Carol Jean Maddern,96, a lifelong resident of the Tower-Soudan, Babbitt, Eagles Nest and Ely areas; passed on peacefully with
family at her side on September 24th at Carefree Living Ely. She was born March 22, 1924 in Soudan to Andrew and Elsie (Sovde) Larson. She
attended the Tower-Soudan schools. On May 21, 1942 she married Richard (Dick) Maddern of Ely. Carol was a beautiful woman, a wonderful
wife, an exceptional mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother; her family was her life. She made family and friends her number one priority. Carol enjoyed cooking and baking; her table was always set and open to everyone that stopped in; she cherished time spent with family and friends. She will be sadly missed by all. Carol worked for a number years as a nurse’s assistant at the Soudan Hospital and at the Ely Bloomenson Hospital. She also provided care for special needs students in the Babbitt Schools for several years. Carol was active in her community and church. Carol and Dick enjoyed traveling; they had the opportunity to winter in Arizona, Texas and Florida during their retirement.
She is survived by five children; one son, Richard A. Maddern and his wife Suzie of Eveleth; four daughters, Priscilla White and husband Jim, Kathleen Anderson and husband Byron both of Eagles Nest; Alberta Peterson and husband Steve, Carol Brown and husband Brian both of Babbitt; one
brother, Andy Larson and his wife Francine, of Soudan; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick in 1994 and her parents.
A private family gathering will be held with Burial at the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Naomi Rae Janssen 86

Naomi R (Nelson) Janssen of Ely passed away on Sunday September 27th, 2020 at Carefree Living in Ely peacefully with her loved ones by her side.

Naomi was born February 17, 1934 in Thorton, IA to Charles and Alma Nelson. She went on the mission field with her parents as a child during the depression in the hills of Kentucky. After several years they moved to Burt, IA to pastor where she met a member’s son whom she fell in love with. She was united in marriage to Morris Janssen on October 22, 1954. Morris and Naomi went to Sioux City, IA for bible school. They packed up their car and moved to Ely in 1953. The first church they pastored was a little church of 10 people in Ely. They remained pastoring there for 40 years building the church up to 200 members, which is now the Ely Gospel Tabernacle. As the pastor’s wife Naomi always had a pot of coffee on and fresh baked goodies on her table ready for visitors. She also played the organ for services and took part in organizing many of the Christmas programs the kids would put on each year and taught kids Sunday school. Besides being a pastor's wife in her early years in Ely she delivered milk, she also drove a school bus for 28 years for ISD 696 retiring in 2000. After retiring from ministry they were able to have their own home where they resided until moving into Carefree Living.

Naomi was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great grandma Oma and friend. Her family was her pride and joy. From hosting holiday dinners or just baking in the kitchen she was always cooking for her family. Her favorite goodie that she baked was probably her chocolate chip cookies , when those came out of the oven you could bet her grandkids were over there eating them before they were even cooled off. Naomi also loved to sew and enjoyed making matching dresses and little tuxedos for her grandkids for Christmas and Easter. She was one of the few left that would still play the accordion and would love to have people over to play music either in town or at the cabin.

Naomi is survived by her loving husband Morris of 67 years, Daughter Dawn (Chuck) Lukas of Merritt Island, FL, Son David (Jennifer) Janssen of New Ulm, MN. Her bgrandchildren Jillian (Darren Lija) Manning, Ammie (Casey) Peterson, Carter (Jessica) Manning all of Ely, Bethany and Nathaniel Janssen of New Ulm, MN; great-grandchildren Beau Peterson and Sophia Manning of Ely, Also two step-grandchildren Mackenzie and Mitchell Peterson of Ely. Her siblings Mary Lou Swanson of Askov, MN, and brother Paul (Leanne) Nelson of Rochester NY, sister-in-law Betty Nelson of Rice, MN. Also her foster daughter Elaine Havens (who lived with them for seven years) along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Phillip Nelson, brother-in-laws Gordon Swanson, Lloyd Janssen, and Leroy and Viola Janssen.

