Joan A. “Sandy’ Defenbaugh, 90, of Peoria passed away on Monday, February 26, 2018.
She was born on January 10, 1928, the daughter of Chris Daniel and Irene Frank Allenbach. She was married to William Ellwood Defenbaugh Sr. on June 17, 1949.
She graduated from Ferry Hall in Lake Forrest, Illinois, and Mt. Vernon Junior College in Washington, D.C., and worked at the Peoria Credit Bureau. She was a member of the Junior League of Peoria and she performed volunteer work at Forrest Park Foundation and Institute of Medicine and Rehabilitation and was a past member of Methodist Hospital Service. She was a member of and taught Sunday school at First Federated Church of Peoria. In recent years she was a champion at playing Bridge.
She is survived by Bill Defenbaugh Jr. of Ely and Ann Defenbaugh, and two grandchildren: Elise and Hannah Defenbaugh.
. She was preceded in death by son Chris and her husband.
Memorial services will held at First Federated Church on Thursday, March 1, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

Roger Anderson, 65, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, March 1, 2018. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Frederic (Fritz) Cherne, 90, passed away on March 1, 2018. He was born in Ely, Minnesota on July 9, 1927. His parents were Frances and Mike Cherne of Ely. Fritz grew up in Ely and spent most of his life there in “God’s Country.”
Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Cindy K. Cherne.
Fritz is survived by his loving wife Grace; his five sons: Louie Erzar of Dewey, AZ; Thomas (Marge) Erzar of Ely; Michael Erzar of Ely; Frederic (Cindy) Cherne of Grand Rapids, MI; Chris (Traci) Cherne of Shoicton, WI; and two daughers: Rebecca Thomas of Roseville, MN and Connie (Thomas) of Fargo, ND. He is survived by nine grandsons: Ross (Pam) Erzar, Andrew Erzar, Zach (Kara) Cherne, Nate (Kelly), Cory Winter, Colin Winter, Caleb Winter, Cayden Winter and John Thomas and by five granddaughters: Rachel (Ben) Hammond, Renae (Jeremy) Wortz, Kristin (Sam) Carbough, Emily Peters, and Allison Peters. He is survived by eleven great grandchildren: Madison, Parker, and Fiona Hammond; Ryan and Alexa Erzar; Elliot and Matilda Wortz; Oliver Carbough; Gracelynn, Gideon and Noah Cherne.
Fritz loved his wife of 63 years and his family so very much. He was a devoted husband, father, and son.
Fritz was a guide at Basswood Lodge at a very young age. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945. He had many interesting working opportunities from tree topping in the great forests of the West to mining in Ely to his favorite, working as a ironworker connector. He loved heights. He painted the Ely water tower and set the lights on the baseball field.
Fritz loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his wife, Grace. His cabin was his favorite place on earth.
Fritz was a do-it yourselfer and was recycling old buildings before it became fashionable. He tore down buildings and used the materials to build new buildings like his cabin. As a child of the depression he took care not to waste anything. Fritz was full of wisdom, compassion, humor and honesty. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed. A memorial service will be held for Fritz in the summer.

Patrick Brian Magie, 56, died in an aircraft accident on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018 in Florida. He was born in Ely on October 31, 1961 and was a 1980 graduate of Ely High School. Pat and the owner of the Quest Kodiak 100 were flying near Mount Royal Airport (3FL0), Welaka, Putnam County, Florida when the turbine engine catastrophically failed at low altitude in the dark. The pilots ditched in the river short of the airport and upon the hard impact the fixed landing gear Kodiak flipped upside down in the river. Both the owner of the aircraft and Patrick Magie of Cordova, Alaska, were pronounced dead at the scene. Patrick was preceded in death by his mother Ferol Magie in December 27, 1999 in Duluth, MN. He is survived by his father William “Pat” Magie, 87, of Honolulu, Hawaii; sisters Kathryn “Katie” (Thomas) Prijatel of Cordova, Alaska and Kelly (Thomas) Grahek of Atlanta, Georgia and their daughter and two sons; and brother Scott Magie (Carol Hayes) of Park City, UT and Ely, and their two sons and daughter. The family will provide details in the future for a spring-time memorial in Ely and Cordova.

