Jane Blackmore Ogston, 83, of Duluth, Minnesota passed away on Monday, January 27, 2020.
She was born on August 16, 1936 to William and Sadie Manninen in Ely, Minnesota. Jane graduated from Ely High School in 1954 and went on to graduate from Macalester College in 1959.
Jane came of age when the expectation was that women would identify primarily as a wife and a mother. While in college, she met and in 1959, married, Don Ogston, the love of her life. Don often spoke of how proud he was that their marriage never damped her ability to hold on to and create her own identity. Together, they raised their two girls to follow in her independent footsteps. Throughout her life, Jane was active and engaged in the community. She taught kindergarten, was an early promoter of children’s television in her role as “Miss Jane” of Tree Top House, which ran for 10 years on KDAL and later produced “Hey There Somebody” on the same channel. Jane was honored as the American Business Women’s Association Woman of the Year in 1977. She also started a preschool, managed the Black Bear Lounge and regularly volunteered as an English as a Second Language tutor well into her retirement. Jane never wavered in her love and support of her children and grandchildren and cherished spending time with them.
Jane was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Donald; and parents.
Jane is survived by her daughters, Debra Ogston (Joe Saker) and Cathy Jo (Mike) Tastsides; and grandchildren, Alexander, Adison, Annalane, and Becca Jane.
On January 30, Jane was interred with Don at Sunrise Memorial in a private family service. A celebration of life is planned for a later date.
Please share online condolences and photos at SunriseFuneralHomeandCemetery.com

Dennis Ray Kurpius 67, of Superior, Montana passed away on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, in an accident at his residence.
Dennis was born on May 22, 1952, to Verna and Stanley Kurpius in Ada, Minnesota. Dennis’s family later moved to Babbitt, Minnesota, where he grew up and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1970. On July 26, 1975, he married his wife of 29 years, Sandra Novak.
In 1977, while on a motorcycle trip with friends, he wandered into Superior where he would end up making a home with his family for the next 42 years.
He worked as a millwright and later a supervisory millwright, traveling across the world installing and rebuilding gas and steam turbines. He took great pride in his crew of whom he considered an extended family.
For the past year, Dennis enjoyed the retired life where he was able to spend many of his hours happily working in the shop of his dreams restoring antique cars, gas pumps, oil pumps, and soda coolers. When he wasn’t working in his shop, he was likely pulling his boat around looking for the next great fishing hole or going to antique car shows with his trusted dog Molly and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his wife Sandra Lee Kurpius, his mother and father Verna and Stanley Kurpius, and his brother Myron Kurpius.
Survivors include his children Jesse Kurpius (Sydney), Cody Kurpius (Andrea), Kayla Kurpius (Tony), brother Gary Kurpius (Nancy), grandchildren Madison Quinn, Jacob and Beckett Kurpius, Dallas Bierle, numerous nieces and nephews and partner Renee Hendrickson.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
To share condolences cards may be sent to: The family of Dennis Kurpius, 5462 Iowa Avenue, Florence MT 59833.

Joel Adamic, formerly of Ely, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2020.

