William "Bill" Maki, 75, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Maria Cecilia Mahl, 77, passed away surrounded by her family on January 1, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota.
Cecilia met and married Dick Mahl while she was completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and he was serving in the U.S. Navy in the Philippines. She later earned her Masters degree from Alaska Pacific University.
Cecilia worked in Ely as a laboratory technician for 17 years for the U.S. Forest Service and in 1987 her family relocated to Anchorage, Alaska. She worked for ChemLab and the Department of Interior MInerals Management for 22 years. She and Dick returned to Ely after they retired where she enjoyed the company of terrific friends, playing cards, gardening, fishing and extensive traveling.
Cecilia is survived by her husband Dick, daughters Debbie Peterson and Cherri Forgash; and grandchildren Jennifer Peterson Kerchof (Robert) and Parker Forgash.
A viewing will be held at Greenwood Mortuary in San Diego, California at 10 a.m. on January 9 followed by a Mass and internment at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Linda Blauert, 76, formerly of Babbitt, passed away on Sunday, January 5, 2020 at the Guardian Angels Care Center in Elk River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 10, 2020 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt at 11:00 A.M. with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Karen Lynn Close, 77, of Ely, passed away at home on Sunday, January 5, 2020. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Roger Johnson, 93, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Isabel Ahlgren, 95, died in the early hours of Christmas Eve Day, December 24, at her residence in Sun City, Arizona. Isabel and her husband Clifford were the authors of the book, “Lob Trees of the Wilderness” and papers on topics such as “Viability and Fertility of Vacuum Dried Pollen of 5 Needle Pine Species” and “Effects of Prescribed Burning on Soil Microorganisms”. Together, they also developed a rust disease-resistant strain of White Pine.
In retirement, Isabel mastered the art of basket-weaving, eventually teaching and developing her own patterns. She greatly enjoyed visiting Sika, Alaska and learning to add antlers to her baskets.
Isabel was preceded in death by her daughter Molly Ahlgren, her husband Clifford E. Ahlgren, brothers Robert and Joseph Fulton, and parents. Isabel is survived by her son Cliff (Nancy) and grandson Samuel. Isabel enlisted “Research for Life”, of Phoenix, Arizona, in her choice for final arrangements.

Olga Feroni, 97, formerly of Ely, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at St. Michael's Health and rehabilitation Center in Virginia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 13, 2020 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.

Robert Ruth Stepan, formerly of Ely, August 9, 1939 - January 7, 2020. Roberta R. (Mattila) Stepan, 80, passed away on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at Corinth Rehabilitation Suites on the Parkway in Corinth, TX. Born August 9, 1939, in Ely, Minnesota; she was the oldest daughter of the late Robert John Mattila and the late Betty Ruth (Purdy) Mattila. On September 5, 1959, she married Edward Anthony Stepan, who preceded her in death on July 30, 1995. Berta grew up in Ely, Minnesota, about 15 miles from the Canadian border. Her father worked in the iron mines and her mother worked in the ticket office of the Ely Theatre. In her early years they lived in a small 2-bedroom apartment where her mother would fill a washtub with hot water in front of the fire for everyone to take a bath. They lived through the black-outs of World War II, a polio epidemic, and the collapse of the mining tunnels under Shagawa Lake. She enjoyed watching the pontoon planes from her Grandma Purdy’s home on Shagawa lake, camping as a Girl Scout on Fenske lake, and being a member of the Job’s Daughters (part of the Masons and Eastern Stars). In high school she was a member of the Water Babes synchronized swim club, and the Future Homemakers of America. She dated her future husband Ed Stepan as a junior in high school, when he was a high school senior in nearby Tower, MN. She graduated in 1957 with a class of 121 students. After she got married in 1959, she worked as a stenographer until her daughters were born, Lori Ruth in 1962 and Barbara Jo in 1964. They lived in Minneapolis until 1966 when they bought a house in Roseville, MN and she worked for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. After her daughters were grown, she and Ed moved to Slidell, Louisiana, across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans. She worked at Gilsbar Inc. and greatly enjoyed the festivals, parades, seafood, boating, and warm weather there for many years. After a stroke in 2018 she moved to Texas to be closer to her family. She is survived by two daughters; Lori Ruth Stepan, and Barbara Jo (Stepan) Bunnell (Dean), and four grandchildren; Nicole Miller (John), Jasper Van Der Sluys, Christien Van Der Sluys (Felix), and Nicolaas Van Der Sluys. She is also survived by her great-grandson, Tyler Miller, her sister, Nancy (Mattila Lakner) Sterbenk (Ted), and her brother, Jack Mattila (Joanne). Private services will be held in Minnesota during the summer of 2020. Condolences may be made online on Facebook, or cards may be sent to Barb Bunnell at 130 Midway Circle, Lewisville, TX, 75057. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.

