Obituaries: November 7, 2025

Austin Wagner
Austin Wagner, 25, of Montana, formerly of Tower, was born on Jan. 12, 2000, in Kearney, Neb. His life was tragically cut short on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, by an accident at his home, leaving a deep void in the hearts of many. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Herbert Lamppa Civic Center in Tower. Honorary pallbearers will be Willie Linaman, Jacob Swanson, Logan Harding, Skyler Workman, Ethan Bergan, Tadd Nelson, Andrew Sistad, Jayden Riihilouma, Jon Miner, Dylan Villebrun, Alex Pecha, Drake Pecha, Riley Pecha, Quinton Pecha, Austin Meecham, Levi Keele, and Matt Swearingim.
Austin was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. Always greeting others with a warm smile and an outstretched hand, he radiated kindness, positivity, and determination. Austin set goals for himself and worked hard to achieve them, inspiring his friends and family with his strong spirit and generous heart.
Austin had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping, and found joy in simple adventures. A self-taught auto mechanic, he took great pride in working on his beloved vintage GMC pickup truck, “Baby.” He was also passionate about ATVs and spent every spring helping with the Horse Creek XC dirt bike race event at Melstone, Mont. A talented craftsman, Austin loved construction and building projects, often creating things with care and skill. Austin’s sense of humor, upbeat personality, and generous nature are the legacy he leaves behind. He touched countless lives with his laughter, his loyalty, and his kind heart.
Austin lived in Britt as a child and attended Merritt Elementary in Mt. Iron. His family then moved to Tower where he attended Northeast Range High School in Babbitt and graduated in 2019. Austin spent his summers in Montana and after graduation, moved to Laurel, Mont. He was employed by SK Geotechnical as a driller assistant, a job he loved and where he was surrounded by people he admired and respected.
Austin loved spending time with his family, especially his sisters, and friends. He made sure to keep in touch with everyone. Austin will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, coworkers, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Austin is survived by his parents, Cody (Jamie) Wagner and Charity (Gary) Ross; sisters, Lacy and Serah Ross; aunt, Cezahrya Johnson; uncles, Todd Wagner, Sam (Heather) Wagner, Caleb Johnson, Christian Johnson, and Justin (Karen) Johnson; step-uncle, Ken (Jess) Ross; step-aunts, Teri (Keith) Hice, Angie Parks, and Jennifer (Jay) Edmunds; grandparents, Janet (Clarence) Parks, William Wagner, Christy Woodard, Gary and Linda Ross, Judy (Mark) Sullivan, and Carolyn Rukstad; step-grandmother, Jez Johnson; great-grandmothers, Mary Johnson and Marie Woodard; lifelong friend, Logan (Leena) Harding; and many great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Ronald Paul Johnson Jr., Gale Rukstad, and Grandpa “Ole.”

Priscilla A. Baldwin
Priscilla Ann “Penny” Renaud Berg Baldwin, 81, of Embarrass, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7 at her home in Embarrass. Arrangements are entrusted to Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home of Eveleth.
She is survived by her loving children, Tina Hansen, Billie Jo (Gregg) Mattson, Michael (Tanya) Baldwin, and April (Jesse) Howe; sisters, Donna Hall, Sherry Harstad, Sheila Bennett, and Darlene Siebert; sisters-in-law, Kathy Renaud and Joan Renaud; grandchildren, Blake Buschman, Brianna Buschman, James Baldwin, Travis Maki, Tasha Baldwin, Jaimie Maki, Kristen Maki, Ava Howe, and Autumn Howe; two great-grandchildren; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

David R. Hartland Sr.
David Russell Hartland Sr., 55, of Coon Rapids, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2025. A wake will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 starting at 5 p.m. and a Traditional Service will be the next day, Friday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m., both at the Vermilion Wellness Center in Tower. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Lorraine B. Hanela
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Lorraine Beatrice Goard Meden Hanela, 91, lifelong resident of Ely, on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. A special thank you to the wonderful care provided by Carefree Living and to the hospice staff at Essentia Health. In lieu of a funeral, the family has elected to have a celebration of life, for family members only, late next spring.
She is survived by her two daughters, Pamela (Kenny) Kiefat and Wendy Archer; grandchildren, Mary Jean (Pete) Grubich, Mike (Rhonda) Traveis, Jamie Patterson, David Archer, and Issac Archer; daughter-in-law, Theresa Archer; stepchildren, Paula (Tim) Sarong, Gary Nelson, Donna (Mitch) Buster, Mark (Michelle) Nelson and Mary (Jim) Nelson, special cousins, David (Nancy) Lundeen and Marion Pelto; numerous great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.