Dale C. Hegfors, 70, of Ely, MN lost a courageous four year battle with Melanoma. Dale was a longtime employee of Minnetac and retired as a millwright. Dale had a passion for classic cars and was always ready to lend a helping hand.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Severin and Elaine Hegfors. He is survived by siblings: Claire (Chester) Dryke, Lee (Barb) Hegfors and Carrie (Al) Knuutti; nieces: Danielle Dryke and Kim (Ty) Lerum, and nephew Jeremy Hegfors; several cousins and his really wonderful friends.
Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Sat., June 23 at First Presbyterian Church, Ely, MN fellowship at 12:30 and following the service. In lieu of flowers please support Jeremy Hegfors as he rides to support MN cancer research in Dale’s honor: https://chainbreakerride.org/rider/1144.

Amber L. Pasanen, 35, of Ely, passed away at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Jerry Dean Thoren, 73, of Ely passed away at her home on Saturday, June 23rd, 2018. Family arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Mary L. Whitmarsh, 71, of Port Byron, IL passed away June 7, 2018, at her home.
A celebration of life was held noon-5 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Falcon Farms, 2507 214th St. N. Port Byron. Memorials may be made to the family. Quad Cities Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary was born Aug. 10, 1946, in Bemidji, Minn., the daughter of Lee Stahl and Evelyn Lossing Tuomala. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Roy Tuomala Sr.
Mary retired from Addus Healthcare in the accounting department. She enjoyed baking, crocheting, quilting and everything Betty Boop. Mary loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Survivors include her children Cassandra Chaney, Leanne (Matt) Minor and Michael Whitmarsh; 21 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters Penny (Jerry) Koontz and Carla Tuomala; brothers Harry (Janet) Stahl, Bernie (Carol) Stahl, Roy (Faye) Tuomala Jr. and Reino (Teri) Tuomala; and her angels that provided special care and love, Robert Chaney III and Brookelynn Fentress.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; stepfather; husband Michael Whitmarsh; sister, Ruth; and a granddaughter, Ann.

Nancy “Sue” Kelley, 77, of Babbitt passed away at her residence Thursday, June 21, 2018. She was born April 26, 1941 to Frank and Norma (Perry) Wiler.
Sue grew up in Hill City, MN and married Sherman Kelley on Dec. 12, 1960. They moved to rural Babbitt and raised their family. Sue loved to camp and fish and they would travel with friends and neighbors to different camp grounds with their kids. Leech Lake was an annual gathering for their family. She also loved to read.
Sue is survived by daughter Jackie Kelley of Hastings, MN; grandchildren Anna and Sam Kelley of Duluth; sister Cindy (Bill) Holm of Grand Rapids, MN; brothers Earl Lamke of Buhl and Dennis Wiler of Forest Lake, MN; numerous nieces and nephews; neighbors and family friends Rachel and Ben Thomatz.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Sherman in 2013 and son Steven in 2008; and brother Frank in 2016.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, June 28, 2018 in Argo Cemetery, Babbitt with Rev. Donald Schmiege officiating.
Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

Family and friends - please join us for the
Funeral mass for
Mary Mavetz
2pm on Thursday, July 5
at St. Anthony’s
Catholic Church
Help our family to celebrate
a life well lived and the
end of an era
at 6pm at the Long branch
in Winton on
July 5.
We would love to hear your stories to help us honor
with joy a life well lived!
===============================

