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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Obituaries: July 3, 2020

Posted 7/1/20

Beverly K. LawrenceBeverly Kay Lawrence, 80, of Rochester, formerly of Virginia, died on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Rochester. A private funeral service was held on Thursday, July 2 at Bauman-Cron …

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Obituaries: July 3, 2020

Posted

Beverly K. Lawrence
Beverly Kay Lawrence, 80, of Rochester, formerly of Virginia, died on Saturday, June 27, 2020, in Rochester. A private funeral service was held on Thursday, July 2 at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia. A public graveside service was also held on Thursday, July 2 at the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Pastor Amy Janssen officiated. Live-streaming of the service is available on the Bauman Cron Funeral Home website. Click on Beverly’s obituary and scroll down to access the video. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Mesabi Humane Society in Virginia. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Beverly was born on May 30, 1940, the daughter of Frank and Julia (McKay) Desannoy, in Soudan. She was a 1958 graduate of Tower High School, and married Bernard Lawrence in 1958. They lived in Embarrass, Tower and Virginia, where they raised their family. Beverly managed three separate Stevenson’s stores at one time - two in Virginia and one in Chisholm - and was proud to have the top two stores in the chain of 80. She also worked at Ketola’s Department Store and White Drug, delivered meds to nursing homes, and in her retirement, she cleaned homes. Beverly lived on Bass Lake for a period of time, moved to Midway, and relocated to Rochester to be close to her children, due to her failing health.
Beverly was a member of Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia where she was involved in the choir, quilting group, Stephen’s Ministry Team, and her Circle. She was a Sunday coffee organizer and helped serve special meals and funerals. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Virginia, and was a Past Worthy Matron in Tower. She was a past treasurer of the Thunderbird Mall Association, a past president of the East Range Chapter of Business and Professional Women, and held state offices for multiple years. She was an avid gardener, and enjoyed outdoor activities, quilting, embroidery, and ceramics. For the past 20-plus years, Beverly enjoyed life with Arthur Lehtonen, her special friend and loving companion. They shared a rich life full of experiences and adventures together.
Beverly is survived by her special friend, Art Lehtonen of Virginia; children, Kim (Randy) Waldron of Rochester and Robert (Linda) Lawrence of Stewartville; brother, Robert Desannoy of Crystal; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Julia Desannoy; sister, Marilyn Stephenson; and many extended family members.

Natalie Chinn
Natalie “Sis” Baird Chinn, 70, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2020, at her home in Babbitt. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 18 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Tank’s Restaurant & Bar in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Chinn of Babbitt; sons, Kevin (Cheryl) Lantz of Coleraine and Kyle (Anita) Lantz of Embarrass; grandsons, Taylor and Cameron Lantz of Coleraine; brothers, Gary Baird of Minneapolis and Mitch (Dawn) Baird of Golden Valley; sister, Jackie (Greg) Aho of Burnsville; nieces, Kaci Baird, Jessy Aho and Caitlin (Billy) Fox; nephew, Mark (Elizabeth) Mercurio; great-nieces, Gina, Gabi, Shyla and Marla; and great-nephew, Easton.

Ray Roy Koski
Ray Roy Koski, 74, of Embarrass, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at his home. The family would like to thank the Essentia Health East Range Hospice and the Essentia Health Oncology and Infusion Center for their caring hearts and kindness during Ray’s care. A graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia on Thursday, July 2 with Pastor Gus Layman officiating. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Wudinich Koski; son, Walter Koski; daughter, Pam (Jeff) Cerar; granddaughter, Brookelyn; an aunt and uncle; and several cousins.

Walter E. Walker Jr.
Walter Ernest Walker Jr., 99, formerly of Cook, died on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Trinity Care Center in Farmington. A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 2 at First Baptist Church in Cook. Military Honors were accorded by the U.S. Navy Honor Guard. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Lois J. Walden
Lois J. Bozicevich Walden, 84, of Tower, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2020, in Sun City, Ariz. The family is planning a celebration of life at a later time.
She is survived by her son, Robert (Nancy) Walden; daughters, Karen (Bradley) Forseen and Susan (Roger) Nelson; grandchildren, Hans Walden, Alissa Walden, Katy (Reid) Romer, Jane (James) Bernard, Abby Polski, Cole Nelson and Hannah Nelson; brother, John Bozicevich; numerous nieces and nephews; and her significant other, Rich Collins of Sun City, Ariz.

Marlene J. Kari
Marlene June Kinney Kari, 84, of Blaine, formerly of Embarrass, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, at Park River Estates in Coon Rapids. A private family burial will take place at Waasa Cemetery. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her daughters, Wendy Kari and Lynn Catherson, both of East Bethal; sons, Robert (Susie) Kari of Ocoee, Fla., and Patrick Kari of Fridley; grandchildren, Josh, Justin, Brandon, Brianna, Jacob, Erik and Callen; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.