the North Woods on the edge of the BWCA.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents Lila and Frank. He is survived by wife Janet (Gast), son Mike (Anna), son James, daughter Terri Copps (Rip), and grandchildren Matthew, Emilie Purvine (Sam), Laura, Joe, Paul, Andrew, Jim and Katie.
Phil was a generous person. Everyone who knew him loved him and he will be sorely missed. Phil cherished his family and large circle of friends. He was very active in the Ely community; including the School Board, multiple clubs, the boards of the Wolf & Bear centers, Camp du Nord, the arts community, and promoting the Boundary Waters.
Phil’s Celebration of Life Service will be held at Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview, MN on Tuesday June 13 at 11 a.m. Visitation at the church 1 hour prior to service. There will be a lunch at the church following the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to The First Presbyterian Church of Ely or www.savetheboundarywaters.org.

BRIAN LEWIS ARNOLD, 49, died June 3, 2017 at St. Mary’s Medical Center Duluth MN, after a brief illness.
Born december 28, 1967 in Fort Frances Ontario Canada to Ivan and Rosalie Arnold. He lived in Ely MN till moving to International Falls two years ago. He held many jobs but his heart belonged to the Morse/ Fall Lake Fire and Rescue Department.
Survivors include Rosalie Noland – International Falls MN – mother, Hailea Arnold, Dickinson ND, daughter, Tina Myers, South Range WI – sister, Shelley Arnold (Kirk Velcheff) Ely MN –sister, Brent Arnold (Teckla Brown) brother – Big Falls MN, James Yuenger (Heather Zielka) Pengilly MN- nephew, Carrie Kemp Buhl MN – niece, Nathan Myers International Falls MN – brother in law, Nancy Rognerud, International Falls MN –special aunt, Lyle and Sierra Laurvick Buhl MN – great nephew and niece, jada Zielka Pengilly MN – great niece. Gladyce Arnold, International Falls MN – grandmother. Special cousin and friend Tammy Anderson. He had many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and good friends.
Brian was preceded in death by his father Ivan Arnold, sister Carrie Lee Arnold, grandparents Harry and Etta Noland, grandfather Lewis (Bud) Arnold, cousin Lee Ann Rognerud, uncles Larry Rognerud and Steven Arnold.
Per Brian’s wish there will be a celebration of life that will be held July 8 at the Longbranch on Longbranch Drive, Winton MN from 2 p.m. till 10 p.m. Family and friends are asked to join us to remember Brian and all the good times we had with him.

Frederick M. Janezich, 91, of Ely, passed away at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Bernard “Sugar” Kuzma, age 87, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, June 7, 2017 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.

Sugar was born, the youngest of nine children, to Anton and Katherine (Mehelcic) Kuzma on October 28, 1929. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School and entered the U.S. Army in 1951 and served his country proudly as a forward observer during the Korean Conflict until his honorable discharge in 1953.

In 1954, Sugar married LaVerne “Tootsie” Starkman and together they raised three children in Ely. Sugar started his mining career at the Pioneer Mine in Ely and continued working at Reserve Mining Company and later Cyprus/Northshore Mining as a member of the “bull gang” repairing heavy equipment until his retirement in 1992.
Sugar was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the VFW.

Survivors include his wife Tootsie of 63 years, sister Christine “Teenie” Klein, children: Nancy (Alan) Andreae of Ely, Richard (Barb) Kuzma of Eagan, and Tracy (Pat) Cherne of Rosemount; grandchildren: Benjamin (Erin) Novak, Leah (Mike) Baroun, Kristin Youngren, Jon (Erica) Andreae, Mandy (Andy) Wineberg, Jill (Derek) Brown, Jordan (Krista) Kuzma, Matt (Dawn) Cherne, Tony (Loretta) Cherne and Steve (Karmon) Cherne. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Bernard, Sophia, Audrey, Addison, Caleb, Henry, Jack, Emmett, Eleanor, Parker, Jackson, Ethan and Logan as well as numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Family was of utmost importance to Sugar, especially watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren enjoying the family cabin on Eagles Nest Lake. Sugar spent countless hours volunteering in the community over the years including coaching Little League, clearing snow off Lincoln Rink for neighborhood kids to play hockey and skate, assist in the construction of the Ely Ice Arena as well as grooming the Little League field after his retirement. He also loved to garden, fish and pick berries. Sugar was a faithful listener to Saturday Polka Time and WELY. He had a passion for all levels of hockey and will be remembered for his cheering “watch the sleeper” at local games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Tony, Joe and Frank; sisters Mary Clark, Ann Dalton, Fran Golob and Molly Bartos; and son-in-law Jim Novak.

A Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with Fr. Brandon Moravitz as celebrant. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the mass at the church. Military Honors will be accorded by the Ely Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Northwoods Partners in Ely, MN.