Karon Kay (Stone) Krause, Show Low, Arizona, was released from her seven year battle with multiple cancers to meet her Lord and Savior on the evening of June 24, 2018. Karon passed peacefully with her husband Duane Krause at her bed side. Hospice Compassus nurses and staff monitored and assisted making her comfortable at life’s end.
Karon was born in July of 1943, born Karon Kay Stone in Downey, California where her father built Liberty ships during WWII. Upon war’s end the family move back home to Wall, South Dakota. Karon lived one block from the famous Wall Drug Store and worked there from grade school through high school. She was active on the cheer squad and other school activities.
She became a beautician applying her skills at Stewarts House of Beauty in Rapid City, SD. She met her husband Duane in Rapid City and they married in August of 1965 at the Wall Methodist Church. When Duane separated from USAF duty they moved to Minnesota. Karon and Duane remodeled an old grocery store and opened The Chalet Salon, an eight operator shop, in Ely, Minnesota in 1971 which also housed the first women’s only exercise room on the Minnesota Iron Range.
The family grew with two sons and moved to Arizona in 1983. Karon became the Director of Charitable and Non-Profit Research for the Better Business Bureau of Phoenix working closely with a law enforcement task force, including FBI and our attorney general along with the legislature for fifteen years. She appeared often on television news cautioning the public on charity scams.
The boys grown, Karon and Duane moved to Maine for a short time then to Tucson where she worked for a national health insurance provider and Duane managed southern Arizona’s largest retirement community. They camped in their RV in the White Mountains for 35 years and fell in love with the area. They retired and moved to Show Low, Arizona in 2015. Karon excelled at arts and crafts, sewing and quilting. Karon was a true patriot and she was an active member of American Legion Post 102 Auxiliary in Tucson. She was also an active member of the Better Half Notes, the Auxiliary for the High Country Barbershop Chorus in Show Low for many years.
Karon is succeeded by her husband of 53 years, Duane Krause; sons, Christopher (Holly) Krause of Phoenix, Arizona and Jeremy Krause of Glendale, Arizona; three grandchildren, Caleb (Samantha) Krause of Pinetop, Arizona, Aiden and Nathaniel Krause of Flagstaff, Arizona; one brother, Gary (Katherine) Stone of Strassburg, Colorado and by several nieces and nephews.
Karon (Stone) Krause was preceded in death by her parents, Vere and Mary (Olsen) Stone of Wall, South Dakota.
Prior to her passing Karon requested that her husband deliver thank you cards to the staff and volunteers at Summit Oncology. Following her passing cards of thanks were sent to the staff of Hospice Compassus in Lakeside, AZ.
A celebration of life is planned for late August or early September to accommodate family work schedules. The venue will be held at Owens Livingston Mortuary~White Mountain Chapel at 320 North 9th St. Show Low, Arizona. Memorial gifts may be made to the White Mountains S.A.F.E. House in Karon’s name.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign our online guest book, we invite you to visit our website at www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.

Cisa Amitrano, 95, of Babbitt, passed away Thursday June 27, 2018, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.
Narcisa Bandoni was born on November 3, 1922, in Viareggio, Italy, the daughter of Maria and Alessandro Bandoni. She had many happy memories of growing up on the Mediterranean Sea and spending time with her sister there in that coastal region.
Cisa met and married John Amitrano during WWII while he was stationed in Italy. She came to the United States in 1947, and lived with her husband and infant son in El Paso, Texas, while he remained in the Army until the early ’50s. At that time her husband was stationed in Korea and Cisa and her children moved to Ely, where she could be closer to her husband’s family. In 1958, they moved to Babbitt, MN, where Cisa lived until going into the nursing home in later life.
Cisa loved her family, bingo, chocolate, reading, crocheting, and sports; especially the Twins and the Vikings. She was gifted with a great sense of humor and a very quick wit, and will be very much missed in our lives.
She is survived by her son, George (Patty), and Patty’s children: Jenny, Jessie, Jack, Ben, Courtney and Autumn, and their children, Tom, Michael, Jacob, Camilo, Vanessa, Henry, Luke, Paul, Claire, Philip, Nicholas and Kate; her grandson, Michael Sjoquist of Babbitt; six great grandchildren: Danielle, Kristen, Jonathan, Beverly, Thomas and Brandon; and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John; daughter, Donnatella; granddaughter, Lori; infant son, Michael, and her sister, Aurora.
Cisa’s Mass and funeral will be held at St. Pius X in Babbitt on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, at 11 a.m. Family arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Allen Kosir passed away on June 28, 2018 while at Bethany Skilled Care in Fargo, ND. Allen worked for 30 years at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park and enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and fishing. Allen married Mary Cazin on August 7, 1976 and they have one son Michael (Kristen) and grandson Colin. Surviving siblings are Susan (Jerel) Lamoureux, Martin (Marilyn) Kosir, Vance Kosir, and Lorene (Scott) Johnson. He had many good friends and a number of nieces and nephews. He will be missed.
Funeral services will be held Monday, July 2 at 11 a.m. at St .Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, MN.
Family arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Anne Krmpotich, 59, of North Oaks passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2018. With her were her daughters she adored, Katherine Marolt and Abigail Marolt, and her spouse, the love of her life and best friend for over 40 years, Dr. Robert Marolt. She is also survived by her mother Constance, sister Patricia Carlson, and brothers Michael and Mark. She was preceded in death by her father Frank.
Anne grew up in Ely MN, and developed an early love of nature, animals, sled dog racing and fishing. Later in life she took up tennis and discovered a whole new world of activity, competition, and a wonderful network of friends. She and Bob loved to travel together, and she always made sure that the next adventure was planned well in advance. Her love of reading was passed on to her girls.
Anne graduated with a degree in accounting from the College of St. Catherine in 1981 and had a rewarding career that spanned 37 years, most recently with Guidant/Boston Scientific and Land O Lakes. She possessed the rare combination of exemplary analytical and people skills. As a leader she cared deeply about the people with whom she worked. Her decision to put her career on hold to spend more time raising her family in the early 2000s was typical of her selflessness.
There will be a gathering of friends and family to celebrate Anne’s life at Bradshaw White Bear, 4600 Greenhaven Dr. at HWY 96 on Sunday July 8, visitation at 1 pm and service at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Pine Tree Apple Classic Fund for children’s cancer research.

