Obituaries: February 16, 2024

James K. Marttila
James Konstantin Marttila, 75, of Rochester and Lake Vermilion-Tower, died on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Seasons Hospice House in Rochester from complications of lung cancer treatment. A family interment service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center, Box 659, Tower, MN 55790. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.
Jim was born on Oct. 25, 1948, in Soudan, to Walter Konstantin and Verena Maud Oliver Marttila. He grew up in Tower, living above the family business, Marttila Drug, graduating from Tower High School in 1966, and earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota in 1971 and was in the first U of M Doctor of Pharmacy class in 1973. He later obtained an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Jim taught for 15 years at the U of M College of Pharmacy as well as partnering in operating several pharmacies and a pharmacy consulting business before moving to Rochester where he opened the first Mayo Clinic outpatient pharmacies, and directed the team that managed the Mayo Clinic drug formulary.
Retiring in 2020 after 32 years of service, Jim continued to consult. He participated in many professional organizations, holding leadership offices and serving on numerous committees at the state and national levels.
Jim loved his time spent in Tower and at the cabin on Lake Vermilion. He was a skilled woodworker, furniture restorer and all-around Mr. Fix-It. He and his wife had a passion for world travel, especially Great Britain where his mother was born. The only continent he didn’t visit was Australia. He was a steadfast supporter, board member and past president of the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center in the former St. Mary’s Episcopal church building where his family worshipped for many years.
Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathleen Meyerle; son, Andrew K. Marttila; sister, Anne (Charles) Wiermaa; father-in-law, Andy Meyerle; sister-in-law, Elaine (Robert) Shannon; brother-in-law, Gregory (Nancy) Meyerle; seven nieces and nephews; one great-niece and six great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Konstantin and Fannie Harma Marttila and James and Annie Oliver; and aunts, Martha Marttila and Ellen Pela Anderson.

Jean M. Kidd-Lobes
Jean Marie Kidd-Lobes, 70, of Howell, Mich., passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. Arrangements are with Livingston Cremation and Funeral Care of Howell.
Jean was born on Jan. 1, 1954, in Winton, to Charles M. and Margaret Zorman Kidd. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1972 and attended Hibbing Vo-Tech. She lived and worked in the Detroit area for many years.
Jean is survived by her husband, Gary Lobes; stepchildren, Jeff, Mike and Jodie; brothers, David (Marlene) Kidd of Elk Grove, Calif., and Charlie (Kris) Kidd of Ely; sister, Shirley Kidd-Maki (Leroy Peewee Maki) of Winton; and nieces and nephew, Angela Rocha, Laura Galeon, Matt Kidd and Mireille Kidd.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marjorie M. Menton
Marjorie Mae Custer-Seinola Menton, 91, of Aurora, originally of Sturgeon, was reunited with her departed loved ones on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Essentia Hospital in Duluth. Her daughters were by her side as she made this final journey. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 16 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
She is survived by her daughters, Terese (Mark) Persson and Gail (Dennis) Heruth; grandchildren, Raina (John) Heruth, Isaac (Anna) Heruth, Marcus (Karissa) Persson, Jesse Heruth, David Menton, Thomas (Mandi) Heruth, Lacey (Vance) Keenan, Joshua (Kylie) Persson, Nathan Menton and Katie Heruth; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.