Susan Marie Saari-Karasti died at home in Winton, MN, on Saturday, March 3, 2018, having just completed her 76th journey around the Sun, after her long struggle with the mental and physical deteriorations caused by dementia.
Susan was born in Ely, Minnesota on March 3, 1942, where she and her family lived on “Finn Hill” until they moved to Los Angeles when she was nine. They lived in Torrance where Susan most loved spending time on the beach and in the ocean. Every summer, Susan, her mother and brother would return to Minnesota for extended visits. Susan graduated from Torrance High School and from Pacific Lutheran University in the state of Washington, after which she taught high school English in the LA area.
In 1962, Susan answered President Kennedy’s call for volunteers and served in the Peace Corps in northern Nigeria. During one break, she went to Europe and then returned to Nigeria by way of joining a truck caravan crossing the Sahara Desert. Later, she traveled more in Europe and lived for a couple of years in Greece where she privately taught English.
After returning to the States, Susan lived in the San Francisco area where she worked at various jobs and also learned how to weave and spin yarn at Pacific Basin School of Textile Arts. She also returned as often as she could to Ely during the summers and she would help her cousin Norman Saari build his resort on Tofte Lake. In 1976, Susan packed everything she owned into her Volkswagen Bug – except her loom, which she shipped – and returned to live in Ely where she bought her grandfather’s old shoe repair shop building and turned it into her home and Sisu Designs Weaving and Yarn Shop, which she operated until she sold it in December 2013. Although it started as a weaving shop, it evolved into being primarily a knitting and yarn shop, and an important part of her business included hosting fall and winter knitting retreats, both locally and in New Mexico, for many years. In the early days of developing her weaving business, Susan met Carl Karasti and they married in 1980.
Through all of her years, Susan especially loved to sauna, to swim and to dance. In 1992 she and Carl joined with several others to create the still active Thursday Evening Group which is open to teachings of all spiritual paths and dedicated to celebrating and exploring the questions of the Great Mystery of Life. They have both also been active members of the Inayati Sufi Order and participants in the Dances of Universal Peace for which Carl is a certified leader.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lillian (Haapala) Saari and by her brother, Fred Saari. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Carl Karasti, her daughter, Anna Karasti, her grandson, Jacob Karasti, all of Winton, and by her sister-in-law, Dorothy Saari of Walled Lake, MI, her sister-in-law, Linda Beek of South St. Paul, MN, and by her uncle Bob Haapala of Ely, and by many cousins and wonderful friends.
A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
There will be a private scattering of ashes.

Mary M. Mavetz, 92, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

George J. Dusich, 85, of Virginia, formerly of Babbitt, passed away Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Chris Jensen Nursing Home in Duluth.
He was born on April 4, 1932 in Ely to Marko and Anna (Schellinger) Dusich and graduated from the Ely High School. He was a U. S. Army veteran.
On September 15, 1956 he married Patricia Ann Kastelic in Ely and they resided in Babbitt since 1960; and then they moved to Virginia at a later date. George worked for Reserve Mining Company for 32 years as an Inventory Control Analyst and for North Shore Mining for 7 years.
George was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church and Maki-Pinola American Legion Post 535, both of Babbitt.
Survivors include three children: Jerry (Deb) Dusich of St. Cloud, Lorie (Doug) Wiermaa of Ely and Randy (Camy) Dusich of Woodbury; two grandchildren, Richie (Molly) Milovich and Nicholas (Sarah) Milovich; great grand daughter Annabelle; sister Mary Pendergast, step sister Rosemary Coombe; two brothers Larry (Paula) Dusich, Bernie (Kari) Dusich, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marko and Anna (Schellinger) Dusich; wife Patricia A. Dusich; step mother Mary Dusich; brother Mark Dusich, step brother Fred Rudman; step sister Marnie Snow.
Funeral mass will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with Rev. Fr. Bill Skarich as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in the Ely Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

