William (Bill) Ojala, 84, of Baxter passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019 at Senior Class Care in Pequot Lakes. Bill was born April 20, 1935 in Ely, MN to Esther (Riikola) and Taito Ojala. Upon graduation from Ely High School, he attended Ely Junior College and received his Associate in Science degree in 1955. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in 1960 at University of Duluth and then a Master of Science Degree at Bemidji State College in 1965. He married Sena Kor in June of 1958. They lived in Bemidj where he taught High School Biology for 13 years. In 1971 he moved his family to Brainerd where he was employed as a job counselor at Rural MN~CEP until his retirement. He enjoyed walks in the woods, reading and music. He could tell you the name of any tree, plant, or bird that he saw.
He is survived by his three children: Colleen (Jim) Cutkay, Cheryl (Craig) Hansen, Dan Ojala, eight grandchildren: Sarah (Jason) Johnson, Andy (Stephanie) Cutkay, Joe (Tabitha) Cutkay, Brandon Oppelt, Kelly (Joe) Masberg, Luke Ojala, Brad (Britnay) Ojala, Charolette (Mike) Bean, 10 great grandchildren, his brother John (Kathy) Ojala of Ely, nephew, Jon Ojala of Ely, sisters-in-law, Jean (Jerry) Fulton and Henrietta (Jim)VanHyfte and their families. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Sena, his parents and sisters Ardis Kepler and Marjorie Brady.

Robert G Cooper II passed away on May 12, 2019 in Ely. He was born October 15, 1947, in Indiana and made a living in construction. When he moved to Ely in the summer of 2001, he settled here to enjoy nature and pursue his passion for photography. In his latter years, he lived a more solitary life, but always had friends who cared for him and will miss him. His confession of faith in Jesus carried him through the health issues he faced, and that relationship with Jesus gave him comfort and a hope in this life, and in the life to come.

