Obituaries: May 1, 2026

Pamela D. Lundstrom
Pamela D. “Pam” Lundstrom, 84, of Virginia, formerly of Lake Vermilion-Tower, died on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Edgewood Vista in Virginia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 22 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Soudan with Pastor Greg Anderson officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Pam was born on April 1, 1942, in Virginia, to Hugo and Nellie Lattanzi Jorgensen and graduated from Roosevelt High School in the class of 1960. In 1969, Pam graduated from the Virginia School of Practical Nursing. She graduated from Vermilion Community College with honors in 1989 with an AA; graduated from Hibbing Community College with an AS in Nursing with honors in 1990; and from Bemidji State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, magna cum laude, in 1992.
Pam attended and graduated from the Abbott Northwestern School for wound care, specializing in ostomy and wound care in 1993. She worked at the former Virginia Municipal Hospital from 1969 to 1999. She was also employed by the former Arrowhead Nursing Home and Olsten-Kimberly Home Care as a RN specializing in wound care and ostomy care until her retirement in 2001.
Pamela and Rodney Lundstrom were married on Sept. 17, 1960, at First Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Rod and Pam first lived in Pike Township. In 1965, they moved to Tower and in 1966 they bought a home in Soudan. In 1978, the couple moved to their home on Greenwood Bay and Pam had lived there ever since.
Pam had been active in St. James Presbyterian Church in Tower where she was on many committees, was Queen Mother of the Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion Red Hats, and in 1993 established the Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion Medical Loan Closet with the help of the local women’s club (Greenwood Firemen’s Auxiliary) where Pam was the secretary.
Pam and her late husband Rod, their children, grandchildren and Rod’s sister, Maxine, had served on the Fourth of July committee working with the Kiddie Parade for the last 24 years, and served on the Tower-Soudan-Lake Vermilion Queen Committee for over 18 years. Pam also came in on Senior Bingo Days to take blood pressures.
She taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, had been a leader for Bible study, was on the church council, and served as church secretary while living in Soudan and attending St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Pam chaired the 40th Anniversary of Greenwood Township and co-chaired their winning float in the Fourth of July parade in 2018.
Pam loved to cook and bake for many special days in the community, church and family, especially having the whole Lundstrom family and Jorgensen family over for family picnics and games. She loved living on the lake and watching the many deer in the yard, the music that the birds sing in the morning, and the sound of the boats coming into Greenwood Bay to fish.
Pam is survived by one son, Rodney (Leanne) Lundstrom of Lake Vermilion-Tower; one daughter, Corinne Lundstrom of Sauk Centre; four granddaughters, Danielle, Kendra and twins, Shannon and Samantha; four siblings, Diane Starkovich, Dennis Jorgensen, Dale Jorgensen and Dean Jorgensen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rodney Lundstrom; four sisters, Judith Jorgensen, Doreen Jorgensen, Lois Palazzari and Carol Nelson; and one brother, Thomas Jorgensen.

Eric J. Lilya
Eric James Lilya, 47, died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 19, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9 with visitation at 10 a.m., at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Following the service there will be a potluck lunch at Susan and Fred Precht’s home in Soudan. Eric will be deeply missed by his family. May God bless him, our precious Eggy.
Eric was born on Dec. 27, 1978, in Virginia; he grew up in Tower and attended school there. After he completed junior high, he transferred to Virginia High School. Shortly after his high school graduation in 1997, he moved to the Cities, attended Music Tech in Minneapolis, and received his Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Music. 
Eric’s passion for music started when he was a very young boy. He began piano lessons in early grade school and continued lessons throughout his high school years. He enjoyed classical, jazz, blues, swing, hard rock, and reggae music. Eric was a gifted and extremely talented musician. Eric was able to perform with the bands “The Dank” and “Dread I Dread” in the Metro area. He also performed on piano in social settings including churches and community concerts. Eric was an inspiring teacher of music, giving piano and guitar lessons to people of all ages.
Eric was charismatic, intelligent and had a wonderful sense of humor. He also had an impressive etiquette that made him a very productive and popular waiter while working at restaurants in Minnesota. Eric spent his free time composing music and writing lyrics, walking, and hunting on the farm, and spending time with his family and friends.
Eric is survived by his mother, Susan (Fred) Trucano Precht of Soudan; brother, Timothy (Miranda) Lilya of Orr; sister, Elina (Brian) Trancheff of Lake Vermilion; nieces and nephews, Kristen (Corey Kolkin), Timothy and Angeline Lilya, and Ella, Millie and Noelle Trancheff; great-nephews, Asher and Andrew Kolkin; aunts and uncles, Char (Gary) West, Gladys Parente, Charles (Dagney) Trucano, James Trucano, Michael Trucano, Katy (Frank Jr.) Popesh, Debra Trucano and Juanita Gibbon; many cousins and friends, including close friends, Jake Lilya and Morgan Edwards.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lee Roy Lilya; paternal grandmother, Gail Newkumet; maternal grandparents, Charles and Mildred Trucano; paternal great-grandparents, Ed and Jean Lilya; uncles, Lee E. (Marilyn) Lilya and Robert Trucano; and godparents, great-uncle and great-aunt, Jessie and Mable Winters.