George E. Miller, 89, of Embarrass, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Beatrice Louise Brophey, 95, formerly of Ely, MN died on March 5, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. One of the two “B’s Wilderness Paddler’s” in Ely from 1979 until 2012, she is survived by her business partner and best friend of 39 years, Barbara Anderson.
Bea was born August 13, 1922 to M. Frank and Aletha (Mullin) Spencer in New York Mills, N.Y. She attended Cony High School in Augusta, Maine and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1947 from the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago, which later merged with the Chicago campus of the Colgate Rochester Crozer School of Divinity. Following graduation, Bea ministered in the field of Christian Education for 10 years with a focus on camp and church school experiences for children and youth. From those seeds her love of nature, adventure, camping and canoeing grew deep roots that continued to flourish and thrive for the rest of her life.
Bea married Earl Brophey in 1956. He proceeded her in an unexpected death following 16 years of marriage. If you knew Bea Brophey, then you know that this event was devastating but it also kindled her renewal to live every day of her life to the fullest. She answered the siren call of Minnesota’s northern lakes and rivers. She moved her life to Ely and her beloved waters of the BWCAW. Bea was aptly named. She got “busy” melding her gift of leadership with a pinch or two of bossiness and merged her love of people and the endless possibilities she saw in the Quetico-Superior region. Bea’s ministry to people took on a new form. When sharing the pristine wilderness and all of its mystery and beauty with others, she shared the face of God. As The B’s Wilderness Paddler’s, Bea and Barb not only guided people into and safely back out of the depths of the Boundary Waters, they taught their guests reverence for the land, for creatures big and small, and a respect for the elements of weather, water, sun and storms. They sang grace before meals and sprinkled their trip-treks with poems, prayers and a unique spirituality that let you know that you were about to do something amazing.
Bea’s love of Ely was reflected by her service on many community boards and committees. She served on the Board of Directors of the Dorothy Molter Museum and was instrumental in the early development of Root Beer sales for sustainable fund-raising. She was a member of the originating board for the program now known as Northwoods Partners; established to provide services to enhance the quality of life for people who through age, illness or disability needed the extra assistance and care of community volunteers to enhance quality of life. Bea served as President of the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital Auxiliary and served six years on the Advisory Board to the Vermilion Community College. The Ely United Methodist Church was her faith family and place of worship. There were many noble pursuits that Bea channeled energy and love to in Ely. The North will be her final resting place when her ashes come home for burial later this spring.
Bea is survived by her beloved family including niece, Judith Spencer (Richard King) of Iowa, nephews, Bradley (Connie) Spencer of California, David (Lori) Spencer of Minnesota and Steven (Janet) Spencer of Lima, Peru, great niece Allison, great nephews Scott (Lindsey), Lucas and Steven and great-great niece, Haley, daughter of Scott and Lindsey. She is also survived by and known as “Aunt Bea” to the daughters of Barb Anderson; Donna (Ken) Ostercamp of Missouri and Betty (Steven) Davis of Nebraska and their four sons Daniel and Gary of Missouri and Aaron (Sarah) and Kyle of Nebraska. Having no children of her own, Bea has left an indelible footprint on all of our hearts; this from the woman who counseled “Leave no trace”. She leaves a beautiful legacy.
With the hope that many more hearts and minds will experience the mysteries and beauty of the BWCAW the family requests that memorials be made to the Dorothy Molter Foundation, P.O. Box 391, Ely, MN 55731.

Kenneth C. Johnsen, 69, of Ely, “All is Well”
Ken Johnsen of Ely, Minn., began his next journey on March 9, 2018 at home, surrounded by his family. Ken came to us on April 22, 1948 and by all accounts was a curious and active child, positive traits he never lost. Ken practiced living in the present, generosity, and optimism. His advice to us all is to: “Be happy and enjoy life just as it comes, one day at a time.”
Ken was in Ely for only two years, but in that time, he touched the lives of all whom he met. He loved schmoozing with everyone at the Front Porch, discussing books at Chapman Street Books and at the Ely Public Library, foraging for samples at Zup’s, and finding good deals at the Goodwill store. He loved taking his grandchildren to Miners Lake for exploration and fishing. A frequent picker and tour guide for out-of-towners at the dump, Ken could see the potential in all things and in all people.
He loved playing giant checkers in the lobby of the Grand Ely Lodge with his soulmate, Becky Komarek. Together, they drove all the backroads to find the best views of Shagawa Lake and pick out the lake homes they would buy with their imaginary lottery winnings. Ken and his brother, Bruce, recently parked at the end of the road on 169 and spent time together, just talking about life and philosophy and faith.
He grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from North High School in 1966. After that, Ken married Sandra Joosten, and they had two children, Sam and Janel. While growing up, Sam and Janel enjoyed many outings to the science museum, home maintenance apprenticeships, bike rides, and reading with their father. Ken also tirelessly performed many pas de deux performances with his daughter, Janel, on their living room stage. Ken had many skills. He was a proud union member, first as an employee of the Soo Line Railroad, and then as a journeyman in the Carpenters Union. He always told his son-in-law, Chris, an aspiring woodworker, that they would welcome him. Ken worked as a property manager at a large retirement complex, and he restored numerous homes. He loved creative projects, once converting an old wooden water tower into a two-story gazebo overlooking a lake. He was a perfectionist, unhesitatingly working with tile, plumbing, and electricity. When he finished a job, everything fit and everything worked. He even built custom booths for Do North Pizza in Two Harbors. His biggest work, however, came on his own recovery. He worked his program diligently, and he helped others work their own programs.
He lived in Minnesota, California, New Mexico, Hawaii, and he even lived in Kentucky with his sister and brother-in-law (Ann and George), where he made a real circle of friends while helping build an addition on the house and learning how to keep bees. He was a poet, artist, and enjoyed travel of all kinds, including trips to East Africa and China.
He was preceded in death by mother Betty, father Carl, sisters: Lynda (Gillespie) and Valerie (Johnsen). Survived by: Becky Komarek; children Sam Johnsen and Janel (Chris) Koenig; grandchildren: Jessica and Max; brother Bruce (Beverly) Johnsen; sisters: Jane (Ben) Braverman, Ann (George) Coleman, Natalie Morrison (August Nimtz), and Naomi (Chaunce) Stanton; numerous nephews and nieces; and countless friends. Our brother, father, friend, lover, uncle, and grandfather will be truly missed.

