Lillian Susan Ahlstrand, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at Edgewood Brainerd. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 1 pm at Heritage Assemblies of God in Baxter, MN and visitation will take place 1 hour prior. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens.
Lillian was born to Waino and Saina (Rosenlof) Aho on December 09, 1934 in Brantwood, WI. She married William Ahlstrand on February 17, 1951 in Ely, MN and together they had 3 children, Yvonne (David) Trugman, William Jr, and Maralee (Paul) Gazelka. They were married for 69 years and blessed with 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren. She was a member of Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. Lillian was also a registered nurse in Viriginia, MN for over 25 years. She loved sewing, crocheting, reading, baking, cooking, and canning.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel-Baxter. www.brenny.com

Joyce Irene Saisa, 80, of Virginia passed away on Saturday, November 28th, 2020 from complications with pneumonia at Essentia Health - Virginia.
Joyce was born on July 29th, 1940 in Ely, Minnesota to Walter and Martha Jarvi. Joyce graduated from high school in 1958, attended junior college and then received her certificate for laboratory technician while attending school in Minneapolis. She married Gerald Saisa at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely on February 13th, 1960. They raised two sons, Jim and Steve.
Joyce had a deep passion for the outdoors and especially her family. She loved fishing, hiking, canoeing, foraging blueberries and creating beautiful flower gardens. She was a very warm, patient and kind-hearted person. She always made an extra effort to make family feel special and loved; she will be greatly missed.
Joyce was preceded in death by her mother, Martha and her father, Walter. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jerry, sons Jim (Tammy) of Connecticut and Steve (Dena) of Las Vegas, grandson James (Megan) and great grandson Liam of New York City, sisters Donna (Bob) Gerchman of New Brighton, Merdie Merrill, of Ely, sister-in-law Judith (Richard) Fields of Duluth and cousins, nephews and nieces.
Thank you to the caring and compassionate ICU staff at Essentia Health in Virginia
Services for Joyce will be held at a later date at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virgini. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Donald "Don" C. Fink, 72, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Mary Ann Franz, former longtime resident of Babbitt, MN, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing, MN. Mary Ann was born on November 18, 1945 in Mobridge, SD to Carl Arthur and Frieda (Nies) Larson. As a child, the family moved to Emily, MN where Mary Ann eventually attended nursing school and also met her husband, Conrad. Mary Ann and Conrad made their residence in Babbitt, MN where she had many fond memories of friends and the community. Mary Ann was a nurse for 30 years at Ely Bloomenson Hospital. She had two children, Tom and Lisa and two grandchildren, Mason and Zeb. Mary Ann enjoyed watching and attending rodeos. She loved spending time with family and especially her grandsons. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; Carl and Frieda, husband; Conrad, brother; John Larson and nephew; Jesse James Larson. She is survived by her children; Thomas "Tom" Franz, of Keewatin, MN, Lisa (Jeffrey) Graves of Keewatin, MN, grandchildren; Mason Graves of Camp Lejeune, NC, Zeb Graves of keewatin, MN, brothers; Carl (Doreen) Larson, of Crosby, MN, Doug (Joni) Larson of Emily, MN, numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ann will be dearly missed. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence. Ann Franz, former longtime resident of Babbitt, MN, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing, MN. Mary Ann was born on November 18, 1945 in Mobridge, SD to Carl Arthur and Frieda (Nies) Larson. As a child, the family moved to Emily, MN where Mary Ann eventually attended nursing school and also met her husband, Conrad. Mary Ann and Conrad made their residence in Babbitt, MN where she had many fond memories of friends and the community. Mary Ann was a nurse for 30 years at Ely Bloomenson Hospital. She had two children, Tom and Lisa and two grandchildren, Mason and Zeb. Mary Ann enjoyed watching and attending rodeos. She loved spending time with family and especially her grandsons. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; Carl and Frieda, husband; Conrad, brother; John Larson and nephew; Jesse James Larson. She is survived by her children; Thomas "Tom" Franz, of Keewatin, MN, Lisa (Jeffrey) Graves of Keewatin, MN, grandchildren; Mason Graves of Camp Lejeune, NC, Zeb Graves of keewatin, MN, brothers; Carl (Doreen) Larson, of Crosby, MN, Doug (Joni) Larson of Emily, MN, numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ann will be dearly missed. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com to leave a message of condolence.