The family would like to send out a thank you to the staff at Carefree Living Memory care unit for taking such great care of Naomi.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2020 at 11am at the Ely Gospel Tabernacle with visitation taking place one hour before the service at church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

Charles J. DuErr, 92, of Isabella died peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.
He was born to Charles and Hazel (Johnson) DuErr in Milwaukee, WI. Chuck grew up on a farm in rural Wisconsin and spend most of his life in Minneapolis where he was employed by Metro Transit. He fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1995 when he retired to Isabella.
Chuck enjoyed deer hunting and woodworking; his tables and lamps can be found all around Isabella. After a close friend, Richard Czech’s, son died in an unfortunate accident, Chuck attended the Fud Classic Fishing Tournament in support of his friend, held every June beginning in 1988.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; sons, James and Steven; siblings Dick, Joyce, Judy, Clark, Keith, Betty, Phillis, Harold, and Arlyn; and half-brothers, John, Robert, and Ray.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Rae Ann; children Dennis DuErr (Molly Brooks) and their daughter, Tierra (Chris) Gustafson; Teresa (Robert) Hafften and son Kyle (Steffi) Pearson, and their son, Zyle; Tamara (Daniel) Rajewsky, and Christopher Pearson; and brother, Tom DuErr.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 PM until 3 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at the Isabella Community Center. Bib overalls welcome! No suits please! Community pot-luck.
To share your memories or condolences online please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.

Gerald Burdett Maus, 73, of Duluth, passed away peacefully with family by his side, September 27, 2020. He was born in Mahnomen, MN, on July 2, 1947, to Burdett and Geraldine (Kellerhuis).
He graduated from Hermantown High School in 1965. He served in the Army in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart. Gerald was also a proud Teamster working for Ulland Brothers until his stoke in 1997.
He loved to spend time outside, hunting and fishing, with his family and friends especially with Gramps and Don Sausman.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by loving wife, Laura (Lofald); children, Keenan (Brandy), Holly (Jon) Prijatel; grandchildren, Eddie and Sammy Prijatel; siblings, Glenn (Darlene), Gregg (Liz), Brenda (Tim Stroozas) Maus, Garry, and Barry; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Memorials can be directed to the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth.
The Funeral Service will be 12:30PM, Tuesday, October 6, 2020 with visitation one-hour prior in the Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd street, Duluth, MN 55805. Burial at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth at 2PM, with military honors.
Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555.

Mass of Christian Burial for Rosemary J. Skala, 78, of Hoyt Lakes, will be 11am Saturday, September 26, 2020 at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Hoyt Lakes with Fr. Peter Lambert, Fr. Eamonn Boland and Deacon Mark Skala celebrating the mass. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at the church. Burial will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. “Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the church's seating capacity is 50 people and may not be exceeded. Please let it be known that all are welcome to the visitation and that we will be gathering for an outdoor reception afterward at the Hoyt Lakes Beer Garden.”
Rosemary died Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
She was born December 2, 1941 to Andrew and Jenny (Popesh) Koivisto. Rosemary was a 1959 graduate of Ely High School and married Martin Skala on August 27, 1960. In 1964 they moved to Hoyt Lakes where Rosemary raised her children and was a homemaker. She was a catechism instructor at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Hoyt Lakes for many years.
Rosemary was a member of Queen of Peace Parish, its Assumption Group and the Hoyt Lakes VFW Auxiliary. She was an excellent cook who especially enjoyed baking.
Survivors include her son, Mark (Colleen) Skala; daughter, Mary (Donn) Benson; grandchildren: Laura (Evan) Swartz, Jesse (Crystal) Benson, Amy (Stuart) Beauregard, Josh (Sam) Benson, Jordan (Andrew) Snyder and Andrew Skala; great grandchildren: Nicholas, Grace, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jolene, James and Elliette; her brother, Tom (Karen) Koivisto; several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Jenny; husband, Martin; twin granddaughters: Stacy and Stephanie; brothers: John and Bob

Myron G. Helback, age 88 of Coon Rapids, passed away on September 22, 2020 at the Elim Home in Princeton.
Preceded in death by parents, Gust and Lulu (Kultala) Helback; and wife, Lois.
Survived by children, Kim (Ralph) Hageman, Sherri (Michael) Fries, Joy (John) Betzold, Lori (Tom) McKenzie, Tim (Dee), and Joe (Cara Dagenais); grandchildren, Nicholas, Marybeth, Emily, Benjamin, Jackie, Jake, Fr. T.J., Cortney, Riley, Casey, Travis, Joshua, Elizabeth, Avery, Reese, Kella, and Kyler; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Patsy Wick; brother, Jerry (Michele) Helbacka; also many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, followed by a private Funeral Service at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home in Anoka. Interment was at Forest Hill Cemetery, Anoka. Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220 www.thurston-lindberg.com

Carol Zupancich, age 74 of Ely, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at her residence. Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 1 p.m. at Kerntz Funeral Home. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.

Ralph A. Lassi, 85, of Lakeland, Florida died on October 1, 2020 from complications from cancer treatment.

