Helen Eleanor Lakner of Ely, MN passed away peacefully with her family by her side on 8/14/2019 at Boundary Water Care Center. She was born on 4/19/1921 in Section 30, Mn. Her parents were John and Hannah Carlson (Ullakko). She was the second to the youngest of 16 children and grew up in Section 30. She had wonderful memories of fishing in the small stream across the road from their home. She attended school in Section 30, Ely, and graduated from Orting, WA High School.
In 1939 she married Albert Lakner and made a home in Winton, MN where they raised their four sons. The family enjoyed fishing, camping, and berry picking. She held many jobs including being a meter reader for the village of Winton, working at both the Winton and Ely Co-ops, and especially loved her job as a nursing assistant at the Ely nursing home.
Later in her life, she and Albert moved back into her family home in Section 30 where she loved spending time in her garden, watching the wildlife and knitting. She was a member of the Ladies of Kalava and part of their singing group, the Winton Community and Garden Club, Winton Canasta Club. She was also part of the Grace Circle at Grace Lutheran Church.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Hannah, and all of her brothers and sisters, her husband Albert and her son Marty.
She is survived by her sons:
William Lakner (Sandie) of Brandywine, MD
James Lakner (Cindy) of Scottsburg, IN
Tom Lakner (Mary) of Columbus, MN
Daughter-In-Law, Nancy Sterbenk (Ted)
Grandchildren:
William, Donald, Micheal, and Jon Lakner
Barney Lakner, Jodi Lakner
Patrick Lakner and Jennifer Nichols
Many Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren.
Arrangements:
Visitation at 2 p.m. and Service at 3 p.m. on Friday August 16, 2019
Grace Lutheran Church
301 E Conan
Ely, Minnesota, 55731
Memorials to Grace Lutheran Campership Fund

Dolores Rom, 89, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, August 11, 2019 in Virginia. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely at 11:30 A.M. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Arthur G. Moats, 87, passed away August 15, 2019 at his residence. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

LTC Jack Seliskar, USA Retired
November 26, 1927 – May 25, 2019
Carmel Valley, California

Jack Seliskar, age 91, was born in Winton, Minnesota to August and Olga Seliskar. Upon graduation from Ely Memorial High School in 1946, Jack enlisted in the Marines for 2 years. In September, 1950, he was recalled to active duty with the Army Reserve Unit from Ely. While stationed at Ft. Ord in 1951, he met his wife, Marie Forzani.
While assigned as an Infantry Platoon Leader during the Korean conflict, Jack was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart. The Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, and Legion of Merit were awarded while serving 2 tours in Vietnam. Jack served his county proudly and with honor during his 24 years of service. He later retired from the California Department of Corrections.
Jack was preceded in death by his brother August Seliskar Jr.
Jack is survived by Marie, his devoted wife of 67 years, and three children: Jacki (Greg) Orton, Groveland, CA, Michael Seliskar, Naples, FL, and Alicia (Victor Rodriguez) Seliskar; two grandchildren, Lilliana and Victor Jr. He is also survived by this sister, Judy (John) Iten of Shokopee.
Per Jack’s request, there will not be a memorial service.
Visit www.thepaulmortuary.com for guest book.

David W. Crockett, 80, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Gerald “Bud” Adamic, 95, of Ely, a proud World War II veteran, passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Arthur Grant Moats, aged 87 of Ely, Minnesota, passed away August 15th peacefully in the comfort of his own home on Bumtside Lake. Arthur was surrounded by the loving arms of family during his illness and at the time of his death.
Arthur is survived by his daughter, JoAnn (Ted) Bilben of Ely, son David of Duluth, son Michael (Cheryl) of Larimore, North Dakota, sister Joyce (Bob) Mattila of Ely, and daughter­-in-law Lisa Moats of Aurora, Minnesota. He will be deeply missed by his loving grandchildren: Ryan, Bobby, Bryana, Kayla, Dana, Erica, Jennifer, Michael Jr. and great grand-children Jada, Jackson, Jered, Garrett, Jordyn, Dominick, River, Aowyn, Keeley, Kyan, Asher, Abby, Izzy, Kailyn, Kiptyn, Eliana and Ridge.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and LaNetta, his wife Valerie of 62 years, and son Robert.
Arthur was employed by Zenith Mine in Ely and Erie Mining Company in Hoyt Lakes and Babbitt.
After living in Illinois for most of his childhood, Arthur’s family started vacationing in northern Minnesota, their favorite area being Ely. They decided to relocate to Duluth where they established and owned a Harley Davidson dealership. In 1951 the Moats family moved to Ely and built a resort with eleven cabins on the East Arm of Burntside Lake. Moats Resort was owned and operated over the past 30 years by Arthur and his wife, Valerie.
To all the lives he’s touched, Arthur will be remembered fondly for his caring, kind and gentle soul. A gathering of immediate family and close friends was held at the lake on August 17th.