Adolph B. Austreng, 87, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Audrey Frances Storrs (Pechek), 82, Bemidji MN, died 12/3/2020 at her residence.

She was born 6/21/38 in Ely, MN to Anton and Frances “Fannie” Pechek (Miklavcich). Audrey attended Ely Memorial High School and was active in swimming, madrigals and ice skating. While in high school, she worked for the Ely State Theater. She graduated high school in 1956. She married Larry Jo Storrs Oct. 13th 1956. Through the years, she worked as a bookkeeper, secretary, held a number of other jobs as they traveled for Larry’s career and retired from Anderson Fabrics in Blackduck, MN as a seamstress. Audrey loved to travel, spend time with family, sew, crochet and you would always catch her with a book in her hands. She and Larry spent their retirement traveling in their motor-home and spending time as camp-ground hosts at various campgrounds around the US with their teacup poodle Rusty. They finally settled in Bemidji MN and enjoyed many years of fishing on local lakes. Audrey was known as a prankster and was never without a smile on her face. Her laughter was infectious and her smile would light up a room. She was kind, loving, strong, hard working and definitely the glue that held their family together.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Storrs, her parents Anton and Frances “Fannie” Pechek (Miklavcich), baby sister Francie, sister Margaret "Margie" Maki, grand daughter Kristi Tveit, great granddaughter Cassandra Flatland along with her two sons Hudson and Cooper.

She is survived by her daughter Carol, (Craig), Kuhl, Minong WI, son David, (Sheila) Storrs, Trapper Creek AK, and daughter Laura (Todd) Smith, Puposky, MN, 8 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, a couple great greats, and brothers Ray (Sharon) Pechek, and Dan (Marie) Pechek.

There will be a celebration of life in the spring or summer of 2021. Information will be shared once the date and location is determined. Interment will be after at Cohasset Cemetery. For contact information, you can email Laura at tnlsmith90@yahoo.com

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.

Gregory J. Scheuermann, 64, of Duluth, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Dorothy Gaither, 96, of Jacksonville, went home to her Savior on Thursday, December 10, 2020 while surrounded by loved ones. Born in Embarrass, Minnesota, she was swept away at 17 by a handsome young Arkansan, Roy Gaither of Newport, who was in Northern Minnesota with the CCC. He became her loving husband for 45 years until his passing. She would laugh when relating the culture shock when first arriving in Arkansas. They shared a military life together, frequently relocating with their five children.
Preceded in passing by her husband Roy and eldest son, Roy Jr., she is survived by 4 children, Rocklyn Gaither and wife Nancy of Winton, Minnesota, Richard Gaither of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Patsy Jones of San Angelo, Texas and Carol Saffle and her husband Glenn of Jacksonville, Arkansas (Carol and Glenn have been devoted caretakers of Dorothy for the past few years); she is also survived by her sister, Carol Przybylski of Ely, Minnesota and sister-in-law Jennie Jeffers of Hot Springs, Arkansas. To Dorothy, nothing was sweeter than the call of “Mom,” “Grandma” or “Great-Gran” she would hear from her children, 7 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren, each of whom loved her very much.
Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.