Carol Ann Kronfuss passed away on January 8, 2020 in her as of late, hometown of Aurora, Minnesota.
Born in Town of Deer Creek, Taylor County, Wisconsin, on June 3, 1928, to Adam and Mary (Brunner) Schneider, Carol grew up on the family farm in Stetsonville as the youngest of ten children. Here she learned many valuable life lessons from both her immediate and extended families, let alone many treasured memories. Upon completion of secondary school Carol ventured to the city of Milwaukee where she completed nursing studies.
Carol married the dashing Denis Edward Kronfuss on May 10, 1947, in Chicago Il. Soon after the family migrated to the Iron Range in Minnesota, residing in Winton, then Ely, and finally in Babbitt which remained the family home until late 1976, and is the only place where all twelve of her children lived at one time or another. Carol continued her nursing education in the 1980’s, subsequently working in the field until her retirement, where shortly after she relocated to her Babbitt home, and finally to Aurora.
Carol is survived by ten of her children; Nancy (Richard) Collyard, Kristen Johnson, Mary Witte, Roscoe (Ruth) Kronfuss, Karl Kronfuss, Eric Kronfuss, Kurt (Jill) Kronfuss, Nick Kronfuss, Carol (Mike) Armstrong, Edward (Shauna) Werth Kronfuss, and a brood of sixty plus grand and great grandchildren. Carol was preceded in death by her former husband Denis, a son Claude, a daughter Barbara Glover, her siblings, and her parents.
Carol possessed wit and humor that was understated and often overlooked. She was kind and empathetic beyond the ordinary yet did not suffer fools gladly.
A service will be held the weekend of June 20, 2020 in Ely, MN. Details are forthcoming.

Margaret “Peg” Irlbeck

Peg Irlbeck of Pine City passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 16th, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 70.

Peg was born December 15, 1949 in Rochester, Minnesota. At a young age she moved to Morton, Pennsylvania. The family then moved to Ely, Minnesota where she attended school and made many life-long friends. From Ely, she moved to Pine City where she graduated from high school. She met and married her beloved husband and soul mate “Pete.” They were married for 51 years.

Pete and Peg established their home in Pine City where they raised their sons, owned The Village Inn tavern, and Carlyles Women’s Apparel. Peg then began work as a paraprofessional at the Pine City High School, which she enjoyed very much. She also took pleasure tending to the flowers at the Flower Box and at Frerich’s Nursery greenhouse. Pete and Peg had many adventures in their life together with their family and so many loved friends.

Peg spent much of her life devoting time to her family, spoiling her grandchildren, and traveling. Peg was a dedicated gardener. Her spectacular flower beds were admired by all. She loved her card club gals of thirty five years and always looked forward to her time with them.

Peg is survived by her husband Dwaine “Pete” Irlbeck; sons Dustin (Lori) Irlbeck of Pine City and Brandon “Varm” (Sharon) Irlbeck of Mims, FL; grandchildren Lindsey, Joseph, Karlyn, Roc and Braden; brother Tom (Geri) Trezona of Santa Fe, NM; sisters Pat (Curt) LaPre of Fredric WI and Kathy Trupe of Mora; many beloved nieces and nephews.