Michael W. Lettow, 60, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Gerald (Bud) Joseph Adamic, age 95 of Ely, MN passed away peacefully at 5:15 August 22nd. His funeral services will be held September 14th at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony’s Catholic church in Ely.
Bud was born January 23, 1924 to Joseph and Eda (Perino) Adamic in Gilbert, MN, moving to Chisholm, MN when he was 2. There he later met the love of his life, Doris Pagliaccetti. They were joined in marriage August 28, 1948, and had been married just 6 days shy of 71 years.
He is survived by his wife Doris, children; Geraldine (Frank) Lahti, Joel (Deb) Adamic, Barbara (Randy) Neumann and Martina (David) Jarecki, 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He was a kind, gentle and loving man. A very devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be greatly missed.
In his time in Ely, he was a member of the Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and the City Council. He was an Industrial Arts teacher and carpenter, receiving his degrees from Dunwoody and St. Cloud State. He loved hockey, playing on the St. Cloud Huskies Hockey team and later being a assistant high school hockey coach. He was a proud WWII veteran, being a photographer and rear gunner on the B17 bomber. His other love was golfing – spending many hours helping to clear the land for the modified Ely golf course and playing every chance he got. After retirement he and Doris spent their winters in Mesa, AZ.
He was preceded in death by his daughter Mary Elizabeth, infant son, mother, father, sister Genevive Brown, and brother Duane Adamic.

Nancy Lee Swanson was born on March 3, 1948 died on August 5, 2019.
She precedes her mother, Gladys and father, Michael Santeramo, and her brother, Michael David Santeramo. Survived by brother, Roger (Sue) Santeramo of Arizona.
Nancy came to Minnesota in her twenties from Colorado. She brought with her, her two daughters, Rebecca Orcutt (Brian Orcutt) of Babbitt and Kerrie Ann Johnson (Joseph Johnson) of Walla Walla, Washington. Nancy met and married Larry Swanson in August 1974. They had their youngest daughter, Stacy Swanson of Babbitt.
Nancy loved fishing, hunting, playing bingo, shopping, watching football and Nascar.
She and Larry shared many adventures together on Basswood. She loved cooking and taught her girls how to cook and can foods. I know we will cherish all those memories and traditions.
She took a great deal of pride in her family, her home and garden.
Nancy had five grandchildren, Brittney Tuura of Tower, Tristen Tuura of Tower, Joseph Johnson of Walla Walla, Amber Rose Johnson of Walla Walla, Tanner Lee Aho of Babbitt.
Nancy also had two great grandchildren, Kyler and Hayden. Nancy is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thank you for your support, flowers, prayers and for celebrating Mom’s life with us at the Hideaway on August 10, 2019. Mom was watching down with great pride and love for all her friends and family.

Kraig J. Kalan, 52, longtime Superior resident, died peacefully, Thursday, August 29, 2019 surrounded by his family at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN.
He was born in St. Paul, MN, October 21, 1966, the son of Rudolph and Carol (Breitbach) Kalan.
He graduated from Coon Rapids High School in 1985 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.
Kraig married Theresa “Terri” Champaigne on April 25, 1992 and they celebrated twenty-seven years of marriage before his passing.
He was employed as an auto finance manager for Krenzen Auto, Inc. for many years.
He was a member of Holy Assumption Catholic Church in Superior, and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed golf and was a longtime member of the Nemadji Mens Club.
Kraig is survived by his beloved wife, Theresa “Terri”; son, Cameron Kalan; daughter, Erica Champaigne; granddaughter, Isabella Zielinski; parents, Carol and Rudy Kalan; sisters, Kirstin (John) Adkins and Nicole (Brad) Nelson; brothers, Mark (Suzanne) Kalan and John (Kim) Kalan; father-in-law, Tom (Cathy) Champaigne; father-in-law, George Oesterreich; and brother-in-law, Tom (Robbin) Champaigne.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Rudolph and Clare Kalan; maternal grandparents, Irvin and Rita Breitbach; and mother-in-law, Jean Oesterreich.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at Holy Assumption Catholic Church, 5601 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI, and will continue until the 1:00 PM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Ronald Olson and Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci concelebrating the Mass.
Burial will be in Ely, MN at a later date.
Should friends desire, memorial may be made in Kraig’s name to: Catch Your Moment Foundation, via their website at www.catchyourmoment.org, or Solvay Hospice House, Miller-Dwan Foundation, 502 E. 2nd Street, Duluth, MN 55805
The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.

