Obituaries: May 22, 2026

Thomas J. Strom
Thomas John “Tom” Strom, 57, of Ely and Hoffman, passed away on Dec. 6, 2025, surrounded by family. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 13 at the Hoffman Community Center from 12-3 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear a favorite band T-shirt that Tom would have appreciated. A second celebration will take place in Ely on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Steger Center, with details to be announced later.
He is survived by his parents, Harvey and Linda Strom; son, Zachary (Ashlyn Paulson) Strom; sister, Leah Strom; and nephew, Gabriel Strom.

James Anderson
James “Jim” Anderson, of Tower, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 6, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Bonnie Puglesa will preside over the service and the interment. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.

Valeda P. McDonald
Valeda Paulette “Polly” Clark McDonald, 77, died on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at Carefree Living in Cook. Honoring her wishes, there will be no services. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. 
She is survived by her children, Russell (Michelle) McDonald of Enumclaw, Wash., Mitchell (Teresa) McDonald of Angora and Nicole Clark of Kenyon; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Mary C. Netzer
Mary Catherine Tatarek Netzer, of Ely, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the St. Mary’s Hospice team, especially Case Manager Joanna Leino. They will never forget Jo’s outstanding professionalism, personal care, and loving heart.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, May 28 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service. Father Charles Friebohle will officiate. Interment will follow at the Ely Cemetery and a luncheon will be held at the church immediately following the ceremony. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her children, Paula (Daniel) Vogel of Culver, Grant (Pam) Netzer of Ely, Kent (Kim) Netzer of North Branch, Brenda (Randy) Wagner of Andover, S.C., and Alan (Suzanne) Netzer of Grand Forks, N.D.; grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Johnson, Rebecca (Travis) Luczak, Chantal Netzer (Braden) Palmer, Nathan (Mariah) Baseman, Caitlin Netzer, Ashley (Tony) Heuer, Eden (Daniel) DiPersio and Grace Netzer (Tanner); six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Tatarek; siblings-in-law, Rev. Abe (Clarice) Reddekopp, Alida Posein, Shirley Netzer and Rev. Dwight (Darcy) Netzer; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Dean L. Boedeker
Dean Laroy Boedeker, 69, of Winton, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s in Duluth, with his brother Dan and nephew Patrick by his side. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
He is survived by his brothers, Dan (Chery|) Boedeker of Winton and David (Anita) Boedeker of Renton, Wash.; nephews, Jeremy (Nicole) Boedeker of Madison, Wis., Patrick (Autumn) Boedeker and Chad Boedeker of Ely, and Ben Boedeker of Renton, Wash.; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Norah, Charlie, Milo, Emilia, Harvey, Edi and Quilah.