Mary Wachter Smith, 92, of Elkton, daughter of the late William and Alberta Madigan, left this life quietly on Thursday, February 13, 2020. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death first by the love of her life, Kenneth A. Wachter, then her late-in-life husband, Ralph H. Smith. She also lost a daughter, Lori Ann Russo, to cancer.
Mary was born in Quincy, IL on February 26, 1927. She spent a memorable childhood there and graduated from Quincy High School in 1944.
She is survived by two daughters, Janet Kavanaugh (Bruce) of Elkton, VA, Barbara Rothe (Gary) of Springfield, NH, and a stepdaughter, Kathy Norris, of Sunrise Beach, MO. She also leaves four grandchildren, Keith, Todd, Kristin, and Lindsey, seven great-grandchildren, and four nephews.
Mary was the middle of three girls. She married Ken Wachter in 1948, and they lived in Champaign-Urbana while Ken attended college on the G.I. Bill. Their first home was a 20-foot trailer with no hot water or bathroom! She walked and took a bus to her first job as a bank teller, a job that suited her strength in math. This also set her up to be an excellent Bridge player, and she enjoyed many Rummicub games with her grandchildren.
Ken’s first job moved them to Elkhart, IN, where Mary enjoyed the trains that passed through their backyard. From there they moved to Joliet, IL, where they raised their three girls and Mary began her lifelong obsession with baseball, first as a Cubs fan and later as a Red Sox fan.
Mary was a charter member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Joliet, IL, and she was the last surviving charter member. Sixteen years later, Ken was transferred to Stamford, CT, where they became members of First Presbyterian of Stamford (“the fish church”). In Stamford, she took a job as a medical secretary and strongly supported her girls in their musical endeavors, as music had always been an important part of her life. In fact, as a child she would clean her aunt’s house for fifty cents and free piano lessons.
Retirement took them first to Stratford, CT and then to New London, NH, where they had a custom-built log home on Messer Pond. Mary and Ken were very active in the Red Cross and at First Baptist Church, where they played in the bell choir. She also volunteered at Colby Sawyer College and worked at a local decorating firm. Following Ken’s death, she reconnected with and married a longtime family friend, Ralph Smith, in 2006, and moved with him to Ely, MN, where she joined him in membership at Ely Presbyterian Church. Their residence on Jasper Lake allowed her to continue her passion for life on the water, where she enjoyed boating and her childhood love of fishing. Their remote location also served as a great place for her to observe and enjoy the Minnesota wildlife, and she would often feed hotdogs to the gray jays and leave food scraps for the pine marten.
When Alzheimer’s came into Ralph’s life, they moved to Wilmington, NC in order to be with Janet and Bruce for support. In Wilmington, Mary was welcomed to Winter Park Presbyterian Church, and she enjoyed the company of her friends at her independent living residence.
After Ralph’s death, Bruce retired, and Mary moved with them to a new home in Elkton, VA. Living up on a mountain, she enjoyed watching the birds, deer, and occasional bear. She was an avid jigsaw puzzler but would always let someone else put in the last piece, and she loved anything dark chocolate.
Mary’s life was governed by her devotion to her family, her strong faith, and the friendships she made in every community in which she lived.
We will never stop missing you, Mommy, Grandma, GG/Grandma Mary, and we will strive to continue to follow the example that you so gracefully set for us.
In keeping with her wishes, she was cremated, and the family will commemorate her life privately.
Memorial contributions may be made in her name to your local Hospice or EMS, two organizations that served her well in her last days.
Condolences may be shared at kygers.com.

Charles “Chuck” Vesel passed away February 15th, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center, Hibbing, with his family at his side.
Chuck was born to Ann (Merhar) and John Vesel in Ely, MN on December 28th, 1933. He graduated from Ely High School, attended Ely Community College, until enlisting in the United States Army serving 2 years in the U.S. and Japan. Upon return, he graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) in 1961 as an Electrical Engineer. During his time in Milwaukee he met Susan Mason and fell in love. They were married December 30th, 1960 in St. Louis, MO. They started their family in Knoxville, TN where he was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Chuck, Susan, and family moved to Hibbing in 1964 where he worked for McKee Engineering and a was founding partner in NORAMCO Engineering.
Chuck so enjoyed dancing with Susan at the Elks and Mesabi Country Clubs where he was a member for many years. He loved curling, hunting, golf, and his family. Later in life he enjoyed the morning Curling Club guys joining in a hand of cards and a Danish. Chuck’s favorite place was the cabin on Birch Lake where he spent nearly every weekend, especially tinkering in the “Catshop”, for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife Susan of nearly 60 years, brother John (Judy) of Northborough, MA, daughter Anne (Rob) Cotter, Duluth, MN, son Michael Vesel, Tulsa, OK, and the lights of his life, his grandchildren Trevor Cotter, Montreal, Quebec, and Anthony Cotter, St. Paul, MN.
Mass of Christian Burial with Military honors following the service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Hibbing, MN. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Please join Chuck’s family afterward in the St. Leo’s Hall of the Assumption School. In lieu of flowers, donate to your favorite charity keeping Chuck in your heart.
Visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence.

