Obituaries: October 31, 2025

Judith E. Salo
Judith “Judy” Elinor Salo passed away on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, with her daughter and granddaughter by her side. A luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by a church service at 2 p.m., on Friday, Nov. 7 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tower. A private burial will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower.
Born in Hibbing in 1948 and raised in Tower, Judy was a proud Iron Ranger. Her work ethic and creative energy appeared early; she learned to clean cabins at the Stoddard Lodge at the age of 14. She became a majorette at Tower-Soudan High, twirling a mean baton. Her adventure of a lifetime began when she married Robb Salo of Embarrass in August of 1965 and moved to Nome, Alaska, for Robb’s first teaching and coaching job. Their daughter, Holly, was born in Nome and the family returned to Minnesota. While Robb taught at Clover Valley High School, Judy began her studies at UMD, often attending classes during Holly’s nap times.
In 1969, the lure of new opportunities brought the Salos back to Alaska, this time settling in Kenai. Robb and Judy loved hosting their parents, siblings, cousins, and friends, taking them fishing for salmon on the Kenai River. Judy obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education from the University of Alaska. Teaching fifth grade for more than 20 years on the Kenai Peninsula, Judy’s commitment to children and families extended beyond the classroom.
Following in the path of her dad, Paul Palo, Judy was very involved in her union, the National Education Association. She won many awards for leadership and was a local and state president as well as regional director. In 1990, Judy was appointed to the Alaska State House of Representatives, and in 1992, she was elected to the Alaska State Senate. Her greatest accomplishments included what she referred to as ‘The Baby Bill,’ guaranteeing that insurance companies cover the cost of new mothers spending two nights in the hospital instead of just one.
Judy’s passion for education and health led her to work for the Alaska Department of Education as well as serving on the South Peninsula Hospital board. She was a staunch Democrat and she loved having attended several presidential inaugurations. Integrity and character were very important to her.
Judy was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Palm Desert where she sang in the choir. It was easy to spot Judy in any room because of her tall, fashionable, Arctic blonde presence. Her hobbies included travel, golf, shopping at consignment and thrift stores (often with Holly), reading voraciously, and hosting or attending a good Happy Hour. Her wisdom, leadership, humor, and love for family and friends will be deeply missed.
Judy is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Holly and Bob Adkins; two grandchildren, Elle and Ryan Adkins; brother, Gerry Palo (Sandy); brother-in-law, Doug Salo (Nancy); seven nieces, Teri, Kim, Jodi, Michelle, Stacy, Missy, and Lexi; nephew, Travis; five Norberg cousins, Barbara, Lois, Eric, Shirley, and Patti; and so many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Elinor Palo; brother-in-law, Michael Salo; beloved husband, Robert Salo and his parents, Eino and Lillian; and most recently, her 14-year-old chocolate lab, Riley.

Lawrence Tahija
Lawrence “Larry” Tahija, 89, of Eveleth, formerly of Lake Vermilion-Tower, died on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, at Waterview Woods Nursing Home in Eveleth. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Vermilion Club. Funeral arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Larry was born on July 19, 1936, to Frank and Mary Tahija. After graduating from Eveleth High School, Larry went to work for Erie Mining Company as an electrician. Larry started his own electrical business in 1981 called Vermilion Electric, which he ran for many years.
Larry married Murline Nahkala on July 23, 1966, and they spent many happy years together at their home on Lake Vermilion. Larry was a Greenwood Township Supervisor and member of the Fire Dept. He always enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating, watching football and hockey, and going out to the VC, being the social butterfly that he was.
Larry is survived by his children, Kylie (Don) Mattson, Rick (Tammy) Tahija, and Lori (Jeff) Given; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Murline; and sister, Rosemary.

Kristy L. Ropiak
Kristy L. Domarus Ropiak, 63, of Crystal Falls, Mich., formerly of Babbitt, died peacefully in the comfort of her own home surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. Her family would like to thank the dedicated and compassionate staff of Mayo Clinic as well as all of the family, friends, and community who have offered support. An intimate celebration of life will be held next summer at the family cabin - a gathering of all her favorite people, in her favorite place and season. The family has entrusted arrangements to Nash Funeral Home of Crystal Falls, Mich.
Her love and presence will be deeply missed by her husband of 43 years, Joe Ropiak; children, Nicole Wrock, Jonica (David) Rucinski, Peter (Abigail) Ropiak, and Devin (Tony) Lind-Chamberlin; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; siblings, Judy Tilton, Jerry Domarus, Nancy Domarus, Kathy Jackson, Lisa Robinson, Tammy Sarazin, and John Domarus; many nieces and nephews; and a network of friends who felt like family.

Mary L. Sherman
Mary “Marylou” Warren Sherman, 77, formerly of Embarrass and Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at her residence. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being made with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
She is survived by her daughter, Angela; grandchildren, Devon, Tanner, Jordan, and Dakota; siblings, Robert (Vickie) Warren, Phyllis (Darald) Bogart, “Butch” William (Patty) Warren, Bruce (Melinda) Warren, Susan (Steve) Ferrel, Carmen Mayzsak, and George (Chris) DeCent; and several nieces and nephews.

Nicholas A. Castagneri
Nicholas A. Castagneri, 35, of Virginia, formerly of Pike Township, passed away on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at Essentia Health in Duluth after a long illness. Services will be held at the Vermilion Lake Township Cemetery on Hwy. 26/Wahlsten Rd. at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 2. A light lunch will be served afterward at Neighbors BBQ on Hwy. 169.
He is survived by his parents, Andy Hill and Shana Castagneri; siblings, Mariya Castagneri and Alex Markula, and Cody Hill; uncle, Dave Hill; special friend, Angie Hey; and other relatives and friends.

Jean M. Sumner
Jean Marie Bee Sumner, 72, of Rockport, Texas, formerly of Embarrass, died on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, at her home. After facing chronic lymphocytic leukemia for many years, her body is finally at peace. A celebration of life will be held at Timber Hall in Embarrass at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Arrangements are with Charlie Marshall Funeral Homes and Crematory in Rockport, Texas.
She is survived by her daughters, Leslie (Brad) Brunfelt of Duluth, Kristen (John) Peek of Orlando, Fla., and Amy (Dennis) Christopherson of Arkansaw, Wis.; stepson, Jason Sumner; bonus daughter, Julie Sumner; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Linda (Duane) Henry of Lacey, Wash., Ann Lamppa of Virginia, Jodi (Perry) Kronenbush of Rochester, and Chuck (Patty) Bee of Tower; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved her dearly; partner, Bob Schroeder; and dog, Sassy.