Joanne E. Zahn, 84, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. Joanne Zahn was ushered into glory on Saturday, June 8, 2019, during her stay at the Solvay House in Duluth, Minnesota, with her faithful husband Dick by her side.
Joanne was born to Melvin and Hazel Carlson on July 7, 1934, in Fahlun Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota. She graduated from Atwater High School in 1952. She was working for Title Insurance Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota.During this time she met her husband Dick on a blind date. They were married at Atwater Lutheran Church on July 27, 1957.
Over the next 62 years they enjoyed many adventures together as a military family. Their first home was in Newport., Rhode Island until Dick was transferred to the USS Hull DD-945 destroyer in San Diego, California. They moved several times, from the Great Lakes and back to the west coast until 1968 when Dick’s final duty station was Joplin, Missouri.
When Dick retired from the United States Navy in 1972, they moved to Ely, then to San Antonio, and finally back to Ely in 1993.
Joanne had worked in retail and for the school both in San Antonio and in Ely. She was known as Grandma to many of the kids on the playground because of her kind and caring spirit.
She was proud of her husband Dick’s service to our country. She loved tending to her flowers, entertaining, and giving to others. She was compassionate and generous to all who knew her. She had a deep faith in God. She trusted God through her skin, breast, and finally bladder cancer and knew where she was going after she passed.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Wayne and Jim, and her granddaughter Hannah Jo.
She is survived by her husband Dick, daughters Pamela (Grant) Netzer and Wendy (Mike) Sibley; grandchildren, Chrissy (Aric) Schumacher, Silas (Heather) Simone, Athena (Alex) Simone, Nathan Baseman and Chantal (Brady) Netzer; great-grandchildren Hailey, Allison, Margaret, Hazel, Ruth, Michael and Haddie.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Ledgerock Community Church with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Eloise V. Smith, 89, of Babbitt, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Karen M. Oreskovich, 75, of Ely, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Helen Kolberg passed away on June 10, 2019, with her loving family by her side, after a short illness. She was born on the 4th of July, 1930, in Ely, Minnesota. Her parents, Jacob and Anna Maki, were both immigrants from Finland. She truly enjoyed her birthday every year with marching bands and picnics!
She graduated from Ely High School in 1948, and enrolled in nursing school at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. She graduated from there, in 1951, and began her nursing career.
During her nursing school summer break in 1950, while working as a cabin girl at a fly-in resort in the Minnesota Boundary Waters area, she met her husband Anton (Spike) Kolberg, who was working there as a fishing guide. They married in 1951 and spent 54 years together.
After they were married, they moved to Baltimore, MD, where Helen worked at Cedar Sinai Hospital in the maternity unit, while her husband, Spike, worked on Merchant Marine ships. After one year there, they saved enough money to move back to Rhinelander and start the process of building a log home in the town of Crescent. Spike and his father built the log house that Helen lived in until her death.
Her life was filled with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was fortunate to have her family in Rhinelander who helped her out immeasurably, so that she could stay in her own home.
While raising four girls, Helen was employed at Saint Mary’s Hospital, Rhinelander, WI, in the obstetrics department for thirty five years. She worked nights and retired in 1992. She was recognized at her retirement for assisting with 1,870 deliveries, and only using three sick days during her 35 years there.
Women would see Helen in a store and tell her that she had been the nurse when they delivered their baby. They would thank her for her empathy and kindness when they really needed it. Some women would ask for her when they came to the hospital to deliver their baby with “Where’s Helen? I want Helen!” She saw many souls come into this world.
She is survived by her children, Sherry (Danny) Poler of La Crosse, Rhonda (Richard Cargin) Kolberg-Cargin of Sturgeon Bay, Tina (Mike) Lee of Rhinelander, and Lori (Alvin) Lunzman of Pringle, SD; special grandmother of Stephanie, Omar, Ascension, Lucas, Dustin, Derek, Dylan, and Levi; great grandmother of Gabrielle, Henry, Parker, Harper, Cooper, Rowan, and Theo; and sister-in-law Betty Kolberg. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and special friend Pat Ekman. She was preceded in death by her husband Anton (Spike) Kolberg, her parents, Anna and Jacob, her sisters Emily, Esther, Elsie, and Violet (Theo); and her brothers William, Theodore, Robert, and Einard; her sisters-in-law Mary Goulee, Clarice Kolberg; and brothers-in-law Jon Kolberg, Don Kolberg, and James Goulee.
Special thanks to the staff at Rennes Health and Rehab Center in Rhinelander for the kindness and care shown to Helen during her stay.
A celebration of life will be held to remember Helen, and share our best memories and moments on June 29, 2019, at the Woodpecker Bar and Grill, 6776 Co Rd K, Rhinelander, WI, from 12 Noon to 3 PM.

Bonnie Jo Christensen of Ely, Minnesota, passed away at her home on June 11, 2019. She was born in Ortonville, Minnesota, on October 30, 1950, graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes High School (Mesabi East) in 1968, and received her Bachelors of Science from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, in 1972.
Bonnie loved children and taught elementary education for over 30 years, first in Blue Earth, Minnesota, and then at several sites within school district 2142.
Bonnie is survived by her daughters, Kayla Christensen and Bethany Christensen-Kunz; her sisters, Judy (Tom) Lehtinen, Vicki (Jerry) Baumann, and Jan Shambow; and her brother, Jim Paul. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Bryn, Brentley, Evan, Jordyn, and Tristan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Alice (Thompson) Paul.
Her funeral will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service.
If desired, donations can be made in Bonnie’s memory to Mayo Clinic cancer research.

Lois May Sanford (nee) Purdy, age 96, born in Ely, Minnesota on February 10, 1923, passed away peacefully in her home in Bloomington, Minnesota on Sunday, May 26, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. Preceded in death by her parents, John & Julia Betsy Purdy; Sisters Betty Mattila, Faith Purdy and brother Jack Purdy, all of Ely, Mn; husband, Warren (Bob); daughter and son-in-law Lynn and Tom Cedergren. She is survived by daughter, Janis Sanford Wiegand of Burnsville; son, Dale Sanford of Minneapolis; several grand children and great grandchildren.
Lois was baptized, confirmed and married to Bob at the United Methodist Church of Ely, which she still attended while visiting Ely. Lois grew up on the shores of Shagawa and graduated from Ely Memorial High School where she excelled at all sports and lettered as Captain of the Swim Team.. She met Bob while he was working at the CCC Camp near Ely. They were wed in 1941 and moved to Minneapolis where they raised their family. They returned to Ely often over the next several years to visit friends and family while once again experiencing the beauty of the area.
Funeral Services were held at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington with internment at the Bloomington Cemetery.