Richard W Olson, 74, of Ely passed away on July 2, 2018. Funeral mass services will be held on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely at 10:30 A.M. with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Roman John (John) Reichensperger, Jr., 82, of Ely, Minnesota and San Antonio, Texas passed away peacefully in the arms of his wife on June 30, 2018 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, Minnesota. John had battled Hodgkins Lymphoma for 20 years.
There will be a gathering to celebrate John’s life at their lake home on Eagles’s Nest Lake #3 on Sunday, July 8, at 12:30 PM. Formal funeral services will be held later in July in San Antonio, Texas. Burial will follow in late July at the Reichensperger family plot in St. Joseph, Minnesota.
John was born to Roman and Theresa Reichensperger on January 20, 1936 in Waite Park, MN. He graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School and furthered his studies at IBM, Honeywell, US Federal Emergency Management Institute and was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve.
He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus until his passing, and was a member of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas. He owned and operated a business in Ely, MN for many years. In Ely, John was the director of Emergency Management, and a member of the Eagles Nest Township fire department. He was a past president of the Rotary Club in Ely. After a move to Superior, WI in 1992, he was the Director of Emergency Management for the City of Superior as well as Douglas County. He was also a Deputy Sheriff for Douglas County, WI.
Retirement just wasn’t for him, so he continued on with is Emergency Management working for FEMA on deployment for federal emergencies. He also became a reservist for the Department of Homeland Security.
He truly enjoyed his time with his grandchildren, fishing, traveling, woodworking and motorcycling.
John was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Frederick, his sister Julienne Schreifels, and his first wife, Mary Erchul Reichensperger.
John is survived by his loving wife, Karen, sons Robert (Jodi), Thomas (Theresa), and daughter Anne (Greg) Flaim, stepdaughter Andrea Mokros (Brian Dare), and stepson Peter (Melissa) Mokros. He is survived by brothers Charles (Connie), and Eugenio (Cathy). John is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Duane (Jenny), Chad (Mallory), Elizabeth (Jason) Curtis, Robert Jr., Samantha, Hannah, Greyson, Nathan, Chester Mokros, Tigue and Shane Dare, and great-grandchildren, Tatum, Pejah, Kyla, Brayden, Emerson, Gabriel, and Conor Dare.
The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to The Solvay Hospice House in Duluth and the Ely Area Hospice Program for providing exceptional care as well as providing comfort and support to our family during this time.

