Obituaries: March 6, 2026
Leonard D. Tomsich
It is with heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Leonard Duane Tomsich, 82, a cherished resident of New Baltimore, Mich., who departed this life on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, in Mount Clemens. A Memorial Mass in honor of Leonard’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 11 at St. Mary Queen of Creation Catholic Church in New Baltimore. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass to celebrate Leonard’s life and the enduring impact he has made in the hearts of those who knew him. Leonard’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to all who have supported them during this time of loss. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice in Leonard’s memory, continuing his legacy of compassion and empathy. May Leonard Duane Tomsich rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Judith, and may his memory continue to guide and inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Leonard was born on Thursday, March 25, 1943, in the scenic town of Ely, Minn. Leonard led a life marked by dedication, love, and service to his community and family. Leonard’s passion for knowledge and nurturing young minds was evident in his 45-year career as an English teacher at Anchor Bay Junior High, part of the Anchor Bay School District in New Baltimore. He touched the lives of countless eighth graders, inspiring them with his love for literature and language, and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Leonard greeted each day with a love for fishing and a passion for gardening, finding peace and joy amid nature’s embrace. He carried his love for the outdoors into his familial and community life, often sharing his bounty and his stories with those around him.
Leonard was the beloved husband of the late Judith Burgess, who preceded him in death on Aug. 22, 2024. Together, they built a family grounded in love and kindness. He is survived by his devoted children, David (Cathy) Tomsich and Michael (Raequel) Tomsich; and treasured grandchildren, Isabell, Emma, Aiden, Nicholas, Owen and Ainsley. His enduring legacy also includes his dear siblings, Barry (Gail Nelson) Tomsich, Cathy (Jim) Wright, Nancy (the late Richard) Larson, Robin (the late Sheldon) Majerle and Tim (Lori) Tomsich. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, a host of friends, and former students who will remember his kindness, wisdom and unwavering patience.
He was predeceased by his loving parents, Leonard F. and Nelmi Carlson Tomsich; brother, Rick Tomsich; and niece, Jill Tomsich.
Phyllis I. Starich
Phyllis Irene Paulson Starich, 79, of Virginia, died on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at the Essentia Health - Virginia Hospital. A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 5 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Liz Cheney was the officiant. Inurnment will be at a later date. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her husband, Richard; children, Daniel (Bryleigh) Starich of Britt and David (Brooke) Starich of Britt; grandchildren, Jake and Kate Starich of Britt; siblings, Judy Palso of Hibbing, Marilyn Turnbull of Tower and Bill (Jill) Paulson of Cherry.
Carla R. Squires
Carla Ruth Hanson Squires, 85, longtime resident of Britt, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at River Grand Assisted Living in Grand Rapids. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 6 from 1 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service at Rockwell Church in Virginia. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Carla’s family would like to thank her caregivers at River Grand Assisted Living and Essentia Health Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her children, Susan Rannikar of Virginia, Dan (Lisa) Squires of Gheen, Tari (Jack) Kinnunen of Grand Rapids and Tom Squires of Angora; grandchildren, Kaela (Patrick), Matt (Ashley) and Emily Rannikar, Noah (Veronica), Isaiah and Elijah Squires, Luke (Katelyn) and Hannah Kinnunen and Blake (Emily) Stanaway, Daniel, Fraol, Kelsey and Tyana Squires; great-grandson, Louis Rannikar; sister, Marge (Bill) Dykhuis; brother-in-law, Dean (Linda) Squires; sister-in-law, Char Mohs; cherished cat, Scruffy; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Dennis N. Highby
Dennis Norman Highby, 76, of Sidney, Neb., and a summer resident of Lake Vermilion where he fished for walleye, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 3 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Sidney with Pastor Brenda Pfeifly officiating. Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Sidney. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dennis Highby Outdoor Fund at Security First Bank, 1205 Jackson St., Sidney, NE 69162. Funds will be used to support youth mentor hunts and programs, Take a Kid/Veteran Fishing Day events, stocking local ponds, and other outdoor programs close to Dennis’s heart. Arrangements were with Gehrig-Stitt Funeral Home in Sidney.
Dennis began his outdoor career as a decoy painter at Herter’s in Mitchell, S.D., then a powerhouse mail-order and retail outdoor business, where he worked his way up the ladder. In 1976, he went to work as the first salaried employee of Dick and Jim Cabela at their Sidney-based catalog company, then small in comparison to Herter’s. He eventually took over as president and CEO. He retired in 2009 and became vice-chairman of Cabela’s Board of Directors, a role he held until March 2014. He remained on the board until the company was sold to Bass Pro Shops in 2017. He was instrumental in Cabela’s initial public offering in 2004, when the company went public on the New York Stock Exchange. He often said it was an exciting and sometimes wild ride to watch Cabela’s grow from a small family business into a hugely popular publicly traded company — truly the World’s Foremost Outfitter. Dennis was highly respected throughout the outdoor industry.
Dennis married Linda Bevier on August 22, 1970, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter and devotion. He was a proud father to Beth (Carter) Kokjer, Matt (Molly) Highby, Amy (Trent) Santero and Sarah (Kurtis) Kaiser; and a cherished grandfather to Thomas Kokjer, Clara Kokjer, Harrison Kokjer, Elliott Highby, Elsa Highby, Koleman Kaiser, James Kokjer, Keian Kaiser, Grahm Santero, Kale Kaiser, Elinor Kokjer, Ansley Santero and Hudson Santero. He is also survived by many dear friends in Nebraska and Minnesota.
Ray S. Makkyla
Ray Stanley “Ramo” Makkyla, 77, of Biwabik, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, in the good care of his loving wife and the staff at Northern Pines nursing home in Aurora. A gathering to celebrate his life and stories will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 14 at the Pavilion in Biwabik. Light refreshments will be served.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy; sisters; Gale Claesson, June Berdice and Grace Makkyla; children, Jamie Makkyla, Denise Makkyla, Jason (Kathy) Makkyla, Jessie Gearns and Rachel (Regan) Smith; nieces, nephews, several grandchildren; and many friends throughout St. Louis County.