George H. Nyman, 88, of Ely, passed away on Friday, May 31, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. George was born on December 29, 1930 in Ely to Arthur and Lillian (Norha) Nyman
George had a love for physics, chemistry, and technology in general. His love of physics and chemistry led him to obtain his teaching degree in these areas and later he earned his Master’s Degree. George was a high school teacher in the Forest Lake School District for 15 years. During this time, his passion for golf led him to be the varsity golf coach. Following his teaching career, George became a Horace Mann insurance agent and moved his family to Grand Rapids, MN in 1968.
George had a love of the outdoors and for many years he was the head of the guide service for Canadian Waters Outfitters in Ely, MN. He led many canoe trips to the Boundary Waters and Quetico Wilderness Area. He and Mavis went on many canoe trips with their family and friends to these areas and passed on his passion for the wilderness to his children and grandchildren. George and Mavis spent their summers on Burntside Lake with their daughters and extended family until 1975 at which time they built their dream cabin on the lake where many family gatherings have taken place over the years.
After George’s retirement, he and Mavis had a home in Sun City Grand, AZ and spent their winters there for 10 years. After 10 years they sold their home in AZ and moved to Burntside Lake for the last 15 years.
George was preceeded in death by his brothers, Arthur and Melvin Nyman and his daughter Carin.
George is survived by his loving wife Mavis of 65 years, his daughter Laura Hoolihan and her special friend Al Gagnon, daughter Claudia LeMahieu and husband Tom, and their 5 grandchildren, Erin Hoolihan Korman, her husband Rob Korman, and son Gabe, Courtney Hoolihan, Conor Hoolihan, Grant LeMahieu and his wife Jamie who are expecting George and Mavis’s first great grandchild in November, Margo LeMahieu and her partner Jacob Feldt, and his dear family friend, Brent Spink. A family memorial service will be held at a later date.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Loretta Zabinski, 94, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 20, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely with a visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Shirley J. Shaw, 83, of Bemidji, passed away in Ely on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Joretta Lee Pollock was born in Hillsboro, Ohio on May 19, 1931. She died on Jan. 8, 2019.
Joretta was a wonderful mother. She was a nurse and years later a ceramic teacher for 20+ years in Ely. She loved cooking, baking and crafts.
Ottis Pollock Jr. was born in Springfield, Ohio on June 2, 1929. He died on Nov. 26, 2012.
He was a good father and a Korean War veteran who was wounded on Porkchop Hill and became a Purple Heart recipient.
Dad love hunting, fishing and his dog Lady.
Mom and dad were married 62 years when dad passed. Their ashes were laid to rest together at Ely cemetery on June 19, 2019.
They will always be loved, missed & never forgotten.
God bless Mom & Dad.

JORETTA LEE POLLOCK was born in Hills- boro, Ohio on May 19, 1931. She died on Jan. 8, 2019.
Joretta was a wonderful mother. She was a nurse and years later a ceramic teacher for 20+ years in Ely. She loved cooking, baking and crafts.
Ottis Pollock Jr. was born in Springfield, Ohio on June 2, 1929. He died on Nov. 26, 2012.
He was a good father and a Korean War veteran who was wounded on Porkchop Hill and became a Purple Heart recipient.
Dad love hunting, fishing and his dog Lady.
Mom and dad were married 62 years when dad passed. Their ashes were laid to rest together at Ely cemetery on June 19, 2019.
They will always be loved, missed & never forgotten.
God bless Mom & Dad.

Barbara Ann (Fredrickson) Tolman, passed away June 15th, 2019 surrounded by her loving family, after a brief stay at the Good Samaritan Society Center in Blackduck. She was taken care of by the wonderful staff of GSSC and Hospice Care.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Solway Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeremiah Holst officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2019 with a Time of Sharing beginning at 7 p.m. at the Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Meadowview Cemetery, Solway.