He was born on July 5, 1935 in Ely, Minnesota to Toimi (Doc) Lassi and Mary (Gorshe) Lassi. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1953, and two years later from the Ely Junior College where he earned the Associate Degree in Business Administration.

He worked at an early age at many jobs during summers and after school. During his teen years he was a fishing guide at Borderline Lodge on Pipestone Bay on Basswood Lake. This was the beginning of a lifelong love and communion with the lake, which he visited as often as he could with family and friends during the next 50 plus years. He also guided canoe parties in the BWCA and Canadian Quetico Park for the Border Lakes Canoe Outfitters located in Winton, MN.

On September 1, 1956 he married Joni Jamnick. He was employed by the Reserve Mining Co. in Babbitt and Silver Bay, MN as a laborer and eventually served in several clerical jobs. He and his wife published a free newspaper in Babbitt for several years. After eight years at Reserve Mining, Ralph was employed by the Babbitt School District as Business Manager. After six years, he moved to Hoyt Lakes, MN where he was employed in the same capacity for the next 23 years. He retired in 1993 and moved to Lakeland, FL to spend time with his son and his family.

He loved his family dearly, and the outdoors and camping, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He also enjoyed music, reading, golfing, and travel.

Ralph is survived by his four children, Simone Lassi, Lori (Tim) Rathje, both of Mill Valley, CA, Greg (Lisa) Lassi of Lakeland, FL, and Mary Jo (Mike) Elliott of Bloomington, MN, a sister, Kathleen Eaton of Secquim, WA, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Ray Lassi of Mounds View, MN in 2014.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To honor Ralph’s request, he will be remembered in a private family gathering in Ely, MN, a town that always held a special place in his heart.

Dale “Bo” Allen Wiersema, 64, passed away after a very short battle with metastatic melanoma of the brain, on Sunday September 27, 2020 at his residence in Glen, Minnesota.
Dale “Bo” was born on February 4, 1956 to parents Rosemary (Huizenga) and Bud Wiersema in Morrison, Illinois. He graduated from Prophetstown High school and attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. While attending Central College he helped the Central Dutch football team win the 1974 NCAA Division III championship.
Dale “Bo” worked for many years in farming, construction, asbestos abatement and resort caretaking. He was a real “Jack of all Trades”. Bo loved to garden, fish, camping, doing woodwork, doing things with his granddaughter, Mykaela Emily and listening to his favorite, John Prine. He always had a big bear hug for you and a great joke to share. He was kind and welcomed everyone.
Bo is survived by his wife Bunny, daughter Myia (Charles) Paradis of Cook, MN, son Eric Masurka Alyx Emery) of McGregor, MN, granddaughter Mykaela Emily Paradis of Glen, MN, his father Bud Wiersema of Morrison, Illinois, sister Linda (Wiersema) Heiden of Galena, IL and brother Gary (Susan) Wiersema of Fishers, Indiana, nephew Todd (Angie) Heiden and their children Cora and Gabe, nephew Justin (Heather) Heiden and their children Jarrett and Brooke, niece Katie (Brian) Phillippi and their children Grace, Jack and Samantha, niece Jamie (Josh) Smith and their children Greyson, Garner, Reese and nephew Nate (Sarah) Wiersema. Dale “Bo” is also survived by many aunts, uncles, in-laws, his Festivus family and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Rosemary Wiersema and his grandparents.
Due to the present COVID-19 situation and coming winter, a memorial service to celebrate Bo’s life will be held in the spring. We will all be able to celebrate Dale “Bo’s” life the way he would have wanted.

Roslyn Marie Perko, 91, of Ely, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2020 at Carefree Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Barbara Altavilla, 85, was spiritually reborn on October 5, 2020, surrounded by loved ones. Barbara was born March 26, 1935, in London, England, to Joseph and Ethel (Jones) Rayner. She met Robert James Altavilla at the tender age of 17 when he was stationed in the United Kingdom with the U.S. Air Force. Barbara arrived in Minnesota on May 1, 1954, to marry “her American” on June 12, 1954. Bob and Barb shared 66 years of marriage, raising their three children on the Iron Range. One of Barbara’s greatest joys was gardening, as flowers flourished under her care. She couldn’t be happier in her garden, wearing a new pair of sandals, eating a bar of Cadbury chocolate, sipping English tea and listening to her favorite music. Barbara always had a camera nearby and captured albums full of memories. A voracious reader, Barbara immersed herself in Ancient Egypt, extraterrestrial civilizations, the life of Jesus and the history of Native Americans. Barbara was also a talented artist who created a number of paintings depicting the things she loved. Barbara was an active grandmother to Tony, Nick, Katherine, Vincent, Austin, Angelo, Olivia, Julia, and Isabel. She created fun activities for them, including apple picking and slippin’ slides in her backyard, school shopping at the mall and the annual Christmas ping-pong tournament, that resulted in lifelong memories and laughter.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and baby brother Kenneth. In addition to her nine grandchildren, Barbara is survived by her devoted husband Bob, her son Bob Jr. (Tammy), and daughters Lorraine (Gordy) and Christina. The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Arbor Lane who provided our mother such tender loving care in her time of need. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Arrangements are with the White Funeral Home in Lakeville, MN (952-469-2723). Online condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com