Robert E. Krebsbach
Robert E. “Bob” Krebsbach, 89, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Virginia. The family wishes to thank the staff at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice East Range for the immediate response and gentle caring they provided to both Robert and his family. Thank you to Father Brandon for his spiritual care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 4 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia with Rev. Fr. Brandon Moravitz as celebrant. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. There will be a private family burial. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Bob was born on March 19, 1937, in St. Paul, to Edmund and Adelaide Hoban Krebsbach. He grew up in Ogema and graduated from Waubun High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He went on to graduate from Mayville State University with an education degree in social studies. He was united in marriage to Patricia Flynn on May 30, 1958.
Bob’s career in education led him to several Minnesota school districts, starting out as a social studies teacher, coach, and high school principal. Upon graduating with a Masters in School Administration from NDSU, he served as a school superintendent for several districts and concluded his administrative role as superintendent of Virginia Public Schools after 22-plus years. During his leadership, he was successful in leading many district initiatives, from passing referendums to multiple construction projects, including the Miners Memorial Athletic Complex, a new school gym, and the building of Parkview Learning Center.
Bob was involved in community and professional organizations, including the Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Rotary, Elks, Venture Investment Club, Bush Fellowship program, and Virginia Hospital Commission. He was a former member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia and a current member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. He enjoyed his retirement home on Lake Vermilion while wintering in Lake Havasu, Ariz. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, gardening, farming and traveling. Bob was actively involved in his family. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s lives closely, providing them each with a strong start in life. He was also an important presence in the lives of his five great-grandchildren.
Bob became a hero to his wife, as he was the primary caregiver for Pat for the last 10 years, learning new skills and caring for her and their home with the utmost care. Even after Pat moved into a memory care facility, he continued his caring ways. He visited her daily and always brought her a sweet treat or fresh fruit to share as they visited together.
Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia of Virginia; two children, Shari (Jim) Brimsek of St. Cloud and Michael (Judy) Krebsbach of Virginia; three grandchildren, Jordan (Carissa) Krebsbach and Marc (fiancé Erin) Krebsbach, both of Virginia, and Kylee Brimsek of Watertown; five great-grandchildren, Adelaide, Grace, Mackenzie, Sutton and Sloan and one on the way; and one sister, Mary Kjos of Fergus Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Joan E. Hoheisel
Joan Evelyn Bauer Hoheisel, 86, of Babbitt, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, at The Glenn of Buffalo Memory Care Facility after her long battle with dementia. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 1 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt, with visitation one hour prior. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her children, Mary (Brian) Preusser of St. Cloud, Paul (Cathy Bissonette) Hoheisel of Babbitt, Patricia (Brad) Butkowski of St. Michael and Robert (Lynn Kegler) Hoheisel of Zimmerman; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Ross F. Martin
Ross F. Martin, 78, of Babbitt, died peacefully at “The Babbitt Ranch” on Nov. 12, 2025. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at Woodland Presbyterian Church in Babbitt with Lay Pastor Tom Asplund officiating. A luncheon will follow. Interment will be private.
He is survived by his sisters, Sue Ward and Candy (Jeff) Fisher; son, Bruce Martin; daughter, Jennifer Piechowski; grandson, Bruce Piechowski; and granddaughter, Sarah Martin.

