Obituaries: October 3, 2025

Diane M. Nikunen
Diane Marie, “The Little Finn,” Nikunen, 80, originally of Soudan, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, from cancer and a stroke at her home in Rushford. A graveside service was held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Rushford on Monday, Sept. 29 with a social time following. A special thank you is given to the St. Croix Care Hospice Team, to neighbors, and Diane’s former students who reached out during her last days. Memorials may be designated to the Kenyon-Wanamingo Athletic Department or the American Cancer Society. Hoff Funeral Home of Rushford assisted the family.
She is survived by her brother, John Nikunen; sisters, Sue (Jack) Knauer and Kathy (Ben) Gentilini; nephew, Jeffery Knauer; niece, Nancy (Laura) Knauer; and close friends, Joellen Bingaman and Sandy Rumstick.

Daniel Przybylski
Daniel “Jim” Przybylski, 82, of Ely, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital, surrounded by love. A funeral service to honor his life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m. A gathering for family and friends will take place immediately afterward at Miner’s Dry House. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna Putzel Przybylski; children, Tina (Joe) Foster, Janelle (Mike) Terrance and Jamie; grandchildren, Jenn (Michael), Sarah (Kody) Quast, Tommy (Erin) Terrance, Joe (Mara) and Abby; great-grandchildren, Hayden and Sophie; sisters-in-law, Eunice Przybylski, Susie Przybylski and Louise Condit; special brother-in-law, John Plevell; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and two especially dear nephews, Aaron and Boone.

Bradley J. Frost
Bradley J. Frost, 67, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at Waterview Woods in Eveleth. Private family graveside services will be held at Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Whight of Superior, Wis., and Sherry Erickson of Babbitt; brother, Steven Frost of Des Moines, Iowa; nephews, Brian (Bobbi) and Scott; and niece, Kathleen.

Richard D. Ahlfs
Richard Duane Ahlfs, 71, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to East Range Hospice or Blue Faery, The Adrienne Wilson Liver Cancer Association. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to East Range Hospice for their compassionate support during his final weeks. Their thanks are also extended to Carefree Living in Aurora, for providing Ashley with the necessary time off to care for Rich during this period. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his loving wife, Veronica Strezishar Ahlfs; children, Stefani Butler (Jehrad) of Green Bay, Wis., and her children Logan and Mariana and stepchildren Easton, Reilly and Noah; Shanna Ahlfs of Green Bay, Wis.; Derek Ahlfs (Ashley) of Aurora, and his children Darrol, Eugene and Sophie; David Ahlfs (Brandi) of Thief River Falls, and his son William; and Susan Ahlfs of Thief River Falls; brothers, John Ahlfs of Hopkins and Peter Ahlfs (Leann Drews-Luhring) of Blaine; beloved aunt, Donna Karlinski; brothers-in-law, Jim Strezishar and Tom Strezishar (Michelle); sister-in-law, Terry Ostazeski (Mike); and many nieces and nephews.

Donald J. Bonnette
Donald James “Jim” Bonnette, 80, of Cook, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.