Marilyn Jean Misch (Muhvich), 82, beloved mother, sister and friend was called to her eternal resting place on Friday, February 7, 2020.
She entered this world on Wednesday, October 27, 1937, in Ely, MN, born to John and Mary Muhvich. She was preceded in death by her soulmate and loving husband, Allen Misch, MD.
She is survived by daughters, Kathryn Newman (Karl), Patricia Mackay, Jeanne Parker (Douglas); her son, David (Debora); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Sandy McNeley; and her brothers, Michael Muhvich, and John Muhvich. Marilyn was a devoted Catholic and loved her faith and church family.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, February 15, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at Prince of Peace Catholic Community, 12500 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122. The graveside service followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Andre L. Widmer, 84, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Martin Bruce Starkovich passed away on December 11, 2019 in Clayton NC at the age of 71. Bruce was born on January 2, 1948 in Saint Paul, Minnesota to Martin Joseph and Emerald Tast Starkovich. He grew up in Babbitt, Minnesota. His mother passed away at a young age after which his father married Ellen Wilson who lovingly filled the role of mother for much of Bruce's life. He was a 1966 graduate of Babbitt High School. Following high school he proudly served 4 years in the United States Navy.

Bruce was a machinist by trade and avid outdoor enthusiest in his leisure time. He enjoyed hiking, biking, canoeing and especially running. He completed numerous races including marathons and triathlons and shared his love of running with others through coaching.

Memories of his goodness, determination, humor and love of adventure will be cherished by his daughter Erin Stroup (Zeb) and granddaughters Morgan and Katy Stroup, all of Clayton NC; former wife and forever friend Claudia Starkovich of Lynchburg, VA; mother Ellen Starkovich and sister Lois Wilson Opseth (Steve) of Duluth, MN; sister Diane Wilson (Mark Anderson) of Saint Paul, MN; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Becky Starkovich Charnell and brother Gary Wilson.

Grant A. Olsen, 83, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Andre Louis Widmer, 84, originally of Switzerland, passed away peacefully at Carefree Living in Ely on February 19, 2020.
Andre was born June 4th, 1935 in Zofingen, Switzerland. He was the second of four boys to his parents Arnold and Rosa Widmer-Kaempf. He lost his oldest brother Rene in his early 20’s. He met and in 1959 married Dollo Wohlwend and moved to Cape Town South Africa in 1964. There they had one daughter, Jacqueline and after 4 years he moved the family to Milwaukee, WI for professional reasons.
In 1972 he decided it was time to move back to Switzerland. He worked from there on for a Swiss company, Sulzer, in charge of the photography department. He and Dollo did a lot of traveling in their vacation time and in 1997 decided to retire in Ely, MN.
Andre loved nature, animals and how Minnesota combined all these through life on Farm Lake. After losing his beloved wife of 44 years, he decided Ely was going to stay his permanent home. He loved to travel the world, but always enjoyed coming back to Ely and the many friends he made here.
Andre is survived by his daughter Jacqueline, son-in -law Christoph, grandchildren Alexandra and Natalie, brother Hans with sister-in-law Doris and their families in Switzerland and Canada, brother Oswald with sister-in -law Ursula, nephews Jean-Pierre and Andre as well as many longtime friends throughout the world.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate a donation to Northwoods Partners, 328 W. Conan St., Ely MN 55731.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, with a visitation taking place one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Marcella Gardiepy, 90, of Ely, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Roger D. Week, 67, of Babbitt passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.
Roger was born on September 4, 1952 in Bemidji, MN to Knute and Agnes (Hanson) Week and grew up in Blackduck, MN. where he graduated from high school. He worked for Reserve Mining Company, Erie Mining Company and as a mechanic for Wright county in Buffalo, MN.
He was the Mayor of Babbitt and worked as a Street Supervisor for the city. He also served six years in the Minnesota National Guard and the Army reserve.
Roger loved hunting, motorcycle riding and spending time with family and friends. He was a charter member of the Iron Cross Motorcycle Club. He served as a snowmobile instructor and a firearms instructor for the State of Minnesota, and received a certificate from Gov. Rudy Perpich for this wonderful accomplishment.
Survivors include his wife Delores “Dolly” Week of Babbitt; his dog Booker, son Brandon Week of Babbitt; four grandchildren, Jasinda (Tyler) Brown of Amery, WI, Samantha Week Obryen of Clear Lake, WI and Ashtyn and Braydon Obryen of Clear Lake, WI; a brother, Robert Week of Zimmerman, MN and two sisters, Mary (Donny) Ferdig of Blackduck, MN and Karen (Sam) Long of Deer River, MN and sister-in-law Kathy Week of Eau Claire, WI and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Chad Week and two brothers, James and LeRoy.
Funeal service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2020 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt with Pastor Erik Roth officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at a later date in Argo Cemetery, Babbitt. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

