Obituaries: April 26, 2024

Mary Lou Carlson
Mary Lou (Sundell) Carlson, age 88 of Duluth, passed away on April 13, 2024, at BeeHive Assisted Living in Duluth. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial Service at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy., in Hermantown on Thursday, May 9. Pastors Christoph Schmidt, Roger Munson and Bill Fossom officiating. Burial in the Minnesota Veterans Cemetery-Duluth to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4960 Miller Trunk Hwy. #700, Hermantown, MN, 55811 or the Worship and Music Committee at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, 301 Conan Street, Ely, MN, 55731 would be appreciated. Arrangements are by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home.
Mary Lou was born in Ashland, Wis., on May 10, 1935, to August and Edith (Saari) Sundell. She was a graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School and married Robert “Bob” Carlson on July 6, 1957 in Duluth. Mary Lou began her working career at Western Electric in Duluth followed by many years in sales at Paper Capers, Engwall’s Florist and Peterson/Anderson Florist.
Mary Lou was a member of the Duluth Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors where she was awarded Ambassador of the Year. She also received the Outstanding Service Award from the City of Duluth and a Certificate of Commendation from Governor Rudy Perpich.
She was active with the Brownie and Girl Scout troops at Grant Elementary School where she received the Bronze Scout. Mary Lou was past president of the Y Wives.
Following their retirements, they built their home on Eagles Nest Lake 4 in the Ely area and spent many years in the Ely community. Mary Lou was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Ely and Trinity Lutheran Church in Duluth.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jim Sundell.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Bob; twin daughters, Deann (William) Munson of Duluth and Luann (Carl) Munson of Duluth; two grandchildren, Aunika and Jorgen Munson; a sister, Betty (Roger) McKeever of Hermantown and beloved extended family. Mary Lou’s family would like to thank all the staff at BeeHive Assisting Living for the wonderful and loving care they provided, as well as Gentiva Hospice.

William J. Rutchasky
William Jeffrey “Willy” Rutchasky, 67, of Cook, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. 

Daniel R. Malecha
Daniel Roman “Danny” Malecha, 52, of Myrtle Lake-Orr, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Cook Hospital with his wife Abi by his side. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 26 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Lunch and fellowship will follow at Myrtle Lake Resort. All are welcome to celebrate the life of Danny; he would want that.
He is survived by his wife, Abi Stadler Malecha; daughters, Ashley (Steve) Francen and Serena (Jonathan) Malecha; son, Justin Malecha; father, Leonard Malecha; siblings, Mark (Julie) Malecha, Sandy McDonald, MaryLu (Terry) Bastyr and Sonia Malecha; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  

Larry R. Rosett
Larry Richard Rosett, 68, of Babbitt, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital. Arrangements are pending with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.

Bernadine J. Krtinich
Bernadine Joan “Bernie” Oja Krtinich, 88, longtime resident of Babbitt, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, surrounded by her family. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her sons, Danny (Connie) Krtinich and Steve Krtinich; grandchildren, Jeff Krtinich and Stacy Krtinich, Katie (Jordan) Richards and Joe (Charlsie Sartain) Krtinich; great-granddaughters, Evelyn Margot Krtinich and Ann Bernadine Richards; sister, Annette (Bob) Pozos; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Elfering and Ginny Oja; and nieces and nephews.

Jeanette M. Kosorok
Jeanette May “Jean” Mikolich Kosorok, 87, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in her home surrounded by her daughters. A private family memorial will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her daughters, Veronica (Jim) Bolte, Roxane Harri and BillieJo Edman (fiancé Bob Hendrickson); son-in-law, Terry Spieker; sisters, Fran Kendall and Tootsie (James) Moravitz; brothers, Donald (Caroline) Mikolich and Tom (Diane) Mikolich; grandchildren, Casey, Billy, Shane, Cody, Nick and Abbie; and great-grandchildren, Colton, Hadley, Reese, Sloan, Eileigh, Jace and Karsyn.

Delores J. Starkman
Delores Jean Voss Starkman, 77, of Ely, passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Babbitt Carefree Living. Private services will be held and burial will be in White Iron Cemetery. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her husband, Gary; sons, Michael and Dan; grandchildren, Dylan and Danica; and siblings, Patricia, Linda, Robin and Roy.