Obituaries: June 19, 2026

William J. Peterson
William “Bill” John Peterson, 84, of Cook, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026. In memory of Bill, go hit a golf ball, watch a sporting event, work hard, sit in the sunshine, and most importantly, love your family and friends with your whole heart. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to Vermilion Fairways for lunch and fellowship. 
Bill was born on July 19, 1941, in Littlefork, to Anne Van Tassel and Melvin Peterson. He grew up in Big Falls before moving to Littlefork, where he graduated high school in 1960. Bill married the love of his life, Edythe “Edie” Johnson. To their union two daughters were born, Shari and Michelle.
Bill worked for Boise Cascade in various jobs as a foreman and supervisor for 20 years. In 1974, he moved his family to Cook to pursue logging operations for Boise. Bill also managed Vermilion Fairways Golf Course, where he dedicated over 45 years of building friendships, making memories, and serving an important role in the Vermilion Fairways community. He recently retired from the course last spring and was very proud of his time there.
Bill enjoyed fishing, golfing, and watching any sport he could find on TV. He also dedicated many years to officiating, serving as a referee for football and basketball, and as an umpire for softball and baseball. Bill also loved hunting, especially with his black labs at Udovich’s Pheasant Farm in Greaney.
Bill’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy. He cherished every moment spent with them and every opportunity to watch them in their activities. He was especially proud to have had the chance to referee or umpire for all of his grandchildren and even a few of his great-grandchildren.
In Bill’s high school yearbook, the caption by his picture reads, “The first thing he will say is, ‘Where is the athletic field? Please show me the way!’” - a true testament to how much he loved playing, watching and refereeing sports.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Edie; daughters, Shari (Dave) Brodeen and Michelle (Terry) Rautiola; five wonderful grandchildren, Dustin Peterson, Josh (Briana) Brodeen, Cody Rautiola, Chelsey (Chad) Hontvet and Madison (Wesley) Wolfe; eleven great-grandchildren, Hailie, Emma and Asher Peterson, Jack, Fulton and Harrison Brodeen, Lyla and Jade Rautiola, Carl and Cleah Hontvet, and Kamia Wolfe; brother, Tom Kovatvich; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Ken) Obermeier and Pat (Wayne) Lassi; brother-in-law, Gary Johnson; nephew, Chad Petschl; niece, Jill (Mike) Russell; great-nephew, Ethan Russell; and great-nieces, Emerson Russell and Piper Petschl.
He was preceded in death by his dear parents; sister, MaryAnne Petschl and her husband Walt; as well as many other beloved family members and friends.

Gerald A. Shuster
Gerald “Jerry” A. Shuster, 75, of Gheen, graduated to glory on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, after a courageous second battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 20 at Lakeview Baptist Church in Orr. Visitation and fellowship will start at 10 a.m. Remembrance stories from family and friends, to be recorded for his girls, will start at 11 a.m. For those unable to attend, a written memory can be mailed to Lakeview Baptist, 4594 Lake St., Orr, MN 55771. A reception will follow at the Community Hall (former Orr American Legion) in Orr. Private interment by family will be at St. Bridget’s in Greaney. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his wife, AmyJo Cable Shuster; daughters, Jennifer (Jakob) Dahlin of Ely and Elizabeth Shuster of Cook; brothers, Tom (Anne) of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Albert (Lori) of Greaney; sister, Jeanne Christianson of Moorhead; sister-in-law, Judie Shuster of Greaney; nieces, nephews and many beloved cousins.

Bernard M. Brula
Bernard “Red” Matthew Brula, 97, of Illinois and Wolf Lake-Ely, passed away at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital in Melrose Park, Ill., on June 30, 2025. Interment will be held at the Ely Cemetery on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 2 p.m.
He is survived by his children, Bernice (Kenneth) Gehrls of Venice, Fla., and Ely, Diane (Rick) Wiseheart of Villa Park, Ill., and Babbitt, and Kathleen (Louis) Paul of Villa Park, Ill.;12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Jorma J. Kangas
Jorma Jack Kangas, 101, of Ely, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026. A celebration of life will occur on Friday, July 17 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely.
He is survived by his wife, Edythe; four daughters, Susan, Sally, Lisa and Tina; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Ryne, Andrea, Melissa, Erica, Jeffrey, Linnea and Kaisa; five great-grandchildren, Jackson, Zaiya, Jerah, Annika and Harrison; and brother, Tom.

Dani P. Wellander
Dani Paul Wellander, 64, of Soudan, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. There will be a service for Dani and his mom, Ileeta, at the Lakeview Cemetery in Tower at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 17. A time of fellowship will follow at the First Baptist Church in Cook.

Michael D. Johnson
Michael “Mike” Douglas Johnson, 67, of Virginia, formerly of Babbitt, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. Although no public service is being announced at this time, his family wishes to acknowledge his passing and honor his life.
He is survived by his sister, Jackie Johnson of Virginia; children, Mike (Sarah) Johnson and Mallory (Dale Hartshorn) Johnson, both of Virginia; grandchildren, Michael and Christian Johnson, Alex Hartshorn and Kaylee and Brody Hren; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Kai; brother-in-law, Edgar Gonzalez; and several nieces and nephews.

Anthony Bastianelli
Anthony P. Bastianelli, 49, of Cook, died on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Susan M. Anzelc
Susan Marie Anzelc, 71, of Embarrass, died on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Arrangements are pending with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.

Jean Peshel
Jean Peshel, 79, formerly of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living and Memory Care in Mt. Iron. Arrangements are being made with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.