Eldon E. Foster, 93, of Ely, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, January 31, 2016.
He was born December 23, 1922 in Thief River Falls, MN to Lester and Della Foster. He graduated from Ada High School before receiving his degree from the University of North Dakota. Eldon served in the Army during WWII from March 9, 1943 to November 9, 1945. He landed at Utah Beach and served in several campaigns until the Victory in Europe. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal (3 bronze stars) amongst other ribbons and medals.
Eldon enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and often referred to the Ely area as being “God’s Country.” He also loved fishing and being at the family cabin on Fall Lake.
Eldon taught social studies for 35 years and thoroughly loved his job. All of his students will remember him for reciting the Gettysburg Address. His favorite activity was spending time with family and friends.
Eldon believed in being an active citizen. He served on the Ely Housing Committee for over 30 years and was an Ely School Board member for 13 years. He was also a 55-year member of Ely Masonic Lodge No. 288, a 69-year member of the American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW. Eldon served as an Ely City Council member, belonged to the Ely-Winton Historical Society and was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church.
Eldon is survived by his wife Geraldine (Kochevar) Foster of Ely, children: Douglas Foster of Ely, Peggy Foster of Bloomington, MN, Deanna (John) Joyer of Hood River, OR, Jacalyn (Rob) Swanson of Isanti, MN and David (Jennifer) Foster of Raeford, NC; grandchildren: Shelby, Randella, Jana, Gabriel, Gideon, Alexander and Madison; along with a nephew and several nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ann (Johnston), infant son, Ronald, and brothers John and Duane.
Monetary gifts will be donated to the Ely Educational Foundation in memory of Eldon Foster.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 at 11 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.

Nora Charlene Pechek, 63, formerly of Ely died Sunday, February 7, 2016 in Cloquet. Nora worked as a housekeeper at Ely Bloomenson Hospital 1985- 1996.
Preceded in death by husband Thomas. Survived by daughter, Kristy (Tony) Cummings of Cloquet. Service is Friday, February 12, 2016 in Cloquet.

Chris Defenbaugh, 61, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016 at his home in Peoria, Illinois.
Chris was born March 7, 1954 to William and Joan (Allenbach) Defenbaugh. He was a devoted father and loved by all. Chris was an avid golfer and swimmer. He obtained a Masters degree from SMU and retired from Southwest Airlines.
Chris is survived by his mother Joan; his daughters: Elise of Peoria and Hannah of Mesa, Az; his brother, William of Ely, MN and sister, Ann of Des Moines, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his father.
There will be a memorial service at First Federated Church in Peoria on Friday, February 12 at 2 p.m.

Ronald Michael Lesar, 57, passed away at his home in St. Paul, MN on Monday, Feb. 8, 2016. He is survived by his wife Mary (McFauden), brother James (Maria Rene) of Duluth; sisters: Barbara (John) Erockson of Anoka, Carol (Calvin) Lindbeck of Ely. Preceded in death by his parents Eva and Louis of Ely; two brothers : Robert of Ely and Louis Jr. of Willard, WI. A memorial service is planned for later this spring.

Patricia Wheeler, 78, of Ely, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at the Miller Dwan Burn ICU in Duluth, MN.
Pat was born on May 15, 1937 in Des Moines, IA to parents Norma and Col. Maurice “Fletch” Fletcher of the US Army. She was a graduate of Washington Lee High School in Arlington VA, completed her Bachelors degree at Stephens College in Columbia MO and her Masters at the University of Maryland in College Park. She worked for many years as a high school teacher and college professor in several states before retiring to the family cabin on Eagles Nest Lake #2. Most recently, she enjoyed living at Lakeside Manor assisted living in Ely. Pat was a devoted nature lover, author, and mother and she will be missed beyond measure.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Norma and Col. Maurice Fletcher, and her infant son Allen.
She is survived by daughters Dr. Wyn Wheeler of Charlotte, NC and Ms. Megyn Wheeler of Los Angeles, CA.
No services are planned according to her wishes. Pat instead wished that her life be celebrated with donations made to the International Wolf Center or the North American Bear Center (both in Ely) in her memory. Cremation Society of Minnesota 218-624-5200