Patricia Leah Sterbenk, 86, Babbitt, passed away Saturday March 10, 2018. She was born March 16, 1931 in Ely to Eddie and Mary (Milkovich) Edwards.
Pat graduated from Ely Memorial High School, class of 1949 and attended Ely Community College. She was married Feb. 16, 1951 to Rudy Sterbenk, they moved to Babbitt in 1952. They were charter members of Woodland Presbyterian Church in Babbitt. As a church leader, she shared her generous spirit and compassion for others. Pat was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, served several terms on the Session and was an active member of Presbyterian Women’s Association. Pat was also involved with Order of the Eastern Star and Women’s Life Insurance.
Pat had numerous hobbies including gardening, cooking, camping and fishing, folk art painting and needlepoint. She was an avid fan of HER Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings.
Pat is survived by her two daughters: Lolly (Bruce) Naslund of Circle Pines, MN and Jackie (Peter) Lund of Bemidji, MN; three grandchildren: Stacy Naslund of Bloomington, MN; Alyn (Rachel) Naslund, Omaha, NE; and Andrew (Katie) Lund of Duluth, MN; one great granddaughter Blake Margory Naslund; sister Laurel Shepel; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she held close to her heart.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Rudy in Jan. 2017; sister Lois Edwards; brother Edward Edwards.
Memorial preferred to Woodland Presbyterian Church (Babbitt, MN) or Presbyterian Mission Agency; flowers welcome, please no plants.
Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday March 24, 2018 at Woodland Presbyterian Church, Babbitt. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church with inurnment at a later date. Lunch will be served following the service. Arrangements by Landmark Funeral Home, Virginia.

Diann G. “Sweets” Cecich (nee Benson), 78, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Monday, March 5, 2018, at Franciscan St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point, IN.
Diann is survived by two sons; David (Elizabeth) Cecich and Steve (Kathleen) Cecich; six grandchildren: Shannon (Walter) Wieczorek, Kyle (Nicole) Cecich, Zachary (Caitlyn) Cecich, Zarah (Kevin) Fogler, Zane Cecich, and Katelyn (Fiancé John Greaney); one great-grandson, Kamden Cecich; and two brothers: Wayne (Arlene “Big A”) Benson and Warner (Darlene) Benson. She was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Leona Benson, and her husband of 61 years, John Cecich.
Diann was a member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of Crown Point, IN. She was a retired owner of Union Electronics in Beecher, IL, and Farm Lake Outpost in Ely, MN. Diann loved fishing, the great outdoors, cooking, gardening, and jigsaw puzzling, but there was nothing closer to her heart than the Church and her family. She led a life well lived; full of joy, happiness, and wonder. Diann led by example, always teaching friends and family that life is about grace, humility, humor, understanding, and love. We are eternally thankful for the time God shared her with us.
In accordance with Diann’s wishes, private services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Geisen Funeral, Cremation & Reception Centre in Crown Point, IN. Sign Diann’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com. (219) 663-2500.