SJOBERG (Seliga), Ethel M., age 89, passed away on Friday, Feb 28 at Guardian Angels Care Center, Elk River due to complications from dementia. Born on October 20, 1930 in Ely to Steve and Anna Seliga. Ethel was the last surviving of 13 children. She was a longtime Secretary to the Superintendent of Schools in District 696. She is survived by son, Robert of Ramsey, MN; daughters, Cindy Johnson of Lino Lakes, MN, and Shelley (Todd) Baumgartner of Little Falls, MN; granddaughters, Janna Thoma and Kallie Baumgartner; grandsons, Joel and Mark Johnson; great grandchildren, Quinn, Lillian and Dannica; many relatives and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Sjoberg in 1982. Per her wishes, private services. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Alzheimers Foundation. www.cremationsocietyofmn.com

Guong Nguyen (Becky Kess), who was born in Tay Ninn on February 4, 1949, passed away Sunday, February 29, 2020, at the Virginia Care Center. Guong, also know as Becky Kess like to travel to Vietnam in the winter months where the sun was warmer. She always waited for the blueberries to ripen in July.
Becky’s summers were filled with flowers decorating the front porch and for 18 years she was Becky at Becky’s Oriental Foods. Her daughter Guong is now operating the business. Guong is survived by her husband, Donald Kess, two daughters: Kim (Steve) Elliot of Rice Lake, MN, Kim (Mark) Anderson of Eveleth, MN; ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Services are pending.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

THOR NORDWALL, 98, peacefully passed away on the morning of Wednesday, March 4th. He was born in Sweden on April 7, 1921 and came to this country at the age of five years old. He had a log cabin (Torsbakke) off from the North Arm ofBurntside Lake since 1975.
There will be a memorial somewhere near St. Paul on March 28th and then in the Spring or Summer a memorial here in the Ely area. More specific details and family history will come next week.

Regina Elizabeth Johnson, age 94 of Ely passed away peacefully at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely on Friday, February 28, 2020. She was born February 8, 1926 in Virginia, Minnesota, the daughter of Swedish immigrant parents Ernest and Anna (Nordstrom) Johnson. She was a graduate of Virginia High School and attended the University of Minnesota where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. After teaching in southern Minnesota and North St. Paul, she began teaching at Ely Memorial High School in 1951. Regina retired in 1984 after a total of 37 years in Education. A highlight of her time in Ely included working with the University of Minnesota School of Architecture to re-design and update the Ely high school Home Economics department. It became a state of the art facility and a model for other high schools to follow. Regina worked with many student organizations supporting and mentoring hundreds of students during her career in education.