Matilda M. Novosel, 92, of Ely, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. She was born to Joseph and Frances (Leskovich) Gregorich on March 12, 1925 in Ely, MN.
She was a graduate from Ely Memorial High School in 1943. She was a member of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Women's Life Insurance, SNPJ Lodge, Silver and Gold Club.
She married Joseph Frank Novosel Sr. on June 24, 1949.
She was a homemaker and enjoyed knitting, cooking, watching old movies, sharing jokes and dancing in her younger days.
Matilda was preceded in death by her husband Joseph on June 25, 1985, her parents, Joseph and Frances Gregorich, brothers Frank, Anthony and Edward; sisters Frances Zabrajsek, Mary Starkovich, Rose Karashec and Sophie Zavadnick, nephews Albin Karashec, Gerald Karashec and Edward Gregorich; niece Theresa Stefanich.
She is survived by her son Joseph Frank Novosel Jr. and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

June C. Lescinskas, 74, of Ely, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at 12:30 P.M. at Ledgerock Community Church in Ely with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Betty L. Hagedorn, 80, of Ely, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017 at her residence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely at 11:00 A.M. with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

Stan Starkman, 87, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Verna Mae Thomas Spalj, 91, of Crosby, MN passed away on June 21, 2017. Preceded in death by husband, George T Spalj. Survived by daughter, Kaye (Tim) Igo and son, Greg (Colleen) Spalj; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Brother, Don Thomas, Sisters-in-Law: Natalie Spalj and Nancy Spalj; many nieces and nephews. Verna loved her family, singing, dancing, golf, and winters in AZ.
A Memorial Mass will be 11 a,m, Friday, July 7 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Crosby with visitation at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions preferred to brain tumor research – Humor to Fight the Tumor Foundation. Many thanks to the staff at CRMC for their care of Verna for over 19 years. Arrangements are with the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

Sigrid A. (Rein) Nelson, formerly of Babbitt, passed away in Brooklyn Park, MN on Monday, July 3, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Amy J. Adams, 55, of Minneapolis died of cancer on July 1, 2017. She was the daughter of Fred and Jeanne Adams of Cedar Falls, IA.
Amy studied painting at the School of Associated Arts in St. Paul where she earned her BFA. She began her career in the Virgin Islands painting murals for resorts. In FL, Amy opened a beach gift shop of her art creations and wrote an astrology column for the local paper. In AZ, she developed her oil technique, painting southwest landscapes and discovered her affinity for Native American culture. Amy was happiest spending summers at the family cabin near Ely, MN and canoeing in the BWCA. All these locales became subjects of her many paintings and revealed her reverence for the natural world.
Amy created a wearable art business of hand-dyed, block-printed clothing called Sundiale Designs and was a regular at art shows in MN and IA. Recently, she taught art classes to the elderly in care centers. In her own words, “Painting for me is entering a peaceful state of ‘no mind, no time’ and a connectedness to ‘all that is.’ Landscape painting can take you to this place where you can relax and enter a place devoid of media and stress. I like to think of art as a source for healing and meditation.”
Amy is survived by mother Jeanne Adams of Zimmerman, MN, daughter Myah Randazza (father Peter Randazza), sisters Audrey Adams-Sorge, Julie Hott and Sara Turnbull, and brother Fred D. Adams.
Preceded in death by father Fred E. Adams and brother John Adams. Memorials to mnbeekeepers.com or freeartsminnesota.org.

Stanley Starkman, 87, of Ely, passed away on June 28, 2017. He was born on June 5, 1930 to Richard and Erma (Dyhr) in Ely. He was a 1948 graduate of Ely Memorial High School. Stan answered his country’s call and was sent to fight in the Korean War where he earned 3 Bronze Stars for Valor in combat. Stan married the love of his life, Marianne Olsson, in 1967 and had two children together. Stan spent most of his working career in the mining industry. He worked in the Zenith Mine in Ely and then at Reserve in Babbitt until 1983. Stan sold firewood for many years until his retirement. In his younger days he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a humble and soft spoken man with a great sense of humor.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Erma, his wife Marianne and brother Ronald Starkman. He is survived by his daughter Britt (Staffan) Axelsson of Round Lake, Ill and two sons Dennis (Christie) Kastama of North St. Paul, MN and Erik (Debora) Starkman of Farmington, MN; a brother Gary (Delores) Starkman of Ely, MN and sister Kathy Douglas of Portland, OR. His is also survived by grandchildren: Amanda (Tommy) McKnuckles, Megan (Josh) Loahr, Ben (Georgie) Kastama, Heidi Kastama, Nick Axelsson, Sam Axelsson, Noah Axelsson, Josh Patterson and Nathan Starkman; six great grandchildren; nephews Michael (Marla) Starkman, Dan Starkman, Kevin Starkman and niece Bridget Hazeyama; aunts BJ Dyhr and Elaine Briggs.
The Starkman family would like to extend a special thanks to the good folks of Essentia Hospice and Care Free Living. Their kindness and compassion was greatly appreciated. There will be no services per Stan’s request.

Frederick M. Janezich , 91, passed away June 10, 2017 at Boundary Waters Care Center, Ely.
Fred was born April 3, 1926 to Louis and Ana (Matelic) Janezich in Ely.
He graduated from Ely Memorial High School and from Ely Junior College. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II having served in Germany.
Some of his favorite activities were hunting deer, moose, and small game, reading, woodworking, making various wines and cooking delicious Slovenian cuisine.
Preceding Fred in death were his parents, a very young sister Annie and his brother Louis.
Surviving Fred is a sister, Leona Janezich, and many cousins and special friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Stefani Strezishar, 84, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Clifford H. Georges, 95 of Ely, a World War II Marine veteran passed away at his residence on Saturday, July 8, 2017. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of