Charles "Chuck" Evancevich, 61, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, October 9, 2020 at Essentia Health- St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Louise Groom, 90, died on October 9, 2020 at Cherrywood Advanced Living in Andover, MN. She was born on February 21, 1930 to Arthur and Elizabeth (Kulhman) Hietala in Finlayson, MN. Louise moved to Ely, MN as a young adult where she met and married Leonard M. Groom Sr., in 1948. She retired after working at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital for 33 years. Family was Louise’s priority. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Cooking, baking, knitting, fishing, and playing BINGO were her favorite activities.

Louise is survived by her three children: Leonard (Pat) Groom, Jr., Ely; Larry (Laura) Groom, Grand Rapids; and LouAnn (Dan) Benson, Coon Rapids. Eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren also survive Louise: John (Christine) Kittelson, Milwaukee; Scott (Nicole) Kittelson, Dilworth; Mike (Aurimy) Groom, Grand Rapids; Becky (Matt) Campanario, Esko; Sandie (Branden) Ebert, NowThen; Leonard (Megan) Groom, III, Eveleth; Bill (Allyson) Groom, Ham Lake; Tara (Travis) Fast, Carlton.

Louise is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leonard M. Groom, Sr. (1981), and all of her siblings.

In accordance with Louise’s wishes, there will be no services; there will be a private burial in the Ely Cemetery at a later time. A special thank you to the extraordinary staff and management of Cherrywood-Andover for the excellent care and the Cremation Society of MN for handling arrangements. For condolences, please visit: https://cremationsocietyofmn.com/tribute/details/34078/Louise-Groom/obit...

Mary Jo Wiermaa Godt, age 68, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 in Augusta Georgia.
She was born on February 28, 1952 to Julien and Elsie Wiermaa. She is survived by Robert, her husband of 44 years. Her stepdaughter Heidi Godt (Sue) her Mother Elsie, sisters Amy Hoit (Mel), Susan Milleville (Greg), Alyssa Hawn (Jeff) brother John Wiermaa and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her brother Brian and Father Julien.
Mary Jo graduated from J.F. Kennedy High School in Babbitt and Carleton College in Northfield, MN. She obtained her masters and PhD from the University of Georgia. She was a professor at the U of GA in botany(genetics) in Athens.
Even though Mary Jo lived in Georgia for many years, she loved coming home to northern Minnesota. Family was everything to her. She loved to read, garden, and cook wonderful meals. She rescued, cared for and loved her many dogs and cats.
If you would like to honor Mary Jo’s life, please plant a tree or make a donation to your local animal shelter.
A private memorial service will be held to celebrate her life.

Muriel E. “Babs” Maldeis, of Rapid City, died Monday, October 19, 2020 at a local health care facility.
She was born in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, England to Stuart and Muriel (Pratt) Joyce.
Babs grew up in Clacton-on-Sea and in 1945 she became a war bride, marrying Lewis F. Maldeis, a US Army Air Corps supply Sgt. She entered the United States on May 6th, 1946 at New York City. They lived in Baltimore where she became an American citizen on January 14, 1952. They lived in Pennsylvania, Illinois and finally settled down in Ely, Minnesota where Babs was active in her church and church guilds and was active with the Ely Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Sled Dog Committee.
After Lewis passed away, Babs moved in with her son, Mark in Rapid City in 1993. She became an active member in the British Wives Club, serving as vice president and president and Emmanuel Episcopal Church E.C.W.
Babs is survived by her sons; Neil (Sue) of Ely, Minn. and Mark (Denise) of Rapid City, three granddaughters; Katie Maldeis, Minnesota, Kristen Rugile, California and Amanda Maldeis, Rapid City. She is also survived by her sister Heather, brother Kelvin, and niece Michaela, all of England.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Lewis and a sister, Lorna, of England.
A Memorial Eucharist will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Emmanuel Episcopal Church with inurnment in the Emmanuel Church Memorial Garden next spring.
A memorial has been established to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church organ fund.
Friends may sign her online guest register and view a video recording following the service at www.osheimschmidt.com.