Regina worked on many committees at Ledgerock Community Church. Originally, the church gathered as the Ely Baptist Church in the home of Bob Sharp. Along with many others Regina worked diligently to grow the church. Those efforts along with their devotion to serving the Lord helped Ledgerock become a dynamic and strong pillar of the Ely community.

Regina enjoyed collecting and reading cookbooks and amassed a cookbook library of over 250 volumes in her heyday. She played the piano and flute, enjoyed reading, knitting and traveled extensively to Europe and Scandinavia during her summers.

Regina is survived by her sister Catherine of Bellingham, WA; nieces nephews, extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by nine brothers: Gustave, Sune, Russell, Alvin, Vernor, Howard, Grant, Peter, Sheldon and one sister: Florence Ulicsni.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Ledgerock Community Church in Ely. A gathering time for family and friends will begin one hour prior to the service at the Church. Inurnment will take place in the Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia.

Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Jerry Alexander Carlson was born on May 26, 1934, in Ely, Minnesota. He was the son of Oscar and Helen (Sikala) Carlson. Jerry was baptized and later confirmed in his faith at First Lutheran Church in Ely. Jerry was a graduate of the Ely High School Class of 1952, Gustavus Adolphus College and later attended post graduate school at the Minnesota State University, Mankato. Following college Jerry served in the United States Army for two years.

On June 9, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage to Malene Torgerson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two sons, Jon and Daniel. They have resided in Hutchinson for over 57 years.

Jerry was employed as a Physical Education teacher at the Hutchinson School District #423 and retired in 1993. He was a very involved and successful boys swimming and diving coach for 47 years and also coached boys and girls tennis for over 20 years.

Jerry was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson. He served on the Board of Directors of Common Cup and was President of both the Hutchison Area Foundation for Health Care and the Hutchinson Education Association. He delivered Meals on Wheels and was a member of the American Legion Post 96, was a 58 year member of the Crow River Golf Club, and was involved in the Hutchinson Tennis Association. Jerry was honored to be inducted into the Minnesota Swimming Hall of Fame, the Hutchinson Wall of Fame and then being named Mr. Hutchinson in 2008.

Jerry’s passion was swimming and he partook in everything having to do with promoting swimming. He enjoyed lap swimming, golfing, hunting, biking, volunteering, and being at the family cabin on Lake Minnebelle. More than anything though, he enjoyed family activities, especially anything to do with his much loved grandchildren. He also had a special place in his heart for his black cocker spaniel dog, Diesel, who was his constant companion.

Jerry entered Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson on February 26, 2020, and passed away unexpectedly of a brain hemorrhage on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the age of 85 years. Blessed be his memory.

Jerry is survived by his:
Wife, Malene Carlson of Hutchinson, MN;
Sons, Jon Carlson and his wife, Heidi, of St. Peter, MN,
Daniel Carlson and his wife, Gina, of Tonka Bay, MN;
Grandchildren, Calleigh, Grace, and Josephine Carlson, and Charlie, Emily, and Jack Huminski;
Sister, Mary Ann Frank of Mesa, CO;
Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and many other relatives and friends

Jerry is preceded in death by his Parents, Oscar and Helen Carlson; and Brothers, Bernard Carlson and Charles Carlson.

Arrangements by the Dobratz-Hantge Chapels in Hutchinson. Online Obituaries and Guest Book available at www.hantge.com.

Rudolph Semeja, age 88 of Springfield, MO died Friday, March 6, 2020 at Morning side at Chesterfield.

Rudy will be cremated and burial will be at a later date in Minnesota under the direction of Walnut Lawn Funeral Home Ltd. DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.