Barbara Lassila, 84, of Babbitt, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Irene Johnson, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Aurora. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Devon Marie Richter passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2020 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.
Devon was born on March 27, 1978 in Ely, MN to Sue Mauser and Art Richter. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1996, attended Vermillion Community College and completed her 4 year degree through St. Cloud State. She knew her career direction early on in life, working with special needs people, she excelled at her job and loved what she did.
She will be remembered for her big heart, compassion for others, bubbly personality, infectious smile and her curly hair – just to name a few. When she smiled she lit up a room and was loved by everyone who knew her, a big loss will be felt by all.
Devon is survived by her mother Sue Mauser, father Art (Patty) Richter, brother Brand (Shannon), her three fur babies Rusty, Kimba and Theo, many uncles, aunts and cousins.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents Frank and Marge Mauser, Derald and Audrey Richter and an uncle, Dan Richter.
Due to Covid, a celebration of life will be held at a later date in 2021. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Stanley J. Bezek Jr., MD, of Ely, Minn., and Oro Valley, Ariz., (formerly of Virginia, Minn.), passed away on Dec. 10, 2020, at home, with family by his side after two years of treatment for pancreatic cancer.
He was a goliath in the eyes of those who knew and loved him and his legacy will sustain his memory. Stan, although born in Saint Paul, Minn., on Feb. 22, 1947, was a true Iron Ranger at heart and moved to Virginia’s “South Side” as a baby. He attended Horace Mann Elementary then Roosevelt High School, graduating as co-valedictorian in 1965. After graduating from St. John’s University in three years, he graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Cleveland Metro General Hospital and the University of Colorado Medical Center. He became board certified in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine.
In 1974, he married Carrie McDermott of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He began to chase the infinite quest to balance work and life while practicing in a medically underserved area with the National Health Service Corps in Panguitch, Utah, where his first three children were born. Stan’s true career passion had always been rural family medicine because of the privilege it afforded in caring for that person’s total spectrum of care from birth to death. He honored the challenge and art of medicine. Stan often said he would “try to treat each patient as if he was seeing the face of God’’ in order to energize himself and overcome challenging situations. His charge to give the best care for his patients drove him to be a lifelong learner with a quiet humble spirit and an unyielding work ethic. He had the gift of conversation, seemingly having a font of knowledge on most any topic; Stan was Google before there was Google. But he was just as good of a listener as he was a talker. If you had a query, he may have an interesting article on the topic clipped out and ready to hand you from his home office.
Stan and Carrie decided to raise their growing family in Virginia, Minn., with Stan practicing first at the East Range Clinic in Virginia, then as a tribal physician on the Bois Forte Indian Reservation, and ultimately as an Emergency Medicine doctor in Hibbing for the next 28 years. His duty to his patients was only rivaled by his respect for his nursing colleagues, work partners, hospital support staff, and students. His work team gave him immense joy and lifelong friendships. His medical contributions to the Iron Range community are far reaching. Stan’s days off allowed for raising his family which he called, “One of the greatest joys in my life.” He saw his six kids through church activities, music, sports and academics and into the next generation being a grandparent. He was the great nurturer of talents with his time and devotion. He taught his children and grandchildren compassion, hard work, high morals, and above all, love. He was a master at cornball humor and was known throughout the family and Range wedding circuit for being a unique and spontaneous dancer. He loved his winter sauna after a long day’s work. He would entertain us with a hearty guffaw. He reveled in making organic lasting relationships and worked to nurture them over the years.
Stan’s happy place had always been “the lake” - from Lake Vermilion as a youth to Farm Lake near Ely as an adult. He loved heading to his cabin whenever he could and tending to the wilderness with Carrie and the rest of his family. He routinely would be seen with a chainsaw clearing brush, planting white pine, barbecuing, canoeing in the BWCA, and teaching the grandkids how to toast the perfect marshmallow. Running marathons was another challenging outlet that combined his love for the outdoors and working consistently to attain a goal. He enjoyed a good story and was a voracious reader, becoming more avid as his children became adults. He led a spiritually-focused life, and in his final time, he was able to appreciate all the lives he touched and was thankful for all the blessings he had in this life.