Peg was preceded in death by her parents Bernice Moeding Lyons Trezona and Robert Lyons.

Deacon Gene Biever will officiate at funeral services for Peg: 3 PM;
Saturday (1/25/2020) with a time of visitation planned from 6-8 PM; Friday (1/24/2020) and also one hour prior to the service all at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. A celebration of life following the funeral service will be held at the American Legion, Post 51 in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com

Joyce B. Skeryanc, 88, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. at Kerntz Funeral Home with a gathering of family and friends being held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Helga O. Stalcar, Elk River, passed peacefully on Jan. 28 at age 90.
She was born in Eberbach, Germany, to Anton and Sophie Roos. She came to America in April 1954 to visit her sister. Helga met Jack A. Stalcar in Ely, Minn. and they were married 27 days later, on May 24, 1954. After Jack’s death in 1987, Helga moved to Elk River to be closer to her children.
Helga was predeceased by her husband, Jack, son, Tony, grandson, Nathan, her parents and three siblings.
She is survived by her children, Jack, Mike (Julia), Tom (Ann), Margie Church (Ed), Jim (LeAnne) and Heidi Starkman (Mike) all of Minneapolis, 10 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, brother, Anton, and sister, Luiese, in Germany.
Services for Helga will be held Monday, Feb. 3 at 12:30 at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 566 Fourth St. NW, Elk River. Visitation at the church from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Private burial in Ely. Arr.
Dare’s Funeral Home 763-441-1212 www.daresfuneralservice.com

Robert Matson, 71, of Ely, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Judith M. Dargontina, 73, formerly of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, January29, 2020. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Arthur R. Skantz (Art), author of the memoir “A Kid from Ely,” died on January 26, 2020, having been surrounded by family in his last weeks. A private family service was held immediately after his death and an open house celebration of his life will be held on February 29 for friends and family to share memories.
Art, a proud Finn, was born in Ely, Minnesota on August 24, 1932. He overcame an impoverished childhood during the Depression, developing sisu that remained with him until his last breath. In 1956, he married Marilynn Skantz of Mandan, North Dakota, who’d come to Ely to teach kindergarten. They had six children, Eric (Arlene), Christopher (Beth), Claire (Tony), John (Sue), Liisa (Patrick), and Sara (Steve). Art (aka “Grandpa Two-Pens”) reveled in the exploits and journeys taken by his eleven doting grandchildren, Joe, Max, Alexandria, Sam, Elizabeth, Leah, Jenna, Alec, Spencer, John and Gabriella. But the love of his life was Marilynn with whom he shared a love for opera, classical music, reading, travel, attending “summer programme” classes at Oxford University, crossword puzzles, art, humor, bird watching, eating Marilynn’s fine baking and most of all- family gatherings. Art graduated from Ely HS in 1950, attended Ely’s community college and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1954 with a journalism degree. His distinguished career ended as a Vice President for Quaker Oats in Chicago. He previously worked for Johnson’s Wax in Racine, Wisconsin and for Pillsbury in Minneapolis. Some happy professional memories were marketing Edge shaving cream (a gel base was revolutionary) for Johnson’s Wax and extensive international travel seeking new market and product opportunities for Quaker.
Art was a lifelong St Louis Cardinals fan, after claiming allegiance to avoid an elementary school bully’s threat. He and Marilynn returned to Ely often. He enjoyed trips to BWCA with the male family members, later regretting he’d not included his daughters. He had a critical eye for collecting gorgeous Finnish furniture and glass, and Japanese prints. His credo to be tolerant and open to those who were different than average and the many visitors to his home reflected that openness. He had remarkable organizational skills and discipline. He was sober since the mid 1970’s and quit smoking cold turkey in his early 40’s.
He is predeceased by his parents, John and Helga and beloved siblings, Clarence, Ethel, Marcy and Dorothy. He is survived by their children, and devoted nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.
The family wishes to recognize the staff at Abbot Northwestern hospital and Folkestone Gables for their care of Art during his last year of medical challenges. A larger celebration of Art’s life will be held Saturday, February 29 at the Folkestone auditorium (main building), 100 Promenade Ave., Wayzata MN 55391 from noon to 3PM with a time to share memories from 1-2PM. No flowers or memorials are needed but notes to Marilynn may be sent to the preceding address.