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James J. Mehle Sr., 76, of Hibbing passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at Fairview Range Medical Center. He was born on December 18, 1942 to John and Frances (Mikolich) Mehle in Ely. He was a 1961 graduate of the Ely Memorial High School. After graduating, Jim served in the U.S. Army as Sergeant and was once stationed in Germany. While on leave, he had the opportunity to visit relatives and the ancestral family home of his grandfather, Johan, in Slovenia. Jim had a 33-year career with Eveleth Taconite and retired in 1998. Jim was united in marriage to Donna Mehle on May 9, 1999.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family, being outdoors, and watching wildlife. He was an avid fisherman and loved to go camping and hunting. Jim was also very skilled in carpentry, plumbing, and completing many remodeling projects in his homes over the years. He was very proud to have taken the time to make sure everything was perfectly level and square. Jim’s great sense of humor and quick wittedness will be greatly missed by family, friends, and acquaintances.

Jim is survived by his children, James (Jill) Mehle Jr. of Otsego, MN, Paul (Jolene) Mehle of Lakeville, MN, Pam (Jason) Liestman of Becker, MN, and Christy (Andy) Berndt of St. Michael, MN; stepchildren, Christy (Christopher) Peterson, and Michael Tuomi; siblings, Michael (Jan) Mehle of Minnetonka, MN, and Robert (Jayme) Mehle, Maple Grove, MN; grandchildren, Jamae (Bill) Halluska, Justine Mehle, Mikayla Mehle, Matt (Brittany) Mehle, Garrett Mehle, Mari Liestman, Jacob Liestman, Jayna Berndt, Griffin Berndt, and Jace Berndt; great-grandchildren, Billy, Presley, Josephine, Daweslyn, Brooklyn, and Parker; step grandchildren, RayAnna Peterson, Kaitlyn Peterson, and Logan Peterson; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances; wife, Donna; siblings, Rosemary (Jim) Hill, Ray (Val) Mehle, and two infant sisters.

A Celebration of Life open-house gathering will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 3-5 p.m. at the Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, MN. Memorials may be sent c/o Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing, MN.

To leave an online message of condolence, please visit us at
www.doughertyofhibbing.com.

Laurence McLaughlin Smith, 82, of Coralville died of cardiac failure on Monday, August 26, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospital.
Laurence “Larry” Smith was born October 2, 1936, in Nevada, Iowa, the son of Laurence and Helen (Gottschalk) Smith. Growing up in Coon Rapids with his younger sister Nancy, Larry was “bright and cute as a button.” He played basketball and worked in an ice cream parlor during high school.
He went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity (and was reportedly a less-than-serious student). Upon graduating, Larry accepted his first teaching position at a junior high in Grinnell, Iowa. When he moved on to his next job in California, Larry took the scenic route, by way of Tucson, to drop off 18-year-old Judith Howe at the University of Arizona. The two were married in January of 1961 and welcomed their first child, Kevin, later that year. Larry decided to get a master’s degree from Iowa while he, Judy and Kevin lived in student housing on campus.
Larry’s work took the young family to Omaha, where he completed his doctorate degree at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Son Stephen was born in Omaha in 1964. Diagnosed with a rare chromosomal disorder, Stevie exceeded medical, social, and cognitive expectations for all of his 43 years.
Subsequent career moves included positions as an assistant professor at the University of Arizona and principal at Minnetonka High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Son Nile was born shortly after the family moved to Minnetonka in 1972. Larry’s Ph.D. earned him the nickname “Doc” among his students, faculty and friends at Minnetonka.
Returning to Iowa City in 1984 following his retirement from Minnetonka, Larry took a position as academic advisor for incoming freshmen at the University while Judy helped his mother run the Blue Top Motel, a local landmark. The family spent nearly 50 summers in Ely, Minnesota, where Larry’s parents owned a cabin on Burntside Lake.
Among his accomplishments, Larry maintained sobriety for 37 years and was always available to counsel young people and families struggling with addiction. He maintained deep relationships with his advisees that include student athletes, many of whom became like family to Larry and Judy. He also became acquainted with a student from China, Patricia Wong and promised her father he’d look after her. Decades later, Larry and Judy remain her honorary godparents.
For better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, Judy was Larry’s foundation and soul mate. This was never more apparent than in Larry’s final weeks when he continued to reach for her hand as the two shared the couch.
In addition to his wife, Judith of Coralville; survivors include sons, Kevin (Cynthia) Smith of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and Nile (Lisa) Smith of Evergreen, Colorado; god daughter, Patricia Wong of Danville, California; grandsons, Derek, Connor, Tristan, Owen, and Wyatt Smith; god daughter, Mei Ling Wong; and sister, Nancy Robinson of Bellingham, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Stephen.

A celebration of life will be held from 1-4 PM, with a service at 2 PM, Saturday September 21, 2019 at the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame, 2425 Prairie Meadow Dr, Iowa City, IA 52242. All are invited. The date was selected because it’s a football bye week so there’s no excuse not to show up to celebrate a great human and Hawkeye.
Donations may be made to the Stephen Smith “Keep on Moving’” Fund at Systems Unlimited in Iowa City. Private burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Iowa City.
On-line condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.

