YUZNA (Paddock), Kay Diane passed away comfortably Friday morning, March 20, 2020 at University of MN Hospital. Born, Kay Diane Paddock on November 20, 1944 in South Mpls. She was the second daughter of Thelma Haugen and Earl Paddock. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Ray Yuzna; daughters, Rebecka Yuzna and Kristina Wertheimer (Alex); elder sister, Penelope Krieger (Chuck) and their daughters, Kristin Capurso and Karen Krieger and their families. Kay graduated from Roosevelt H.S. in 1962 and went on to achieve a degree in Nursing from St. Olaf College in 1966. Kay married Ray Yuzna on August 30, 1967 at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. She worked as a nurse for 22 years at the University of MN hospital then worked several years for Health Risk Management as a consulting nurse and unit manager. Kay also lived for two years in Tembagapura, New Guinea where she volunteered in their nursing program. Kay was known for her compassion and her humor, professionalism and patience. She fought to maintain her family during difficult years, relying on her practicality and optimism. Due to the current restrictions on gatherings, the family has decided to postpone a memorial service. Date to be announced later. www.cremationsocietyofmn.com

Rudolph F. Semeja, 88, died Friday March 6th at Morningside of Chesterfield, Springfield, MO.
He was born on November 11, 1931 in Gilbert, MN and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1949.
Rudy graduated from Gustavus Adolphus in 1953. He started his teaching and coaching career at high schools in Meadowlands and Babbitt for 15 years. He then moved to Vermilion Community College for 22 years. Rudy was also active in sports officiating, the Ely school board, Blandin Leadership Program, Ely Joint Powers Board, Iron Range Resources Partnership for Citizens Board, co-chairman of the Hwy 169 Task Force Committee, Northeast Service Cooperative Board and the St. Louis County Health and Human Services Board. He was elected into the first National Junior College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
Rudy is survived by his daughter Jean (Don) Porthan, Springfield, MO, son John (Donna), Coon Rapids, MN, daughter-in-law Rebecca, (Mark), Waconia, MN; six grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie), Karl, Erik (Amy), Greg (JoAnna) Courtney and Nick; five great-grandchildren, Christian, Keira, Dylan, Lucia and Amelia.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Donna, son Mark, parents Mike and Agnes, numerous siblings and many close friends.
A celebration of life will be planned for a later date in Ely, MN.

Richard W. Ivansek,87, of Babbitt, a proud U.S. Navy veteran, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2020 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Robert “Bob” Baier, Sr., 95, of Ely, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.
Bob was born on October 15, 1924 in Austin, Minnesota to Gust and Olga (Price) Baier. His father passed away when Bob was 9 years old so he began to work early in life. He worked on farms and the CC Camps prior to getting a job with the Hormel Corp. processing Spam.
He married Harriet “Elyce” Swatosh on November 15, 1942.
Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS South Dakota, which later became Battleship X. Upon returning stateside he went back to work for Hormel Corp and also owned the Dew Drop Inn hamburger stand in Brownsdale.
Bob and Elyce moved to Ely in 1967 where they owned and operated the Ely Laundromat. He also went to work for the US Forest Service in Ely for many years, retiring at 85 years of age. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, hunting, bowling and sitting on his deck with his wife, family and friends.
Bob was a former member of the VFW, American Legion and Moose Clubs.
Bob is survived by his children Elizabeth (Donald) Petersen of Austin, MN, Robert (Sheryll) Baier, Jr. of Ely, Patricia (Raymond) Marsnik of Ely and Barbara (Steven) Fultz of Babbitt, 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, several brothers and sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Elyce in 2010, sisters Helen Barnett, Avis Baier and brother Roger Baier.
We wish to say thank you to Dr. Montana and the Care Center for the care given to Dad, he loved you all.
Funeral services will not be held at this time. Burial will be in the Veteran’s Section of the Ely Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Betty “Betsy” Jean Polyner, 62, of Duluth, formerly of Ely, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Derek Nathan Klingfus, age 35, crossed over from medical complications on Monday, March 30th, 2020 at St Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.
He was born on June 7, 1984 at St. Olaf Hospital in Austin, MN the son of Deaune (Dehler) and David Klingfus Jr.
Derek was a natural athlete and played many sports in his youth. He loved hockey and played into his high school years and was an avid fan. He also had a passion for golf. He could be found teeing off from sun-up to sun-down. When he wasn’t playing golf, you would most likely find him in a boat casting a line. As much as he enjoyed these activities, his daughter, Aubrey, was his greatest joy of all. She was his pride and joy and cherished every moment with her. They spent many hours together in Grandpas boat on Loon Lake where he taught her how to fish or in a golf cart cruising the course. His niece “Chez Inez” and nephew “Buster Brown” held a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Derek is survived by his mom: Deaune Klingfus; sister: Danielle (Aaron) Nickolson; niece and nephew Chezne and Ethan Nickolson, all of Ely; dad: David (Kim) Klingfus, Jr.; half-brother: Ian Klingfus; half-sister: Maggie Klingfus, all of Austin, MN; maternal grandfather: Clark Dehler of Aurora; great-Aunt: Carol (Harold) Siefert of Woodbury; special friend: Jen Hubbard and her children Logan, Maddie, Kaylee and Greyson of Gilbert; aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends, including lifelong friends: Billy Cogger and Sigurd Noyes.
He was preceded in death by his daughter: Aubrey; maternal grandmother: Anne Dehler; paternal grandfather: David Klingfus, Sr. and his feline companion: Wrigley.
As saddened as we are of this loss, we take comfort in knowing he has been reunited with the light of his life, Aubrey.
Due to the current shelter in place mandates, a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Memorials are preferred, and may be sent to Vermilion Funeral Home, PO Box 445, Tower, MN 55790.
Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

