Obituaries: July 19, 2024

Connie J. Skala
Connie Jeanne Skala, 72, a lifelong resident of Tower, died in her home on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with family at her side. Per Connie’s wishes there will not be a formal service.
Connie was born on July 26, 1951, in the Soudan Hospital, the daughter of Oscar and Fern (Sarri) Johnson. She was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School. Connie was united in marriage to Matthew James Skala on Oct. 21, 1967, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. She worked as a homemaker, but also worked at Fortune Bay Casino and the Tower-Soudan High School. Connie was a very kind and caring person who loved and treasured her family very much. She loved reading, cooking, and baking, which she was very good at. Connie and Matt spent 57 years doing everything together - boating, camping, road trips, and especially the many weeks spent at Superior Shores and Burlington Bay Resort near Two Harbors. Together they were wonderful grandparents. Connie will be missed so very much.
Connie is survived by her husband, Matt; son, Jess (Amy) Skala of Bemidji; daughter, Casie (Scott Chiabotti) Skala of Tower; three grandchildren, Brody (fiancée Tiffany) Skala, Adian Skala and Shea Skala; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Carol Tuominen and Fern Pylka.

Kathleen J. Hoppa
Kathleen J. Hoppa, 82, died peacefully at New Journey Residence in Biwabik on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 5 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Liz Cheney will officiate. Inurnment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virgina. 
Kathy was born on Oct. 14, 1941, the daughter of Arnold and Emma Pearson, and grew up south of Tower at the Pearson homestead on Wahlsten Road. She was a graduate of what is now Northeast Range High School and Vermilion Community College. Kathy worked in medical records at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth before marrying Dennis Hoppa in 1966.
Enjoying their new life together, the couple delivered supplies via snowmobile to Dorothy Molter in the winter and built award-winning floats for the annual Tower Fourth of July parade in the summer. In 1975 they adopted a son, Mark, who for many years competed at the Special Olympics. Kathy coached him in basketball, track and field, bowling, and speed skating, disciplines in which he won numerous medals. Not one to be idle, Kathy was the organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower for 42 years; was active in Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and was the longtime secretary and treasurer for the Vermilion Range Old Settlers Association. She also corresponded with pen pals from around the world. On Feb. 2, 1996, as a volunteer National Weather Service Observer, Kathy recorded a temperature of minus-60 degrees Fahrenheit in her backyard, a Minnesota record that stands to this day.
In 2003, the Hoppas moved to Wuori Township, where she volunteered at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia, continued with the Special Olympics, and recorded rain and snowfall for the National Weather Service. Dennis passed away in 2015. 
Kathy is survived by her son, Mark, who remembers his mother as having a wonderful sense of humor.

James P. Akins
James Patrick Akins, 82, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Florence, Ariz. He was born on April 3, 1942, in Soudan, to John and Angela Akins.
Jim is survived by his wife of 48 years, Teri Rothdum; siblings, John (Leslie) Akins, Pat (David) Schmid, Stella Saraparu, Fred (Teri) Akins and Kathy (Gary) Salmela; children, Annette (Tony) Peden, Jason (Georgia) Akins, Keith (Tonya) Akins, Jared Akins, Rhonda Pande and Wayne Reichert; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Angela Akins; son, James Jr.; and sister, Mary Maki.

Lynne M. Sherman
Lynne Marie Marsyla Sherman, 68, of Babbitt, completed her battle with cancer on Friday, July 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 17 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt. Arrangements were entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her husband, David of Babbitt; daughter, Amanda (Alexander) Castro of Marshall; and sister, Nancy Marsyla (Donald) Doll of Bovey.

Russell and Theresa Berg
A Memorial Mass in honor of Russ and Theresa Berg will be held on Sunday July 21 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower, with refreshments following in the church hall.

Frank A. Stella
Frank Anthony Stella, 94, of Silver Bay, formerly of Babbitt, died on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the Lake View Hospital in Two Harbors. A private family burial will take place in the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt at a later date. Arrangements are with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.
Survivors include his sons, Michael (Shriley) Stella of New Prague, James (Carol) Stella of Aurora and David (Kyle) Stella of Babbitt; grandchildren, Kari Allison, Mike Stella, Lindsey Doty and Kaite, Jeffery and Joey Stella; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frederick P. Erkkila
Frederick “Fred” Peter Erkkila, 80, of Orr, passed away on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Per Fred’s request, a private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his wife, Dana of Orr; brothers, Roderick of Wyoming, Eric of Duluth and Kendrich of Virginia; sister, Kathleen (Fred) Gabrielson of Orr; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Matthew G. Goggleye
Matthew Gerald Goggleye, 18, of Nett Lake, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at his residence. A funeral service was held on Thursday, July 11 at the Nett Lake Government Center. Burial was at the Bois Forte Cemetery. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.