Judith "Judy" Espointour, 91, of Winton, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at the Cook Care Center. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Barb Vinson, 85, of Ely, passed away at her residence on Friday, December 25, 2020. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Corley, Jean Bernadette (Ryan)
10/4/41 - 12/24/20
Jean B. Corley, age 79, of Burnsville, passed peacefully in the presence of her loving family, on Thursday, December 24, 2020. Survived by her husband of 58 years, John (Jack) Leo Corley, seven children. Bernadette Troge (Gary), Steven, Christine, Rebecca Sago (Frank), Matthew (Elisa), Margaret Horejsi (Michael), Joseph (Stacie), 16 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Jean, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, was born to James & Margaret (Popesh) Ryan in Ely. Grandparents Michael & Margaret (Sever) Popesh, Ely, and James & Barbara (Taylor) Ryan of rural Aitkin MN. Preceded in death by parents, grandparents, brother James, sister Mary Corley, brothers-in-law Frank Weisinger, Leonard Fox, sister-in-law-Karen Ryan and daughter-in-law-Raquel (Steve)
One of ten children, she is survived by five sisters: Margaret Fox, Theresa Weisinger, Barbara (Robert) Carnes, Veronica (Paul) DuPuis, Elizabeth (Larry) Alexander and two brothers: Joseph (Sharon) and John (Gailyn).
Jean was a loving, caring and open minded woman, with a strong faith. She cherished her family and friends. She grew up in Ely, moving to the East Coast for the first 17 years of her marriage, then returned to the “beautiful blue sky” of Minnesota to be closer to her parents and siblings. A devoted mother and wife, she led Brownies/Cub Scouts, before taking a position in the Dakota County Library System.
She and her husband, Jack, traveled the world in retirement. At times traveling the US to sightsee, play Bridge and see shows. She was an avid Bridge player and patron of the theater. She loved nature, gardening, knitting, games, puzzles, cards, reading and singing. Open the front door to her home and you could often catch a show tune.
A devoted mother, she tirelessly supported her special needs daughter in her typical selfless manner, with her time and energy. She was the ultimate grand and great grandmother by hosting a yearly family reunion for a week at places up north, so the cousins could all be together.
Nobody was a stranger to her and often an “extra” person could be found at the Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
She will be greatly missed by her husband and family.
A service will be held next year in the summer. Memorials can be made to Guild Incorporated, an organization which supports Jean’s daughter.

Irene May Johnson, 90, of Ely, MN, died Dec. 19, 2020. She was a resident of assisted living for a year when she contracted coronavirus, and died after a short illness.
She was born in Hibbing, MN to Impi Sofia (Koivisto) and Verner Isaac Peterson. She graduated Hibbing HS in 1947. She attended Hibbing Junior College. She married Roger W. Johnson in 1949. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2019.
Irene is survived by her daughters, Susan Johnson (Daniel Arnold), Becky Johnson, and Jody Johnson (David Paluch). Other close family members are Darrel and Rosemary Johnson, Lowell Johnson, Kimberly Haug, and Cathy Bogolub. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, and one great granddaughter.
Irene loved living in the north woods, at the lake. She planned many family canoe trips into the Boundary Waters before she and Roger retired to live in Ely in 1981. She liked people and was a community leader and contributor, volunteering her time in every community she lived in, working at food pantries, women’s shelters, and in other organizations to help disadvantaged people. She and Roger were active members and supporters of the Ely Golf Course, where she was an excellent golfer. She was an accomplished weaver. She worked at SISU Designs in Ely for several years.
She grew up on the Iron Range where her Finnish and Swedish immigrant parents were part of the Finnish community that founded Mesaba Park near Hibbing. She spoke Finnish and English in her family home, and was happy to travel to meet her extended family in Sweden and Finland.
She was intelligent, almost fearless, funny and kind-hearted. She was a great mom. She loved cats.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Roger, her parents, two brothers, Walfred and Michael, one sister, Marion, and her aunt, Lempi Kojo, who cared for her family after her mother died.
Ely friends and neighbors generously offered their help to Irene, Toni Mitchell, Paul and Marisa Haraldson, and Mary Louise Icenhour. The nursing care staff at Aurora Carefree Living gave her excellent care.
A private memorial will be planned when that can safely be arranged.