Deon Lynn (Thomas) LaSart, 69, of Embarrass, passed away June 29, 2018 at Miller Dwan in Duluth.
She grew up in Crosby-Ironton, MN. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Clayton LaSart, and their children: Clayton James of Spring Hill, KS; Lonnie Mathew of Babbitt; Craig Joseph of Gilbert; a sister, Eleanor Kahl of Deerwood, MN; brother Nolan Thomas of Mesa, AZ and many nieces , nephews and grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceded in death by her parents: Arthur “Ralph” Thomas and Myrtle Eleanor Thomas, and sisters: Marilyn Seavey, Sharon Beddow,, Susan Leach and Leora Wynn.
The funeral will held at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 6. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Richard (Dick) Olson, 74, of Ely passed away on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital.
Dick was born in Ely on December 16, 1943 to Eino and Mayme Olson. He grew up in Winton and graduated from Ely Memorial High School. In 1967, he married Phyllis Koschak and together they raised a son, Brad, and daughter Sarah. Dick retired from North Shore after 32 years in the mining industry as a welder.
He was quite an outdoorsman and spent his time snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, and trapping. He enjoyed spending time at his hunting shack, often bringing his children or grandchildren along to share his love of the outdoors with them. He always looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Crooked Lake with his son Brad and grandson Nick.
He is survived by his wife Phyllis of 50 years, son Brad (Wendy) of Alexandria, daughter Sarah (Joe) Mattson of Britt and grandchildren Megan, Nick, and Tony Olson, Annikka, Maija, and Wyatt Mattson, and his furry friend Duke, siblings Bob (Pat) Olson of Ely, Shirley Lundgren of Babbit, Karen (Tom) Koivisto of Ely and several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by two AFS daughters. Beatrice Schaer of Switzerland and Monika Vachlavova of Slovakia, and special fishing and snowmobiling friend Dave Martilla.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Ray.
His mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday July 5 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church with visitation one hour prior to the mass. Funeral arrangements are with Kerntz Funeral Home.

Lorraine Margaret Jaeger, 87, of Babbitt, died on Tuesday, July 3, 2018 with her family by her side. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

The memorial service for Mildred Wirta, 98 of Wadena, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 13, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Wadena with Pastor Meltzer presiding. Visitation with the family will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
Mildred was born to Walter and Mary (Mattela) Niemela May 21, 1920 in Biwabik, MN. Mildred Amanda Niemela was united in marriage with Eino Wirta March 8th, 1947 in Ely MN, where they resided for many years.
Mildred was a long time active member at First Lutheran Church of Ely, and she enjoyed serving on various committees. She found joy in spending time with her family, quilting, knitting, embroidering, baking, gardening, playing cards and Farkel.
In May 2015, Mildred moved from Ely to Fair Oaks Lodge in Wadena, where she lived until July 7, 2018, when she died peacefully and entered into God’s Kingdom of Glory.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Eino; sisters: Minerva and Marian; and nephew David Brown.
She is survived by her son, Richard (Susan) Wirta; grandchildren: Eric (Holly) Wirta, Jason (Melissa) Truax and Tonia Auerbach; great-grandchildren: Ryan Wirta, Kaylee Wirta, Blake Wirta, Benjamin Truax, Reese Truax, Madeline Auerbach, Charlotte Auerbach and Elizabeth Auerbach; nephews: John (Marge) Brown and family, Inga Brown and family, Tom (Linda) Brown and family; along with cousins, and a close family friend and care giver, Bill Grivette.
Honorary urn bearers will be Mildred’s grandchildren.
Burial will be held in the Ely Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21.
Memorials may be directed to First Lutheran Church in Ely, (915 E Camp St, Ely, MN 55731).
Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services Wadena, MN (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)

James (Jimmy) Howard Tuomala, 58, passed from this world to his new home in heaven on July 5, 2018 at the Ely Bloomenson Hospital following a hard battle with cancer. He was born in Ely on June 25, 1960, to Michael and Violet (Korpi) Tuomala. He graduated from the Ely Memorial High School, served in the Army National Guard, worked as a manager of a sawmill, and working several capacities, most recently as a supervisor at the North Shore Mine. He spent his spare time studying. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science (computer), and a Master of Applied Sciences (psychology). Jim’s unfulfilled dream was to become a counselor. He was a member of the Ely Baptist Church and the Masons organization. Jim was passionate about politics, making several bids for public office. Jim had a violin and taught himself to play. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, skiing, snow shoeing, and walking, riding his motorcycle, and driving his truck with his furry riding partners “Herbie” and “Eddie”. He had a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor. He was a kind and gentle soul.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Patrick, nephew Kevin Kvien, niece Pam Walton, and great nephew Silas Kvien.
He is survived by five siblings: Michael (Sandy) Tuomala of Eveleth, Marian (Armin) Kvien of Carlton, Bonnie (William) Kobe of Dillon, MT, Sara Cherne of Duluth, and Karen Tuomala of Cloquet; sister-in-law, Cheryl Tuomala; three aunts: Bernice Price of Cloquet, Lillian Forcier of Aptos, CA, and Anne Korpi of Mpls; one uncle: Ken Billick of Waterloo, Iowa, five nieces,seven nephews, many cousins, his good friend Joe, and many other friends.
A memorial service will be held at the Ledgerock Community Church in Ely at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 13. Pastor Gary Watts will officiate. A family burial will take place at a later time. Family services by Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