Aira (Karasti) Kovall
February 17, 1926 – February 1, 2016
Aira was born to Frank and Hilma Karasti at home with the aid of a midwife, in Winton, on a cold and snowy day. She was the last surviving child of their union, having outlived her parents and all of her siblings. Dealing with that sorrow was difficult for her in later years.
She married Edward Kovall on August 9, 1945. He preceded her in death after 58 years of marriage.
She is forever loved and missed by her son, Gary Kovall and wife Peggy, of Ely; her daughter Kathy Horton and husband Gary, of Washington State; and her daughter Sandy Egge and husband Dennis, of South Carolina. She also leaves behind a fine legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Winton and Ely were always in her recollections and in her heart. She will rest there where she belongs.

Roger O. Erickson, 83, died Feb. 8, 2016. Born and raised in Ely, he was an Army corporal during the Korean Conflict and then had a 30-year career at Prudential Insurance. After his first retirement, he worked for Dayton’s at Southdale and Burnsville, and for Barnes & Noble at the Galleria and Mall of America. He ended his encore careers at age 80, working as a teaching assistant at the University of Minnesota Medical School. For 54 years, Roger loved the calm oasis of his home in beautiful east Bloomington.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; children: Nancy (Mike) Belusky, Kathy (Scott) Mehring and Kurt (Erica). Also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Austin and Kate Mehring, David Belusky and Kira, Isaac and Alden Erickson.
A dessert-themed celebration of his sweet life will be Fri., March 4, 2016, 5 - 8 p.m. at Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Children’s Cancer Research Fund at the University of Minnesota, or Hope Kids MN.

Fern S. Goodnough, 92, formerly of Babbitt, passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 at St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. Funeral service will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Babbitt

Rose Marie Hoover, 81, died Thursday, February 18, 2016, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 23, 1934, in Tripoli, Wisconsin, to parents William and Mary (Weisinger) Scott. In 1948, after her father’s death, she and her mother and sister moved to Ely, Minnesota. Her mother re-married, and Rosie and her sister gained a stepfather, Elmer Oman.
She married Donald Hoover on March 9, 1957. They moved to Winton, Minnesota in 1960, where they raised their two daughters. Rosie always liked to say Ely was her city, but Winton was her home.
Rosie held many jobs over the years. In her early years, she worked for Skala’s Cash Market in Ely. She then worked for Bernie Hutar at Bernie’s Food Market in Ely, and it was a job she always said was her very favorite. In her later years, she worked for Saint Louis County Social Services as a homecare worker for 31 years. She was also active in the Winton city government, where she was at various times over 30 years the city clerk, a council member, and the acting mayor. She was also an Avon representative and a Watkins representative, working in home sales for both companies.
She was well loved for her kind and generous ways, and she always had a smile for everyone. She always carried dog treats in one pocket and candy bars in the other pocket for the dogs and children of Winton.
She was preceded in death by father William Scott, mother Mary Oman, and stepfather Elmer Oman.
She is survived by her husband of almost 59 years, Donald Hoover, daughter Mary Jo (Jeff) Karasti, and daughter Donna (Dwayne “Tyke”) Meier, all of Winton; grandson Philip (Jenny) Meier and future grandchild Meier, and granddaughter Jill (Chad) Houde and grandsons Blake and Bryce Houde, all of Ely; sister Mary “Lulu” (George) Jennrich, of Plymouth, Minnesota; and numerous nieces and nephews, including special nieces Kathy (Joel) Edman and Wanda Hoover (Lori Bjurstrom), both of Winton; and special nephews Joe (Dianne) Hoover of Winton, Eric (Jen) Jennrich of St. Paul, MN and Scott (Marney) Jennrich, of Bend, Oregon.
A celebration of life for Rosie Hoover will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Longbranch in Winton, Minnesota. Interment will be in the Ely Cemetery at a private family service in the spring.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Robert Paul Moats, 62, of rural Gilbert died Friday, February 19, 2016 at his home. Bob passed peacefully from his temporal home to his eternal home.
Bob was born on July 31, 1953 to Arthur and Valerie (Finkbone) Moats in Ely. He grew up in Ely and graduated from the Ely High School, Class of 1972. Following school, Bob enlisted in the US Navy, having served three years. After his time in the Navy, Bob was born again into the family of God on August 30, 1976.
He was united in marriage to Lisa Whitman on September 14, 1984 in Hoyt Lakes. The couple resided and raised their family in rural Gilbert. Bob had been employed by LTV Steel Mining as an electrical repairman. Bob had his Captain’s license and took great pleasure in sailing. Bob loved the Lord first, his family second, and his church family next.
Survivors include his wife of 31 years: Lisa; two sons: Ryan Moats and Robert (Aimee) Moats; one daughter: Bryana (Brad) Salo; seven grandchildren: Jada, Jackson, Jered, Garrett, Jordyn, Dominick and Grant; his father: Arthur Moats; one sister: JoAnne (Ted) Bilben; two brothers: David Moats and Michael (Cheryl) Moats; his father and mother-in-law: Richard Sr. and Margaret Whitman; one brother-in-law: Richard Whitman Jr.; along with many other loved family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Valerie Moats.
Funeral services for Robert Paul Moats, 62, of rural Gilbert will be 2 PM Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at the Grace and Truth Bible Church in Aurora with Pastor Daniel Miller officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the Biwabik Township Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Gilbert and Aurora.