Edwin Nilsen “Ed”, 80 of Watertown passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 with his family by his side.
Ed was born on February 20, 1939 in Bergen, Norway the son of Ole and Ruth Nilsen. Ed married the love of his life Mary Kotchevar on July 22, 1961 in Ely, Minnesota and the couple enjoyed 58 years of marriage. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years. Ed worked most of his life as an industrial engineer for multiple companies and was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown. In Ed’s free time he enjoyed golfing, working on crossword puzzles, watching a good war movie, and was well known for his jokes and stories. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; he will be dearly missed by those who were blessed to have known him.
Ed is survived by his wife Mary, children: Brian (Pandora) Nilsen of McKinney, Texas; Mark (Ammie) Nilsen of Grants Pass, Oregon; Renee Nilsen of Watertown; and Terri (Billy) Singleton of Dousman. Five Grandchildren: Nicolette; Breanna; Katelyn; Rebecca, and Emma. He is also survived by a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jan, and sister Karin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 at St. Henry’s Catholic Church with Fr. Patrick Wendler presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of service.
Pederson-Nowatka Funeral Homes is caring for the family. To place an online condolence please visit www.pn-fh.com

Marilynn E. Pelkey, 78, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Babbitt with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Marilynn Elizabeth Pelkey, age 78, of Babbitt, passed away September 6, 2019 at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely, MN surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born September 14, 1940 in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada to Rev. William and Elizabeth (Knack) Krueger, the oldest daughter of four children.
She was married December 5, 1959 in Marble, MN to Clarence E. Pelkey of Pengilly, MN. To this union, four children were blessed: Mark, Sheree, Susan and Kay.
Marilynn graduated from Greenway High School and attended Duluth School of Beauty Culture. Marilynn was an on-going active member of The Good Shepard Lutheran Church community: Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Ladies Aide, Altar Guild, Cradle Roll and Vacation Bible School. Her hobbies included knitting, gardening and crafts. She had collections of spoons, Precious Moments, baskets and angels. She enjoyed cooking, camping, dancing, roller-skating and being a “snowbird” in Lake Havasu, AZ. She enjoyed doing circle word books, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and playing penny slot machines. She loved hummingbirds, the color red, roses, country music and her grand-dog Sandy.
Marilynn is survived by her beloved husband of almost 60 years Clarence, her children Mark (Heidi) Pelkey, Sheree (Dean) Coan, Susan (Tony) Erni and Kay (Larry) Gregg, five grandchildren Amber (Ryan) Diebold, Dennis (Kassi) Coan, Sara (Eric) Milbridge, Genoa and Benjamin, and two great-grandchildren River and Huntleigh, her sister Kathy (Mike Doud) Sliva, brother Brent (Jill Weisser) Krueger, and sister Pam Krueger, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Rev. William and Elizabeth Krueger.
Her funeral will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019, her 79th birthday at 1:00pm at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Babbitt with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will be served following the service. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Harold Chilson, 69, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2019 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Funeral arrangements for Alberta S. Olson, 100, of Ely, are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia. She passed away Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019 at her home.

Hans C. Smith, Ely, Minnesota, age 55.
Hans died while working on a tree that had fallen on a house near Eagles Nest Lake the evening of the storm on September 17th.
He was born in Medford, Oregon, April 2, 1964 and died September 17, 2019 .
He is survived by Rowan , Bryce, Lexi, Jacob, wife Traci, brother Erik and his dad Paul from Ely. More details and a memorial date and time will be announced later.

Stanley R. Olson of Big Lake, MN died on September 15, 2019.
Stanley was born May 9, 1927 to the late Eno and Myrtle Quam Olson in Duluth, MN. Stanley married Phyllis Lorraine Hutchinson on May 23, 1948 in the Goodridge area of Minnesota. He started his working career as a farmer but switched to a self- employed logger in 1949.
Stanley enjoyed woodworking, his saw mill, working on machinery, cutting trees and almost anything related to the logging and timber industry.
Stanley is survived by his wife, Lorraine; sons Allen Olson, Arlen Olson, Neil (Terri) Olson of Ely and daughter Sheryl Olson-Johnson; sister Barbara (Jerry) Fletcher; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Stanley was preceded in death by his parents, son Randy, brother Kenneth Olson, sister Mabel Paulson and son-law Greg Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 19, 2019 at the home of Stanley and Lorraine Olson, 16437 257th Ave NW, Big Lake, MN 55309 from Noon to 5 PM. Lunch will be served and all are welcome. There will be a time of welcome and sharing at 1 PM. Burial will be at a later date.