KEVIN J. KUTSI, 56, of Ely died on Wednesday, April 8, 2020 at Essentia Health - St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Ziemer -Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora

Kevin J. Kutsi, 56, of Ely and formerly of Hoyt Lakes passed away April 8th 2020 at St Mary’s hospital in Duluth. He was diagnosed with a thyroid cancer a month ago and passed away from complications.

Kevin was born May 11, 1963 in Duluth to Wesley and Connie (Germ) Kutsi. He graduated from Aurora-Hoyt Lakes high school in 1981 and following school, he received an AA degree from Range Technical College. Shortly after graduation, Kevin met life challenges which kept him from pursuing a job using his intelligence.

Kevin enjoyed his Finnish – Bohunk heritage. He was proud that he acquired a HAM radio operator license. He also enjoyed the quest of ripping apart electronics and repairing them. In addition, Kevin had a love for classic cars – especially the “Cougar” line and had a passion to restore one. He loved listening to music his entire life. He acquired a great collection of lp’s, cassettes and cd’s.

Kevin had a great love of God. He was involved in prayer chains most of his life. He always wanted the best outcome for everyone suffering. He moved to Ely and was welcomed by many special people in his apartment complex. They gave him strength to step out and be loved. He especially enjoyed his bible study group. They gave him great courage and understanding – bless them!

Above all, Kevin enjoyed spending time at the Koivisto-Kutsi cabin in the woods. It took him back to younger days that were spent with precious family.

Kevin is survived by his sister Judy (Dennis) Koponen of Babbitt and niece-dog Aunna-Liisa. Survivors also include numerous uncles and aunts and cousins who were very special to him.

Kevin is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; many uncles and aunts, cousin, Patrick Germ and Kevin’s cat, Maddy.

Kevin’s Family would like to thank and bless his care workers and doctors for their many years of service.

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A family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit zmsfuneralhome.com

Ralph Leon Karlinski
1936 - 2020

Age 83 of Centerville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on April 7th, 2020. Ralph, formerly a resident of Ely/Virginia, was a United States Marine Corps veteran and retired co-owner of Bass Gambling Supplies. He was a successful business man, who was loved by many.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife Donna Mae Karlinski of 39 years; five children, Marlene (Rick) Smith, David (Stephanie) Karlinski, Dr. Karen Karlinski, Donald (Barbara) Pasanen and Theresa Nelson; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents Leo and Thelma Karlinski, and brother, Donald E (Gladys) Bonner.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Darryl Davey, 70, of Babbitt, passed away April 7th quietly at home with his children by his side.
Darryl was a graduate of Babbitt High school. Shortly after, Darryl enlisted into the U.S. navy during the Vietnam War. He started working at Reserve Mining in Babbitt until its closure and went to work for LTV in Aurora until its closure. After Darryl retired, he enjoyed restoring classic cars, drag racing, car shows, fishing and spent countless hours tinkering around in the garage.
He was a member of the Babbitt VFW, NRA, NHRA and the Babbitt Conservation Club. Darryl was a devoted son to his his mother, who passed away just 6 months prior, and a devoted father and grandfather. Darryl always gave more than he ever took. He could always be found fixing something for somebody or lending a hand to anyone in need.
Darryl was proceeded in death by his parents Roy and Elizabeth “Poppy” Davey, both of Babbitt. A sister Deborah and a brother Kevin. Two children, Christopher (Tammy) Davey, of Zimmerman MN, a daughter Melissa Davey also of Babbitt, and two grandchildren, Braden and Megan, as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In honoring our fathers wishes, there will be no formal memorial. We may have a small personal gathering of family and friends to be determined at a later time.
Any monitory gifts will be donated to the non profit Virgie Hegg Hospice Foundation for patients and their families in need all here in our local area in our fathers honor.

