Obituaries

Jun 26, 2025

Arlene Carolyn Olson, age 89, of Virginia, MN, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Carefree Living in Aurora.

Arlene was born on August 19, 1935, in Soudan, MN, the daughter of Swan H. and Fanny A. (Torkko) Branwall, and her stepfather, Axel Branwall. She grew up in Soudan and graduated as valedictorian of the...

Jun 25, 2025

May 4, 1935-June 25, 2025

Say not in grief "he is no more" but live in thankfulness that he was.

John Walter McKillop was born in Duluth MN, the youngest of 5, to Scottish immigrants Thomas and Margaret (Daisy McCracken) McKillop. Jack was proud of his Scottish heritage, even acquiring 1...

Jun 20, 2025

Kent A. Johnson, age 81, longtime resident of Virginia, died Friday, June 20, 2025 in Essentia Health- Virginia. He was born December 16, 1943 in Oslo, Mn; the son of Harold and Eloise (Eblen) Johnson. Kent served in the United States Marine Corps.  He was united in marriage to Phyllis C. on May 30, 1970 in Duluth....

Jun 16, 2025

Thomas Allen Pawlikowski, age 78 of Lake Vermilion – Tower died Monday June 16, 2025 in Essentia-St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born August 28, 1946 in Superior, Wisconsin, the son of Walter and Margaret (DeBrune) Pawlikowski. Tom was a graduate of Superior Cathedral High School and the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a double major and a...

Jun 9, 2025

Charles John "Chuck" Tekautz 85, of Soudan, Minnesota, completed his final earthly journey on Monday June 9, 2025, at his home in Soudan, Minnesota surrounded by his wife, and other family members. He was born in Soudan, Minnesota on April 4, 1940, the son of Charles S. and Gladys (Axelson) Tekautz.  Chuck was united in marriage to Nancy Singleton...

May 30, 2025

Michael E. Olds (68) went home to Heaven on May 30th in his home with his wife and kids by his side.

He was born September 24, 1956 to Edward and Shirley (Handeland) Olds in Chisholm, MN.  He spent the majority of his childhood in Balkan with his five siblings.  He loved the cows, playing...

May 29, 2025

Gretchen Christine Johnson, Ph.D.

Dr. Gretchen Johnson of Virginia Minnesota died on May 29th, 2025 at the age of 81

Welcoming her into heaven were the Lord, parents Bernard and Margaret (Engman) Johnson, brother Peter Johnson, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Gretchen was raised in Virginia, Minnesota. She had a...

May 28, 2025

Jerald R. Gibson, age 79, longtime resident of Hibbing, MN, passed away, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in his loving wives embrace.  He was born August 9, 1945, in Milaca, MN, the son of Harold and Lena (Christiansen) Gibson.  He was a graduate of North St. Paul High School.  A veteran of the US Air Force, Jerry served...

May 27, 2025

Arthur Nicky Asuma "Nick", age 71, longtime resident of Zim and Cherry, died Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home.  He was born November 1, 1953, in Virginia, MN, the third of five boys to Art and Wilma Asuma.

While Art worked at Minntac, he also ran a small farm where the main crop was...

May 25, 2025

Alan Carl Toenjes, 77, of Angora, MN, passed away unexpectedly on May 25, with his wife, Sumalee, by his side. A lifelong outdoorsman and devoted fisherman, Al found joy on the water and was granted the rare gift of leaving this world doing what he loved most.

Alan's life was rich with adventure and hard...

May 24, 2025

We are heartbroken to announce that Susan (Sue) Ann Kangas, 75 of Mt. Iron MN, born May 28th, 1949, passed away on Saturday May 24th, 2025, at Aspire Hospital in Duluth MN. She lived a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. To honor her wishes there will be no funeral service. We invite you to...

May 22, 2025

James A Lahti (Jim, Jimmy), age 83, passed away on May 22, 2025, after a short stay at the Waterview Pines in Virginia under the care of Essentia St. Mary's Hospice.

Jim was born in Ely on March 31, 1942, to Arne and Clara (Sandnas) Lahti. As a child, his family lived in Orr, Cook...

May 20, 2025

Marjorie Lynn Wallin, age 66, lost her battle with cancer on May 20th, 2025 in Tower MN. Margie was born in Virginia on January 2, 1957 to Raymond and Lorraine (Skarp) Wallin.  Margie was a 1977 graduate of Virginia High School.  She attended the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Margie enjoyed spending time at Lake Vermilion and going...

May 16, 2025

David "Davy" Paul High, Jr., age 57, of Hibbing passed away peacefully, called by the Lord, on May 16, 2025, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  He was born in 1967 in Springfield, IL, the son of David and Dorthea High before moving to Cherry in 1982 and finally to Hibbing in 2008.  Davy...

May 15, 2025

Jared Lee Hancock, cherished as a son, father, brother, uncle, and friend, left a significant impact on everyone he encountered. He passed away on May 15, 2025, in Fayal Township, MN, leaving behind treasured memories of his infectious laughter and adventurous spirit.

Born on August 29, 1978, in Virginia, MN, Jared was the son of...

May 13, 2025

Paul Jay Roy, age 65, lifelong resident of Soudan died of cancer on May 13, 2025 at home, with his family by his side. Paul was born October 4, 1959 in Soudan, the son of Jay and Donna (Causin) Roy and was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School. He married Lynn "Toody" Meehan on June 4, 1984. He started...

May 12, 2025

Harlan Edward Broten, age 92, of Tower died Monday, May 12, 2025, while working at the job he loved.  He was born October 11, 1932, in Fox, MN, the son of Henry and Edna (Fugelberg) Broten.  He was a 1952 graduate of Roseau High School where he played both hockey and football – earning athletic scholarships to...

May 6, 2025

Theresa JoAnn Burandt, age 75. Of Ely and formerly of Prior Lake, Minneapolis, and Bemidji, MN, died peacefully Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at her home in Ely with family at her side.  She was born November 19, 1949, in Minneapolis, MN, the daughter of John and Joanne (Rogers) Elms.  She was a graduate of Minneapolis South High...

May 3, 2025

Adam Burgess, 41, passed away on May 3, 2025, from complications of CKD and Type 1 diabetes. Born on May 21, 1983, Adam was known for his strong work ethic, creative spirit, and his constant drive to stay busy with a project. Adam had a passion for building and fixing things- whether it was woodworking, home remodeling,...

May 3, 2025

Marie Louise Zavodnik, age 79, longtime resident of Soudan, MN, died Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.  She was born March 11, 1946, in Gilbert, MN, the daughter of Tony and Mary (Vesel) Zavodnik.  She was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School.

Marie worked as a housekeeper at the...