Bryan J. Deyak, 36, of Hugo, formerly of Stillwater, passed away suddenly on February 19, 2016.
He is survived by his wife, Michaela; beloved son, Parker; parents, Frank and Debbie of Ely, MN; in-laws, Stewart and Sally Siebell; sister-in-law, Ann-Therese Siebell; grandmothers, Florence Kotzian and Barb Deyak; many aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, and friends.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Friday, February 26 from 4-7 p.m. at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., (NW Corner of Hwy 36 & Co Rd 5) Stillwater. A private service and interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Hazelden/ Betty Ford Foundation, American Cancer Society or donor's choice.
A celebration of life service for Bryan will be held in Ely this summer.

Shirley A. Koschak, 79, of Ely, passed away at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt on Thursday, February 25, 2016.
She was born June 20, 1936 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to John and Marie (Mayen) Clemas. She and her family moved to Ely in the late 1940s to build and operate Marie’s Lodge and Resort on Burntside Lake. She married John Koschak on November 20, 1958.
She loved to read and enjoyed card games and shopping/spending time with her family and friends. She was a very giving person, always caring about others before herself. She was a very strong woman. She will be missed by her friends and family now that she has gone to be reunited with her husband, sister and beloved lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John, her sister Harriet (George) Ewinski, and her dog Gus.
She is survived by her daughters: Jackie (Curt) Hartleben and Amanda Koschak; grandchildren: Alicia (Vanjon) Hartleben, Hillary (Eric) Hartleben, Nicholas (Bobbi Jo) Marshall, Jeremiah Marshall; nephews: George (Becky) Ewinski and Ronald (Theresa) Ewinski; great granddaughter: Mallory Keranen.
Private services will be held.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Carol Ann Foy, 77, of Ely, died Saturday, February 27, 2016, at St. Raphael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth. She was born June 25, 1938 in Duluth, MN to Elmer and Selma (Berg) Isaacson. She attended Central High School in Duluth and was a longtime Ely resident.
Carol had worked as a waitress before her work as a personal care provider. She enjoyed cooking, sewing and will always be remembered for her wonderful laughter.
Carol is survived by her children; Shellie Foy and John Foy, both of Eveleth; Gerald (Viola) Foy of Spring Creek, Nevada; Gerralyn (Joe DeMarco) McEntyre of Ely; nine grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; sister, Doris Zurovsky and her family of St. Paul and her longtime companion, Curtis Buskirk.
She is preceded in death by a daughter in infancy, her parents and a brother, Wesley Isaacson.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2016 at Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home, Eveleth. Pastor Steve Weston will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the service. To sign the guestbook online and leave a memorial message, go to www.cron-sheehy.com