Augusta “Meta” Murphy, 79, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 8, 2018. Meta was born April 9, 1939 in Hannibal, Wisconsin to Earl and Meta Cornwell. She was eleventh of 14 brothers and sisters. Meta married the love of her life, Wayne Murphy, May 21, 1955.
She truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; spending time with her large family, visiting with friends and baking. She always wore a smile on her face. She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She was always thinking of others first. To know her was to love her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.
Meta leaves to cherish her loving memory, her husband and best friend of 63 years, Wayne; her children: LaVerne (Jere) Murphy, Marcella (Alan) Hart, JoLynn (Jeffrey) Arntz;; her grandchildren: Eric (Janelle) Hart, Melissa (Dan) Hart, Amber (Adam) Bose, Autumn Arntz (Patrick Boedeker), Janae Murphy, and Dawson Murphy; her great grandchildren: Gunnar Hart, Sabrah Hart, Talan Hart, Laydan Hart, Ryker Hart, and Ari Hart; her siblings: Vera l (Wallace)Kueh, Vernon (Avis) Cornwell, Leland (Ruth) Cornwell, Gladys Mabie, Herbert (Deb) Cornwell, Lois Hartshorn, and Phyllis Mabie; her sister-in-laws: Dolores Cornwell, Betty (LaVon) Johnston, Esther Murphy, and Caroline Murphy; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents Earl and Meta Cornwell and her siblings Amelia Forster, Frieda Klapatauskas, Calvin Cornwell, Eva Buskirk, Earl Cornwell, David Cornwell, along with many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Per Meta’s request, no funeral will be held. There will be a private family celebration of life.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Elizabeth “Bette” Nelson, 86, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, took the Lord’s hand and passed away peacefully on the morning of July 1, 2018 at her home in Green Valley, AZ surrounded by the love of her five children to whom she was endlessly devoted.
Born October 18, 1931 in Oklee, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Evelyn Gibeau. Bette graduated from Oklee High School in 1949, and married Vearl Nelson (also of Oklee) in 1952. The Nelson’s raised their children in Duluth and Ely, Minnesota and began spending time in Green Valley in 1985.
Bette is survived by her loving children Nancy (Len), Berger Cherie Rozier, Mark (Dann), Scott (Roblee), Lisa (Joe), Klonne 10 grandchildren, Kristen Musich, Kyle and Brett Rozier, Dan Nelson, Kaitlyn and Paige Nelson, Josh, Zach, Nick, and Lucas Klonne, sister Jane Dufault, her very dear friend, Margot Beland, and many other great friends.
Bette is preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Vearl, and daughter Peggy Jo, as well as her parents, and brothers Gerald and Roland (Joe) Gibeau.
Bette was a devoted mother and a friend to many people. Throughout her life, she enjoyed cooking, baking, golfing, volunteering and spending time with her children.
She will be deeply missed by friends, family, neighbors, and all those who knew her.
A memorial service was held on July 5, 2018 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, AZ.
Family, friends, and others whose lives Bette touched are invited to attend her Celebration of Life in Ely, MN. A graveside service will be held at the Ely Cemetery on Saturday, September 1 at 2:30 p.m. followed by a reception at the Grand Ely Lodge from 3 - 6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice Family Care of Green Valley at 275 W. Continental Road, Suite 195, Green Valley Arizona 85622.

A memorial service for Amelia "Molly" Hill of Ely, will be held on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Ely United Methodist Church at 11:00 A.M. with a gathering of family and friends taking place one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family prefers a donation to Northwoods Partners. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.