LaVerne “Tootsie” Kuzma, 87, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at Carefree Living in Ely.
Tootsie was born to Charles and Lillian (Rajamaki) Starkman on December 2, 1932. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School and attended Ely Junior College. In 1954, Tootsie married Bernard “Sugar” Kuzma and together they raised three children in Ely.
Tootsie was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, VFW Post 2717 Auxiliary, Ely Bloomenson Hospital Auxiliary; Ely Business Women’s and was a founding member of the Mothers Auxiliary for Youth Activities.
Survivors include her children Nancy (Alan) Andreae of Ely, Richard (Barb) Kuzma of Eagan, and Tracy (Pat) Cherne of Rosemount; grandchildren Benjamin (Erin) Novak, Leah (Mike) Baroun, Kristin Youngren, Jon (Erica) Andreae, Mandy (Andy) Wineberg, Jill (Derek) Brown, Jordan (Krista) Kuzma, Matt (Dawn) Cherne, Tony Cherne and Steve (Karmon) Cherne. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Bernie, Griffin, James, Sophia, Audrey, Addison, Caleb, Henry, Jack, Emmett, William, Eleanor, Charlotte, Parker, Jackson, Ethan and Logan. LaVerne is also survived by sisters-in-law Christine “Teeny” Klein and Donna Kuzma.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Kenneth; sisters Lorraine Schuler, Karen Jiacik, Sandra Starkman; and son-in-law James Novak.
Grandma Tootsie was a fun-loving and very proud mom, mother-in-law, grandma and great-grandma. Always a builder-upper, she was encouraging and helped everyone to keep their chin up and think positively and look at the bright side of life. Every chance she got, she was in the stands or the audience for the children, her grandchildren and great-grand kids, logging miles and miles over the years to cheer them on. She always joined into their fun, whether in the water, in the boat, behind the water balloon throwing, or during the endless games of Tripoli at the cabin on Eagles Nest, with her giant and audible chuckle was so well-known to all. She loved to be the provider of fun treats… from homemade gift boxes filled with cash, to blankets and scrubbies, to homemade pies and especially the Rice-Krispie treats. Her song to the grandkids and great-grandkids forever resonates with them, “I Love You a Bushel and a Peck and a Hug Around the Neck”. We love you Grandma Tootsie. Your fun and proud Finnish SISU will always be with us.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the caregivers of Ely Carefree Living and East Range Hospice for the wonderful care given to our mother.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Northwoods Partners, 300 West Conan Street, Ely, MN.
A service will be held at a later date. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

Dennis Roger Johnson, 86, passed away March 14, 2020, in St. Luke's Hospital, Duluth, Minnesota. Dennis was born in Tower, Minnesota on January 30, 1934. He was the son of Harvey and Constance (Hall) Johnson He graduated from Ely High School in 1952. He married Renee Coombe on February 7, 1953. Dennis and Renee had 3 sons: Keith (deceased in 2013), Mike, and Rich. He spent four years in the Air Force, and upon his return, he attended Ely Junior College where he graduated in 1958. He then furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree in 1960. Dennis worked as a Design Engineer and Project Manager for various companies from 1960-1999.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Renee, of Duluth, Minnesota; son, Mike (Vickie) Johnson of Duluth, Minnesota; son, Rich Johnson of Kirkland, Washington; daughter-in-law, Pam Johnson, Everett, Washington; Four grandchildren: Clint Johnson, Luke Johnson, Kristi Cruz, Dylan Johnson. Grandson, Ryan Johnson, predeceased. Two step-grandchildren, Jim Leste and Jeannine Leste. Thirteen great grandchildren and five step-great grandchildren. Brother, Bruce Johnson, White Lake, Minnesota; brother, Gary (Jean) Johnson, Reno, Nevada; sister, Kay (Bob) Tomsich, Highlands Ranch, Colorado; brother-in-law, Tom (Terry) Coombe, Duluth, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Mike (Patty) Coombe, Lake Havasu, Arizona.

There will be a private family gathering at a later date