Stanley "Stan" P. Cherne, 90, of Ely, a Korean War Veteran, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Beloved brother and friend, Curtis Lynn Oelrich, 66, passed away on April 13, 2020 in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. He was born on April 17, 1953; the son of Leigh and Marjorie (Finckbone) Oelrich.
Private services will be held at a later date. Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with services.

Rudolph F. Semeja, 88, died Friday March 6th at Morningside of Chesterfield, Springfield, MO.
He was born on November 11, 1931 in Gilbert, MN and graduated from Gilbert High School in 1949.
Rudy graduated from Gustavus Adolphus in 1953. He started his teaching and coaching career at high schools in Meadowlands and Babbitt for 15 years. He then moved to Vermilion Community College for 22 years. Rudy was also active in sports officiating, the Ely school board, Blandin Leadership Program, Ely Joint Powers Board, Iron Range Resources Partnership for Citizens Board, co-chairman of the Hwy 169 Task Force Committee, Northeast Service Cooperative Board and the St. Louis County Health and Human Services Board. He was elected into the first National Junior College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
Rudy is survived by his daughter Jean (Don) Porthan, Springfield, MO, son John (Donna), Coon Rapids, MN, daughter-in-law Rebecca, (Mark), Waconia, MN; six grandchildren, Chad (Stephanie), Karl, Erik (Amy), Greg (JoAnna) Courtney and Nick; five great-grandchildren, Christian, Keira, Dylan, Lucia and Amelia.
He was proceeded in death by his wife Donna, son Mark, parents Mike and Agnes, numerous siblings and many close friends.
A celebration of life will be planned for a later date in Ely, MN.

Curtis L. Oelrich, age 66, of Smelterville, ID, passed away Monday, April 13, 2020, at
North Idaho Advanced Care Hospital in Post Falls, Idaho.

Curtis was born April 17, 1953 to Leigh and Marjorie(Finckbone) Oelrich in Virginia, MN.
He grew up in Ely and graduated from Ely Memorial High School. Curt was a longtime
resident of the Silver Valley and worked for Honeywell in Spokane, WA. He enjoyed the
outdoors and reading.

Curtis is survived by three sisters, Sharon (Steve) Bateman of Spirit Lake, Idaho, Doreen
Flynn of Ely, Minnesota, Tammy (John) Schubert of Missoula, Montana and several nieces and
nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

There are no scheduled services at this time. Bell Tower Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.

Gladys Frances Born

Gladys Frances (Perko) Born, age 86, passed away at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester, MN on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Gladys was born May 30, 1933 in Ely, MN, daughter of Frances and John Perko. Gladys spent her childhood in Ely, moving to Rochester, MN to pursue nursing school. She graduated from St. Marys School of Nursing with a concentration in psychiatry in 1954.

She married her best friend, Robert Born on August 20, 1955 in Ely, MN. After relocating for two years to Pasadena, CA and moving back to Rochester, she practiced private duty through St. Marys while raising her young family. For 25 years, Gladys worked as a Nurse Manager, often praised as a mentor to many, during her career on the closed psychiatric unit of St. Marys.

Camping across the U.S. with her growing family was a frequent past-time and held many fond memories. In later years Gladys had more opportunities for traveling with Bob, with some of her favorite destinations including Hawaii and abroad, and specifically following her roots and ancestry in Slovenia. She enjoyed making pasties, potica, cookies, and many other goodies. Anyone who knows Gladys well, is fully aware of her incredible sweet tooth, especially for chocolate and jellybeans.

Following her retirement, Gladys found great joy in continuing to spend time with her family playing cards, board games, sharing meals, relaxing and boating at their Hayward family cabin. There was much laughter and many bonding moments that will be cherished forever.

Her many interests, talents with crafts, and hobbies were always abundant including playing the piano, singing, ceramics, reading, quilting, making jewelry, needlework, and doll making. The family were loving recipients of her talents, and sometimes her many collections. She loved cats; her favorites were Siamese.

Gladys treasured and maintained the very special friendships she shared with close friends and neighbors through her lifetime; having a passion for Broadway plays, trips to Branson and NYC, Cirque du Soleil (aka casinos), and a wide variety of music.

Extensive adventures ultimately became more challenging with the advancement of her disease, but never took away her desire to live life to its fullest. Her faith was on her side during her illness, and her family visits are what brought her the most comfort in her final hours.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers John and Joe, and aunts and uncles. Survivors include Bob, her husband of 64 years, her three children: Desiree (Greg) Haspert, Ramsey, MN; Bob (Joan) Born, Byron, MN; Mike (Karen) Born, Neenah, WI; grandchildren, Amanda Haspert, Eric Born, Natalie Haspert, Ryan Born, Camille Born, Meghan Born, Erin Born, and great –grandson Jayden.

