Obituaries: July 14, 2023

Jack A. Brandt
Jack Ainer Brandt, 83, of Tower, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 23, 2023, at his home. 
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 14 at  Lakeview Cemetery in Tower.
Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. 
Jack was born on March 20, 1940, to Carl Ainer Brandt and Lily (Lake) Brandt of Virginia. After graduating from high school in Virginia, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. While stationed in North Dakota he met Karen Pulver, whom he later married. After his discharge from the Air Force in October 1963, Jack and Karen moved to Minnesota, eventually settling in Kugler Township.
Jack was employed as an electrician for Erie Mining Company. After his retirement from the mines, he managed the Hoodoo Point Campground in Tower for 13 years from 1988 until 2001. He was a commander for the local American Legion Post and also served on the Tower Cemetery Board. Additionally, Jack was active in the leadership of Kugler Township for many years.
Jack is survived by his children, Julie (Brandt) Harrison, Mark Brandt, James Brandt and Brian Brandt; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and younger brother, Bruce Brandt.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Karen Brandt; parents; and older brother, Charles Brandt.

Ruby E. Laitinen
Ruby Evelyn Laitinen, 94, longtime resident of Ely, passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2023. Close family members will hold a private ceremony to honor and cherish her memory. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cremation Society of Minnesota in St. Paul.
Ruby was born on Nov. 1, 1928, in Blaine, Ky., and moved to Rochester in the early 1940s. She attended the University of Louisville and University of Minnesota for two years.
Ruby married Edward Laitinen of Chisholm and they lived at Eagles Nest Lake near Ely for 40 years, and for short periods afterward in Babbitt, Eveleth, Sturgeon Lake and Gilbert. Ruby lived in Maplewood during her last nine years. She was a longtime board member of the Embarrass Vermillion Credit Union of Tower, and a retiree of Inland Steel, where she served as a custodian.
Ruby is survived by four daughters, Linda Laitinen of Hermantown, Lois Laitinen of Maplewood, Barbara (Mark) Theno of Minnetonka and Evelyn (Jim) Adams of Niles, Mich.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Laitinen; loving parents, Dr. and Mrs. Carl M. Gambill of Rochester; and brother, Dr. Harold Gambill of San Jose, Calif.

Michael A. Scott
Michael Allen Scott, 62, of Duluth, originally of Ely and Babbitt, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, in a motorcycle accident in Duluth. A celebration of Michael’s life will be planned at a later date.
He is survived by his fiancée, Karin Mobilia of Duluth; sister, Rhonda (John) Raskovich of Chisholm; brother, Gary (Pam) Scott of Farmington; many nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins and friends; and fur companion, Rocky.

Jacqueline Carlson
Jacqueline Carlson, 93, of Ely, formerly of Babbitt, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Carefree Living in Ely. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Shawn E. Hannine
Shawn Elliot Hannine, 38, of Cook, passed away on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.