Patricia (Smith) Willman North, 77, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2018 in Side Lake. She was born in Perham, MN on August 20, 1940 to parents: Harry M. and Hester I. (Aldrich) Smith. She attended schools in Eveleth, MN and Moorhead State University
She is survived by sons: Jack (Kirsten) Willman,of Detroit Lakes, MN, Patrick (Lori) O’Toole, Side Lake, MN and Randy Willman of Ely; daughter Sandra Willman of Ely; Sister Dorothy (Duane) Thunstrom of Detroit Lakes, MN; grandchildren: Gerry Willman, Rianen Willman, Nathon Willman, Tony (Kristen) Farley,and Misty Willman.
Preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Hester Smith, son Robert Willman, brother Ted Smith and half brother Milo Meyer.
Patricia was a stay-at-home mom until 1974. From 1974 to 1980 she was employed at the crisis shelter in Virginia. During this time she was a also a vocalist in a country-rock band called” The Outlaws”. In 1976 she entered the state contest for country music which resulted in her winning the award for best female vocalist.
In 1980 she moved to Detroit Lakes, MN where she was a production seamstress at Lakewood Sportswear. Later she worked at “The Village of the Smoky Hills.” She was also self-employed as a massage therapist. In 1990 she moved to Moorhead, MN where she continued her massage therapy business and also operated a silk flower and tree business. She was also a floor supervisor at Archies in Dilworth. In 1999 she moved to Ely where she gained employment at Wintergreen Designs as a production seamstress. She also worked for Kondos Outdoors as a production seamstress and cleaned cabins for Northwind Lodge for 10 summers.
Throughout her life Patricia relocated numerous times. Upon her arrival in Ely she decided that she’d found her permanent home. Her love for Ely was truly known. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Bonnie M. Barich, 83, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. Bonnie was born in Ely on January 6, 1935. She married Johnny Barich on January 15, 1955 and the couple had three children. Bonnie enjoyed working at the Haircut Shop in Ely for many years, bringing humor to her co-workers and customers. She always looked forward to the frequent coffee-times at her house, spending time with special friends and neighbors.

Bonnie was preceded in death and now reunited with many family and friends, including her mother Ellen Erkkila, her sister Pat Partti, and most especially, her daughter Debbie, who the family sadly lost back in 1971.

She is survived by her loving husband, Johnny, her daughter Patty (Bryan) Rusco, her son John (Geri) Barich. Bonnie is also survived by four grandchildren that she truly loved: April, BJ, and Casey Rusco along with Lauren Barich. A memorial service for Bonnie is planned for 11 a.m.on Thursday, March 29 at the First Lutheran Church in Ely. Funeral arrangements by Landmark Funeral Home.

Katherine Klabe, 100 of Ely, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, March 27, 2018. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Elsa Martin, 77, of Babbitt, passed away at her home on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. A celebration her life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Babbitt Assembly of God Church at 2:00 P.M. with a gathering of family and friends taking place one hour before the service at the church.Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Rudolph James (Jim) Schuler of Cinnaminson, NJ, died peacefully at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2018, surrounded by his three sons and loved ones. He was 87.
Jim was born in St. Paul, MN, on January 15, 1931, and raised in Ely, MN. He was married to his beloved wife Janice L. (Johnson) for 46 years until her death in 1998. Jim is survived by his sons James K. Schuler (Surbjit) of Concord, NH, Jeffrey D. (Cathy) Schuler of Delran, NJ, and John W. (Tammy) Schuler of Cinnaminson, NJ. Jim adored his seven grandchildren: Sonia, Bradley, Dylan, Matthew, Ethan, Blair and Nicholas. Jim is also survived by his sisters: Sharon Lax Hughes of Ely, Marlene Lax Benson of Superior, WI, and Geraldine Schuler Tornfelt of Carlton, MN.
Jim was a decorated Army Veteran of the Korean War in the 17th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was injured in battle in June 1953, three weeks before the second battle of Pork Chop Hill. Being wounded likely saved his life. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and the United Nations Service Medal.
Jim, Janice, and their one year old son (James) moved from Minnesota to Cinnaminson, NJ, in 1959, at which time he worked for Conwed Corporation until his retirement. He was equally known as a skilled wood-worker and cabinet-maker, a passion he continued well into his later years.
Jim was an avid football fan, supporting his favorite teams (Vikings and Eagles) and could usually be found on Sundays watching multiple games. He loved hearing his three sons play guitars – a scene that was often re-created during family gatherings – always requesting songs by Johnny Cash. He was very close to his neighbors and his family thanks them for their support during his later years.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 6, from 5 - 730 p.m. at Weber Funeral Home at 112 Broad Street, Riverton, NJ, 08077. At 6:30 p.m. his family and clergy will share remembrances of Jim.
Following the service, dinner will be served at Riverton Country Club, 1416 Highland Avenue, Cinnaminson, NJ, 08077. All of Jim’s friends and family are welcome.

