Obituaries: January 23, 2026

David A. Pike
David Allyn Pike, 81, of Embarrass, known to many as Mr. Pike, Coach Pike, or simply Piker, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at Essentia in Duluth, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of quiet leadership, steady kindness, fierce devotion to family, and more than a few groan-worthy jokes that will still make people smile. A private family memorial service was held at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Virginia with Pastor Zachary Klumpp officiating. A spring burial will be in the Embarrass Cemetery. In honor of Dave’s love for sports, everyone is invited to wear their favorite Minnesota sports team shirt, professional, college or high school, to a celebration of life on Monday, Feb. 9 from 4-7 p.m., with a time of remembrance at 5 p.m., at the Mt. Iron Community Center. Memorials are kindly preferred to the Virgie Hegg Hospice Foundation in Cook. Arrangements are by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.
David was born on Aug. 10, 1944, in Ely, to Charles T. Pike and Ora E. Pike, both of whom preceded him in death. He spent most of his childhood in Embarrass, with a few formative years in Maine, experiences that helped shape his steady nature, quiet resilience, and lifelong appreciation for community.
Over the last month of his life, David fought with remarkable sisu, the quiet determination and grit that defined him throughout his life. When he was finally diagnosed with cancer, it was simply too much, and he knew it was time to rest. While he was ready for peace, he was also deåeply sad to leave this world, especially to leave his beloved Berta and his family. In the days that followed, he was comfortable, lucid, and surrounded by family. He was given the rare gift of time, time for meaningful conversations, heartfelt goodbyes, and moments of laughter. Before he left, he told his children, Tricia and Jeff, that his heart was full. 
The outpouring of love and messages from friends, former players, students, and loved ones moved him deeply, bringing both tears and smiles. From the moment he chose comfort, David was able to share what his family lovingly describes as the longest and most meaningful Minnesota goodbye, the kind that included stories, laughter, and probably a few opinions.
David attended school in Babbitt before continuing his education at Ely Junior College and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He dedicated his professional life to education, teaching elementary school in McKinley and Gilbert, and serving as acting principal for a time, roles he filled with fairness, patience, and an ability to command respect without ever raising his voice. 
Coaching was one of David’s great callings. He coached baseball, basketball, football, and nearly every other sport where kids could be taught and molded, always believing in developing both incredible people as well as excellent athletes. He cared far more about effort and character than the scoreboard, though he appreciated a good win. A special joy was coaching his grandson Noah’s Little League baseball team. In recognition of his impact, he was inducted into the Hall of Honor by the MN Basketball Coaches Association. 
In retirement, Dave worked at the Wilderness Golf Course which he loved. He was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, as Congregational President, Elder and Choir member. David’s sisu showed most clearly in his devotion to his wife. In recent years, he cared for Berta through the incredible challenges of dementia. It was not easy, and it was often exhausting, but he never gave up. He showed up every day with patience, love, and unwavering commitment, continuing to care for her despite how diffcult it became.
David was known for being respectful, kind, calm, and quietly stubborn, with deep grit and enduring sisu. He had a dry, quick, and unpredictable sense of humor, often delivered with perfect timing and a straight face. He loved wintergreen mints, strong coffee, a good Finnish biscuit, and puzzles that didn’t give up too easily. When he wasn’t mentoring kids or family, he could often be found working on his beloved ’67 Chevy, occasionally fixing it, occasionally just admiring it. Family was David’s greatest pride. He was deeply proud of how close his family was and especially loved watching his grandchildren grow, taking quiet joy in who they were becoming.
David is survived by his wife, Roberta Pike; daughter, Tricia Shuck (Scott) and their son, Noah Shuck (Lauren); son, Jeff Pike (Angie) and their daughters, Carissa Pohl (Carter) and Shaylene Pike; sister-in-law, Barb Hegg (David); nephews, Jason Hegg (Kelly) and son, Carter, and AJ Hegg (Cara) and sons, Anders and Levi; and aunt, Lorraine Jarve.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Cheryl Aho.

Joseph E. M. Skala
Joseph Earl Mathias Skala, 85, of Ely, passed away at his home on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. Many thanks to the caring staff at Essentia Ely Clinic and Essentia East Range Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely on Friday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow. Inurnment will be at the Ely Cemetery in the spring. Memorials are preferred to St. Anthony’s or the American Cancer Society. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his daughters, Vicky (Paul) Cherne of Shoreview, Valerie (Bob) Walker of Elburn, Ill., and Sarah (Stephen Brandt) Skala of Ely; grandchildren, Anthony (McKenzie) Cherne, Mary (Garett) Schoenfelder and John Cherne; and great-granddaughter, Greta Schoenfelder. 

Barbara Hiltbrunner
Barbara Ann Hiltbrunner, 90, passed away at Carefree Living in Babbitt on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. There will be a burial at a later date in Des Moines, Iowa. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.   

Anthony L. Serena
Anthony L. “Tony” Serena, 84, of Babbitt, died on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at his home. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Col. James G. Runkle
Col. James G. Runkle, (Ret.), 82, of Tower, passed away on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Geraldine A. Koschak
Geraldine Angela “Geri” Kosir Koschak, 83, of Ely, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of her family on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Carefree Living in Ely. Services will be held on Friday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with visitation at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service. The family prefers donations to the Ely Educational Foundation or Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice East Range. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her children, Bill Koschak of Los Angeles, Calif., Bob Koschak of Blaine and Dave (Kate) Koschak of Ham Lake; grandchildren, Ryan, Andy and Maren; sisters, Jane (Steve) Koschak, Sharon (Ed) Krumme and Betty (Mike) Sipe; seven nieces and nephews; and beloved partner, Pat Ferderber.