Marjorie D. Trembath, 86, of Ely, passed away at the Cook Nursing Home on January 30, 2020.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 11 a.m. First Lutheran Church in Ely with visitation one hour prior. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

George Steven (Steve) Isbell of Ely, MN died December 28, 2019 in North Liberty, IA while visiting family for Christmas.

Steve was born September 21, 1947 to Charles Marion Isbell and Marion Waldorf Isbell in Vinton, IA. He was the second of eight children.

He graduated from Washington High School in Vinton, IA in 1965, becoming an electrical apprentice at age seventeen and was both a residential and commercial journeyman electrician foremen and a member of IBEW local 405 until his retirement.

Steve joined the Marine Reserves for six years at age eighteen and was a Veteran.

Steve was a loving husband and father. Family meant everything to him.
He is survived by his mother Marion, his wife Leslie, brothers Dan (Kim), Dave, Matt, Bob (Caroline) and sister Becky Holst (Dave).
He is also survived by his children, Brooke Salger, Jake Isbell (Sherri), Gabe (Missy), Aaron, Ben (Alaina), Brei Thompson (Daniel), Isaac, Moriah Cosman, Grace, John, Maggie and Sarah. Steve is also survived by twenty beautiful grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Steve was preceded in death by his Father Marion (Izzy) and brothers, Mike and Jim.

A celebration of life will be held at Ely Gospel Church on February 8th. Visitation at 1 pm and service at 2 pm.

Doris J. Eisenhart, 88, of Ely, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Aubrey Ann Klingfus, age 14, lifelong resident of Virginia unexpectedly became an angel on Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Essentia Health in Virginia, due to ongoing health issues. She was born July 26, 2005, in Hibbing the daughter of Ashley Rinell and Derek Klingfus. She was in the 9th Grade at Mt. Iron-Buhl High School.
Aubrey was involved in the One-Act Play competition, dance, track and field, and archery. She loved animals, being at the cabin on Lake Leander, fishing, dogsledding, playing guitar, and many outdoor activities. She was an avid Vikings fan and loved coaching from the couch. Aubrey cherished spending time with family and friends. She attended Messiah Lutheran Church in Mt. Iron. Aubrey will be remembered for her goofy faces, sense of humor, and her ability to live life to the fullest.
Aubrey is survived by her mother: Ashley of Virginia; father Derek of Ely; maternal grandmother: Jodie Mattila of Mt. Iron; maternal grandfather: Bryan Rinell of Virginia; paternal grandmother: Deaune Klingfus of Ely; paternal grandfather: Dave Jr. (Kim) Klingfus of Austin, MN; maternal great-grandparents: Roger (Alyce) Rinell of Virginia; paternal great-grandfather: Clarke Dehler of Aurora, MN; aunts: Danielle (Aaron) Nickolson, Caitlyn Rinell, Ariana (Jayce) Brown, and Maggie Klingfus: uncle: Ian Klingfus; cousins: Chezne and Ethan Nickolson; special friend: Lena Morgan; numerous extended family and friends; and her canine companions: Izzy and Ninja.
She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandparents: Jack and Peggy Mattila; paternal great-grandfather: Dave Klingfus, Sr.; and paternal great-grandmother: Anne Dehler.
The memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Messiah Lutheran Church in Mt. Iron. Deacon Kari Olson will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 12 Noon on Friday at the Church.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Joseph R. Miklavcich, 71, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.