Rocklyn A. Gaither, 75, of Winton, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2020 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Janet Helen Hogan passed away peacefully at Gracewood Senior Living on December 27, 2020.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Phil, her sister Lynn, and her parents Joseph Gast and Helen Vos.
She was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 3, 1932 and went to the University of Michigan where she completed a degree in education. She and Phil moved to Vadnais Heights, MN where they raised their family and she worked at three different school districts in the Twin Cities teaching special needs children. She completed her Master’s Degree in Special Education.
They retired to Ely, MN where they built their Swiss Alps style home in the North woods. They spent 30 years in Ely, making many loving friends and connections there. Janet is remembered fondly for her inquisitive nature, her love of coffee and conversation at the Front Porch, her support of the Wolf and Bear Centers in Ely, their many travels around the world, and her continuing quest for knowledge.
She is survived by her sisters Peg and Alice, her step-sister Sandra Melo, her son Mike (Anna), her son James, her daughter Terri Copps (Rip) and her 8 grandkids; Matthew (Samantha), Emilie Purvine (Sam), Laura (CJ), Joe, Paul (Clara), Andrew (Meredith), Jim and Katie.
A Celebration of Life will be held for her at the Presbyterian Church of the Way in Shoreview when we can gather together safely at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to the 1st Presbyterian Church of Ely, or www.savetheboundarywaters.org.

Gregory (Gregg) Zillmer, age 60, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at Villa Toscana in Houston, TX.
Gregg was born on April 18, 1960 in Spooner, Wisconsin.He was a resident of Conroe, TX and a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church in Houston, TX.
He is survived by Ann; two children Mitchell and Andrew; two brothers Bryan Zillmer of Jordan, MN, and Paul (Cheryl) Zillmer of Babbitt, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Darrell and Jacquelyn Zillmer and sister Vicki Woltger.
Gregg grew up in Embarrass, MN and graduated from J.F. Kennedy in Babbitt, MN in 1979. He then attended Hibbing Community College for Culinary and graduated in 1981. Also, he went to Normandale Community College for Hospitality Management and graduated in 1987. He worked in many places throughout the United States working on his culinary skills.
Gregg was involved with Cub/Boy Scouts, church, school activities such as Watch Dog and Band Booster also with sports his sons participated in throughout the years. Gregg was involved with his family and would do anything for them. He loved watching sports especially the Vikings!
Gregg will be missed terribly by his family and friends! May he rest in peace.

Lawrence (Larry) Stanley Grahek of Stacy, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly due to complications from COVID on December 26, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN.
Larry was born on January 2, 1957 to Amelia and Stanley Grahek. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School in the class of 1975. Larry completed his four year degree through the University of Minnesota where he played baseball for the Minnesota Gophers and was drafted to play for the Kansas City Royals.
He will be remembered for his love of family, sports, music, cooking, golf and boating. Larry was a true DIY guy and loved home improvement projects. One of his most beloved projects was a boat renovation. His favorite relaxation was to be on the lake cruising in his boat. He also loved to listen to his treasured vinyl record collection.
Larry is survived by his wife Sandra, daughters Emily and Michayla, fur baby Belle, brother Bob (Cindy) Grahek, sisters Kathy (Joel) Belehar, and Jane (Gary) Dormanen, mother-in-law Elvie Zitzow, brothers-in-law Keith (Paula) Zitzow and Kevin (Sheri) Zitzow, sister-in-law Sheila (Jason) Sayler, and many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Amelia, grandparents Frank and Ursula Tratnik and Joe J and Anna Grahek.
Due to Covid, internment will be private and a celebration of life will be held at a later date in 2021 when it is safe to gather. Arrangements are with the Roseville Memorial Chapel in Roseville, MN.