Irene Bergeron Grahek was granted her angels wings on October 20th 2020. She was 90 years old. Irene was born to Eugenie (Jane) and Peter Bergeron in Oklee Minnesota on August 20th 1930. Irene was the youngest of 6 six children and came into this world as a surprise! As a child she loved to roller skate with her brother Ernie. They were so good people nicknamed them Fred and Ginger!
Irene attended grade school in Oklee till the 8th grade and then went to St. Joseph’s Academy in Crookston MN where she graduated 4 years later. Her college career started at St. Teresa in Winona MN as a freshman but later transferred to Bemidji State Teachers College where she received her teaching degree. One of Irene’s first teaching assignments was in Ely Minnesota with a 4th grade class. In Ely, she met and married her husband Joe (Blondie) Grahek in 1954. In those days you could not be a teacher and be married so she got a job as a reporter for the Duluth News Tribune and also wrote about the stories and events of the Ely area in the Ely Miner and Ely Echo. Her “Around the Town” column was a favorite with the local people.
Irene’s next assignment was taking the job of HRA director for the senior and low income housing. She was successful at this position for 31 years retiring at the age of 70.
Irene was well known and loved by many and will be missed.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Joe, son-in-law Robert Beel, her parents, brothers and sisters. She is survived by her 4 children Gayle (Robert) Beel-Centreville VA., Jim (Sue) Grahek-Plymouth MN, Julie Grahek-Minneapolis and Carol Grahek-Santa Barbara CA., and 2 granddaughters Andrea Grahek-St. Paul, and Morgan (Alex) Jagiela-Minneapolis.
Due to Covid, a 2021 spring memorial service is being planned. Details will follow. Please direct any memorials for Irene to the Alzheimers Association.

Robert E. “Bob” Springer, age 81, passed away peacefully with family by his side at his home in Pequot Lakes, MN, on Friday, October 23, 2020. He was born to Edwin and Nora Springer on October 26, 1938, in Pequot Lakes. Bob and Eileen met in Kelly Lake, MN, and were married in Hibbing, MN, moving to Ely, MN to live and raise their family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eileen; children: Wayne (Cheryl) Springer, Vicki Springer, Randy (Suzanne) Springer, Julie Tangen; grandchildren: Megan, Matthew and Aaron Springer, April (Cody) Hoisington, Angela (Patrick) Shea, Cody and Nicole Springer, Logan, Desirea and McKenzie Tangen; sister, Darlene Jarvis; and great grandchildren: Colton, Sage, Parker, Cam, Nora and Haley.
Services will be 2 PM on Friday, October 30, at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing while attending the service.

Renee Lassi, 69, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral ome of Ely.

Franklin Lawrence Kuhar

November 24, 1956 – October 6, 2020

Frank died at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born in Ely, MN to Lawrence and Esther Kuhar. He graduated from Ely High School, class of 1975. Frank attended the University of St. Thomas and graduated with a degree in accounting.

Frank married his high school sweetheart, Jacinta (Cindy) Braun on June 30, 1979, recently celebrating their 41st year of marriage. Frank started his career at Ernst and Young and ended his career at Accenture.

Frank loved sports, especially golf. He was an avid MN Twins and Vikings fan despite their track records. He had a great sense of humor and was very charismatic.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jacinta (Cindy), sons, Nicholas and Alexander Kuhar, daughter, Melissa (Matt) VanHavermaet, and grandsons Britton and Emerick VanHavermaet. Sisters- Jayne Kuhar and Carol (Ray) Oates.

A small service was held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 with just immediate family. Donations made in honor of Frank can be sent to Can Do Canines or Christopher Reeves Foundation.

Bernard Henry Portinen, 85, of Ely passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 25, 2020.
He was born on December 2, 1934 to Garnet and Esther (Baakkari) Portinen. His buddies gave him the knick name Barlo after the Portinen family's St. Bernrd.
On August 25, 1956 he married the love of his life, Nancy Jo Markovich. They were life-long Ely residents and raised a family on the west end. He worked and retired from St. Louis County where he was employed as a purchasing agent.
Barlo loved fishing and hunting with his boys and friends as well as watching football and baseball.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, as well as his parents.
He will be missed by sons Dennis (Anne Vertin) of Ely, MN and Allen (Teri Zupec) of Maple Grove, MN and a daughter, Ruth (Keith) Aijala of Babbitt, MN.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.