Barb was born November 8th, 1932 in Solway, to Henry and Bernice (Nicholls) Fredrickson. She grew up and attended elementary school in Solway and graduated from Bemidji High School in 1950. On January 26th, 1952 she married Norman “Tony” Tolman. Together they started their married life in Bemidji. In 1954 they started a farm by Solway, where they raised their 5 children.

Barb worked as a Secretary to the Superintendent of schools in Bemidji until she married. She then worked as bookkeeper at Larson Lumber in Bagley for 30+ years until her retirement in 2002. She enjoyed her garden, flower beds and bird watching. She was an active member of Solway Lutheran Church, helping in the kitchen or serving at any church function. She participated in circle, ladies aid, quilting, homemakers and was known for her Banana Bread.

Barb is survived by her children – Vicki (Dan) Kondos of Ely; Sherri (Carl) Nord of Blackduck; Larry (Vicki) Tolman of Solway; and Robert (JoAnn) Tolman of North Pole, AK; Brothers – Tony (Alice) Fredrickson of Clearbrook, Dennis (Dianna) Fredrickson of Solway. Sisters – Agnes Mickalson of Becida, Donna Pierce/Hegg of Bemidji and Joyce Liend of Bemidji; along with 11 Grandchildren, 28 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-great Grandchild.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Tony; her son Jim; Sister Pearl Elliston; Brothers - Ralph Fredrickson and Fred Fredrickson.

Ladonna Edna Bramley, age 88, of Babbitt, passed away March 15, 2019 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.
She was born November 22, 1930 in Charter Oak, IA to Erwin C. Greene and Edna M. (Nemitz) Greene, the oldest daughter of five children. She was married July 3, 1948 in Long Prairie, MN to Lloyd T. Bramley of Dow City, IA. To this union, six children were blessed: Cynthia, Cheryl, Deborah, Judith, David, and Brian.
Donna was employed by Babbitt Business and Professional Association, Slades Piggly Wiggly, and The First State Bank of Babbitt. Lloyd and Donna were charter members of The Good Shepard Lutheran Church of Babbitt. Donna often said “we take care of our own” and her door was always open to family and friends for a cup of coffee or a meal. Donna was an excellent cook and gardener, second to none. She prepared many of her meals from her beautiful garden, which she planted and tended herself. Many “famous fruits” have come from the garden: Rhubarb Jelly, Pickled Beets, Pickled Cucumbers and Beans, and last but not least, Sauerkraut. Her daily crossword puzzles were her day starter. Donna was a talented bowler in the 1960’s, appearing on “Bowling for Dollars” on TV.
Donna is survived by her children Cynthia (Tim) McPeak, Deborah (Jan) Lahtonen, David Bramley, and Brian (Amy) Bramley, 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, sister Marjorie (Robert) Laukman, sister in law Esther Greene, son in law Les Lingscheit, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by parents Erwin C. Greene & Edna Greene, husband Lloyd T. Bramley, daughters Cheryl Kramer and Judith (Les) Lingscheit, brothers Norman Greene, Erwin (Pete) D. Greene and sister Beverly Knapp.
Her memorial service will be held at the Argo Cemetery, with Pastor Jonathan Varns officiating at 11:00am on July 3, 2019, Mom & Dads 71st Wedding Anniversary. Lunch served at 28 Fern Ct. following the service.

Josephine "Dolly" Grahek, 95, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Frank D. Kerntz, 71, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2019 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. A wake will be held on Tuesday July 9, 2019 from 5-7 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Adolph S. Levar, a proud U.S. Army veteran, passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 12, 2019 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.

Gail Sheddy, 78, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Myron “Mike” Meier, 79, died on April 24, in Austin, MN. His obituary can be read at clasenjordan.com
A celebration of his life will be held in Ely at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 18, at the First Presbyterian Church. The family prefers memorials to our Ely Presbyterian Church or the Northwoods Hospice Respite Partners.