James W. Sova, 65
St. Cloud
June 26, 1950 – March 12, 2016

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, St. Cloud for James W. Sova, age 65 of St. Cloud who passed away peacefully on Saturday. Rev. Bruce Timm will officiate and burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 12-2 p.m. at the church on Thursday. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud.
James was born June 26, 1950 in Ely to Walter and Loretta (Kutzorik) Sova. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force where he was a member of the military police. James married Shirley Waltzing on May 8, 1971 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. He was employed as a journeyman lineman. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waite Park American Legion Post #428 and St. Cloud Eagles Aries #622. He enjoyed all kinds of shooting and was always willing to pass his knowledge on to others. He was a private pilot and owned two airplanes throughout the years. He enjoyed classic cars, muscle cars, deer hunting, grouse hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley; his son, Clint (Lindsey) of Ortonville, MN; granddaughter, Molly; sister, Carol Sova of Sauk Rapids.
He was preceded in death by his son, Craig and his parents.

Ramona Mae Jokela, 64, of Babbitt passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church at 11:00 A.M. with a gathering of family and friends being held one hour earlier at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

John (Buster) Peyla 3/23/1920 - 3-13-2016
Ely native, survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Edith {Lundein} Peyla, 3 sons, David, Daniel & Michael and their spouses.
They have 10 Grand Children, 16 Great Grand Children and 2 Great Great Grandchildren scattered all across the US from the West Coast to the East Coast and even as far away as France.
He will be missed and loved forever.

Dorothy M. Arn, 95, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Barbara Claudine Lamberg Rodorigo, 92, of Eagles Nest Lake Three-Ely, originally of Virginia, died on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at The Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley on the Mayo Clinic campus in Scottsdale, Ariz. A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara’s life.

Ramona Mae Jokela, 64, of Babbitt passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Jokela of Babbitt; sons, Justin (Ryan) Jokela of Deephaven, MN and Mathew (Tara) Jokela of Babbitt; mother, Muriel Kovall of Babbitt; and sister, Dianne (Harold) Breffle of Andover, MN; a grandchild, Hayden; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Mathew Kovall.
Ramona worked at numerous local businesses in Babbitt. She loved bowling, camping, fishing, and spending time with her family and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. with a gathering of family and friends being held one hour earlier at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Kelly James Kuehl, 52, of Ely, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at Carefree Living Apartments.
Kelly was born on August 2, 1963, in Ely, the son of James and Vivian (Hammond) Kuehl. Kelly moved to Palo, MN at the age of six. He graduated from Virginia High School and attended Hibbing Vocational Tech. He moved to Ely and began working at Pizza Hut. He has been a faithful employee of Zup’s supermarket for the last 15 years.
Friends and family were the most important aspect of his life. Kelly always saw the positive in life. There was always a smile on his face. He was never one to say a negative comment to anyone. He was ready to assist a friend in need with a smile. He enjoyed watching Westerns or doing search word puzzles when he was not watching the Twins or Vikings. During his illness, Kelly never loss his sense of humor as shown recently when he was totally annoyed and stated, “Act your age not your shoe size.”
Kelly is survived by his sisters: Patty (Ernie) Kolar of Tracy, MN, Carol (Greg) Hershey of Bagley, MN; nephews: Derrick Kolar and Tony (Abbe) Kolar of Sioux Falls, SD, Charles Hershey of Bagley, MN; niece Amy Hershey of Bemidji, MN; a great nephew, Rhett Kolar of Sioux Falls, SD; his foster mother, Nina (Dennis) Pulver Christianson of Aurora, MN; foster sister, Ramona Miller of Mahnomen, MN; foster brother Ron (Julie) Pulver of New York Mills, MN; many aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends. His parents and his foster father, Phin Pulver, preceded him in death.
There will be visitation on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home. The service will be held at St. Anthony’s Church at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 21, with visitation an hour prior.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.