Obituaries: January 16

James B. Gornick
James Bernard “Jim” “Stamp” “Chipper Cheese” “Hammer” Gornick, 75, of Soudan, died in his home on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, after his battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Tower Civic Center. Funeral arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
He was born on Jan. 28, 1950, in Virginia, to Marie and Matthew Gornick. 
Jim is survived by his siblings, Marie Graupmann, Matthew Gornick and John (Wendi) Gornick; two children, Jesse (Jenny) Gornick and Cade (Andrea) Gornick; grandchildren, Otto and Ada Gornick; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Judith E. Mazzeo
Judith Ellen “Judy” Lempia Mazzeo, 81, of Virginia, formerly of Embarrass, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 9, 2026, at Heritage Manor in Chisholm. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia. The visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the service will start at 11:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Arrangements have been made with Range Funeral Home of Virginia. 
She is survived by her stepsister, Kathryne Kotke; loving husband of 62 years, Anthony Mazzeo III; children, Theresa (David) Hmielenski, Carolynne (Steven) Pluchino, William (Claudine) Mazzeo and David (Karlena Flaschberger) Mazzeo; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; her Washington Manor family; and many other special friends.

Byron J. Beihoffer
Byron Jay Beihoffer, 89, formerly of Lake Vermilion-Tower, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

Norma A. Heikkila
Norma Alice Thompson Palo Heikkila, 94, of Babbitt, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026, at Essentia Health Virginia. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Babbitt.  Family visitation will begin at 10 a.m. A family burial will be held at a later date. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. 

Geraldine A. Koschak
Geraldine Angela Koschak, 83, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Carefree Living in Ely. A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

Steven Raj Sr.
Steven J. Raj Sr.
er, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at Vermilion Senior Living in Tower. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Donald Fowler
Donald “Archie” Fowler, 74, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his friends and family. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Flaimer’s bar in Virginia. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his sister, Darlene Boyer; brothers, Robert Fowler and Scott Fowler; nephews, Robert Fowler Jr. (Kendra), Casey Fowler (Angela), Joe Boyer (Amy), Brandon Fowler, Nathan Fowler and Scott Fowler Jr.; niece, Tammy Kingston (John); and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

Betty E. Chos
Betty Elizabeth Urick Chos, 80, of Biwabik, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. A 10 a.m. visitation and 11 a.m. funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook with a reception to follow. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Anthony “Tony” Chos; children, Julie Chos of Buhl and Doug Chos of York, Neb.; grandchildren by marriage, Brady West and Kevin West, both of Nebraska; sister, Dorthy Rootes of Phoenix, Ariz.; nephew, Michael Rootes of Phoenix, Ariz.; and other extended family members and dear friends.