Gladys was a long-term member of the Church of the Resurrection, Rochester. Due to the current limitations of the COVID pandemic, a limited number of the immediate family will be gathering for a private family service. Post- quarantine, the entire family will have a special, private celebration of life in Gladys’s honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Upper Midwest Chapter. The family would like to extend a tremendous expression of gratitude to Dr. Thomas Poterucha, the St. Marys Hospice Team; Dr. Cory Ingram, Michelle Blankenship, Martha Siska, Michelle Gachne, and Heather Leonard. Also, our appreciation to the nursing staff on Domitilla 4D at St. Marys Hospital, Rochester.

“You’ll never be forgotten, that simply cannot be. As long as I’m living, I’ll carry you with me.”

Author Unknown

Courtesy of Macken Funeral Home - MackenFuneralHome.com

Patricia G. Boitz, 93, of Ely passed away Friday, April 17, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.
Patricia was born on March 17, 1927 in Ely to John & Louise (Dormish) Petrich. She was a lifelong Ely Resident. She graduated from Ely High School and worked as a clerk for J.C. Penny. She married Frederick Boitz. She loved sewing, ceramics, and gardening. She also enjoyed making Slovenian meals and wine; she went hunting and trapping and her time at the lake. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church of Ely, the American Fraternal Union of Ely, and the Slovenians Women.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frederick on August 19, 2007; six brothers: John, Joe, Louie, Mathew, Bernard, and Frank Petrich; four sisters: Justina Petrich, Heddy Storm, Elizabeth Shauer, and Louise Goldowski; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Surviving are: daughter, Mary (Richard) Bird of Cambridge; three grandchildren: Patricia (Todd) Baker, Richard (Sandi) Bird; and Justina Bird and her husband William Messerich; five great-grandchildren: Alexys Olness, Anthony Olness, Jamie Bird, Jessica Bird, and Jordan Bird; two great-great-grandsons: Jace and Jaden.
Graveside service will be 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at the Ely Cemetery with Deacon Greg Hutar officiating. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Miriam V. Pucel, 95, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

In Loving Memory
Jon Max Rice
October 22, 1982 – April 27, 2020

Jon Max Rice, 37, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020. He was born on October 22, 1982 to Jon and Debbie Rice (Kobe) in Hibbing, MN.
Jon was a graduate of White Bear Lake High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2002 and proudly served his country in Iraq. Jon enjoyed spending time outdoors golfing, snowboarding, fishing and hunting. He especially loved spending precious time with his son.
He is survived by his parents, Jon (Corie) Rice of Side Lake, MN and Deborah (Joe) Kobe of Ely, MN; his son, Jordan Rice, of Tower, MN; sisters Sarah (Brad) Westerberg of Hibbing, MN and Courtney (Josh) Engquist of St. Croix Falls, WI; his maternal grandfather Max Zoretic of Silver Bay, MN; step-siblings Nikki (Erik) Beissel of New Prague, MN and Shaun (Jess) Samuelson of Swanbourne, Australia; niece and nephews Hayden, Tyler, Noah, Audrey, Hugh, Lachlan, and Cole; many relatives and special friends.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Adeline Rice of Chisholm, MN; maternal grandmother Jean Zoretic of Ely, MN
A private family service was held at Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia, MN on Saturday, May 2, 2020. The family plans to honor and celebrate Jon’s life with extended family and friends after MN State Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

JAMES ANTHONY KOTCHEVAR Age 88 of Minneapolis, passed away May 4, 2020 at Bethesda Hospital, St. Paul. Survived by loving wife of 57 years Ethel; son Jim (Carmela) Kotchevar; three daughters Anne (Alessandro) Faldi, Mary Kotchevar & Toni (Tony) Tallman; three granddaughters Gabriela, Susana and Veronica Kotchevar; grandson George Tallman; three sisters Elinor Zgonc, Terese (Carroll) Claeys and Mary Jean Nilsen. Preceded in death by parents Mayme and Anton Kotchevar.
Jim was born on April 21, 1932 in Ely, MN to parents Anton F. and Mayme Lobe Kotchevar. He attended Ely High School where he excelled in football, basketball and track. He was a graduate of Ely High School, Class of 1950. He was a proud Slovenian and Iron Ranger. He enjoyed time with family at his cabin, listening to polkas, picking blueberries, making sauerkraut and exercising with silver sneakers.
He was a teacher at Tracy High School, Mpls Franklin Junior High, West, Washburn and Southwest High Schools.
Private Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, May 12 at the Church of the Holy Family, 5900 W. Lake St., St Louis Park. Int. Ely City Cemetery, Ely, MN.
Gearty-Delmore 952-926-1615

Eugene F. Schlick,75, passed away on Friday. May 8, 2020at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely. F. Schlick,75, passed away on Friday. May 8, 2020at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.