Jean M. Larson, 82, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

ANGELA W GODEC
October 20, 1916 - April 3, 2018
Angela W. Godec, 101, of Hibbing and formerly of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, April
3, 2018, surrounded by family, at the Fairview Range Medical Center, Hibbing. She was born October 20,1916 in Aurora, MN, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Rangus) Jasper. The family moved to Ely when she was nine and lived her entire life there. Angela married Joseph “Phil” Godec in 1938 and they celebrated 61 anniversaries before his death. Angela was a homemaker and member of the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely and was also a 25-year member of the Ely Slovenian Catholic Church Choir who recorded two records. Angela was President and advisor of the Ely Business Women’s Club, a member of the Ely Business & Professional Women’s Organization, Graduate Regent of the Women of the Moose #339 and active member of the Red Cross Volunteers. She held the office of the Vice President of the Slovene National Benefit Society and was a 79-year member of the Slovenian Women’s Union and had been selected as Mother of the Year. Angela was a member of the Dawn Club and the cover girl of their official coast to coast publication, “Zadja” for which she wrote for five years. She was very proud to have been a member of the original Northland Cadets Marching Team from its inception until its demise holding the position of Staff Sergeant. She was a member of the Vermilion Range Settlers Association, Senior Citizen’s Association, Ely Dance Club, The Wilderness Dance Club, and the Range Polka Club, SNPJ, NABA Association. Angela and her husband, Joseph, were owners of Phil’s Cap & Tap Tavern in Ely for 22 years. Angela was patient #1 at the Ely Bloomenson Hospital in Ely, Minnesota, which she was always very proud of.
She is survived by her three children: Phyllis (Robert) Petrick, Hibbing, MN, Frederick (Charlotte) Godec, Hibbing, MN, and Judith (Larry) Ravlin, Council Bluffs, IA; 11 grandchildren: Joseph (Janet) Petrick, Craig (Amy) Petrick, Janette Godec, Annette (Tim) Maki, Joseph Godec, Marie (Kurt) Mayer, Melissa (Brian) Freeberg, Renae (Wade) Thompson, Philip (Marla) Ravlin, Connie (Larry) Lauvetz, Nicole (Mike) Browning, 22 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, Benjamin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Joseph “Phil” Godec, her brother, Frank Jasper, and her five sisters: Mary, Frances, Molly, Amy and infant Sophie Jasper. Angie’s family wishes to thank Dr. Jan Baldwin and the staff at Guardian Angels for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hibbing. Visitation will be in the church, Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. services. Burial will be in the Ely Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home. Memorials are preferred to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 231 E Camp St, Ely, MN 55731.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com

Wilma Zimmerman
Wilma Ruth (Bierbaum) Zimmerman, 82, of Brownsville, TX, formerly of Litchfield, entered into Heaven on Apr. 7, 2018. She was born on Sept. 1, 1935 to Charles W. and Minnie (Hartke) Bierbaum. A 1953 graduate of Litchfield High School, she married C. L. (Kelly) Zimmerman on Feb. 20, 1954. She enjoyed spreading God’s word, spending time with family, sewing, baking, travel and bringing joy to everyone she met. Wilma loved classical music.  She was very active in the church, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She is survived by: her loving husband of 64 years, C. L. Zimmerman; daughters, Lynne Zimmerman; Julie (Mike) Meier; Susan (Glen) Cornman; Nancy (Rick) Nunez; a son, Michael (Mari) Zimmerman; brother, Charles (June) Bierbaum; sister-in-law, Joan Jones; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Marie Hayes and Lois Senter; brother, Leon Bierbaum. She will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral services will be held Sat., Apr. 14, 2018 at 10 a.m. in Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held Friday from 4-7 p.m. in Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The family suggests memorials to Onward In Faith Campaign (to benefit Zion Lutheran School) in Litchfield. For more information, to light a candle or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.