David Joki
David “Dave” Joki, 88, of Embarrass, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his residence. A memorial gathering will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday,  May 1 at the Timber Hall in Embarrass. There will be no visitation. Interment will take place at the Waasa Cemetery. Any memorials will be donated to charity. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.

Byron J. Beihoffer
Byron Jay Beihoffer, 89, formerly of Lake Vermilion, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. The family would like to especially thank the Boundary Waters Care Center staff for their care and for providing a loving home for the last three years. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 8 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. A dinner will follow at the Grand Ely Lodge in Ely. Memorials are preferred to Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.
Byron was born to Dwight and Bernice Byron Beihoffer on Dec. 29, 1936, in Minneapolis. After graduating from high school, he went on to Dunwoody College of Technology to become an electrician. He was a proud member of the IBEW. Byron moved his four children to Lake Vermilion where he could enjoy taking his kids camping, fishing, hunting, and showing them the art of starting his “magic fires.” He became a Scoutmaster and was known to be a big jokester. He will be terribly missed by his children, grandchildren and friends.
Byron is survived by his four children, Dan (Pam) Beihoffer, Jenny (Tim) Ross, Todd Beihoffer and Carmen (Frank) Planton; sister, Nancy (Larry) Reid; five grandchildren, Jess (Andela) Beihoffer, Jim (Lauren) Beihoffer, Carleen (Mike) Andrea, Brian (Julia) Planton and Bradley Planton; nine great-grandsons; and two nephews, Mike and Barry Reid.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and nephew, Tom Reid.

Gary A. Carlson
Gary Allan Carlson, 77, of Lake Vermilion-Cook, died peacefully on Monday, April 20, 2026, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with cancer. A funeral will be held on Friday, May 1 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook with visitation at 10 a.m. and a service at noon. Lunch and fellowship will follow immediately after the service at the Cook Community Center. Memorials are preferred to a charity of your choice.
He is survived by his mother, Lorraine; wife, Patricia; children, Lisa (Joe), Allan (Sonja), Teresa (Tim) and Maria (Joey); sister, Tara (Robert); 13 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and many extended family members and friends.

Ann C. M. Skraba
Ann “Annie” Celia Marie Syrjanen Skraba, 75, of Cook, originally of Embarrass, died peacefully on Friday, April 17, 2026. A special thank you to the staff of Carefree Living in Cook, Ann’s home away from home, as well as Michelle Schloesser. A celebration of life will be held at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook on Friday, May 15 with visitation at 11 a.m., a service at 12 p.m., and a gathering afterwards at The Old Muni in Cook. 
She is survived by her sister, Caroline (Dennis) Johnson; uncle, John (Laurie) Milbridge; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Florence McKenzie
Florence “Flossie” Handberg Carlson McKenzie, 96, formerly of Ely, passed away peacefully at home in Tucson, Ariz., on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. To know Flossie was to love her. Her feisty spirit, kindness, humor and generosity will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her children, Lynne Carlson (Jay Bergman) and Jay Carlson; grandchildren, Staci (Tim) Verge and Jamie (Liz) Leppanen; and great-granddaughter, Kylee Leppanen.

Richard M. Wagner
Richard Michael Wagner, 78, of Tower, died on Sunday, April 12, 2026. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, May 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Herb Lamppa Civic Center in Tower. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. 
He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Leavitt Wagner; daughter, Danielle Lamppa; grandchildren, Arik Lamppa, Abbi Lamppa and Jack Carlson; brothers, Gerald (Lorraine) Wagner and George Wagner; and in-laws, Barbara Wagner, Margo Wagner, Kate Wagner, Evelyn Wagner, Barbara (Gordan) Hanson, Jim (Chris) Leavitt, Debbie (Mike) Bloss, Guy (Rita) Leavitt, Marilyn Leavitt, Steve (Vicky) Leavitt and Pam (David) Gobran.