Obituaries: Sept. 13, 2019

James W. Griffith
James William “Jim” Griffith, 82, of International Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019, in Soudan. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Hope Lutheran Church in Northome. Flowers can be sent prior to the service to Dolly Fisher, 12031 Lake St., Northome, MN 56661. Cards of condolence may be sent to Griffith Law Office, 343 Third St., International Falls, MN 56649. Memorials may be made in Jim’s honor to the charity of your choice.
Jim was born at home on Sept. 24, 1936, in Bridgie Township, and graduated from Northome High School in the class of 1954. He was known for his love of physical labor and strong work ethic. Jim retired from Boise Cascade in October 2013 at the age of 76 with 51 years of service as a machine oiler. He was one of the oldest and longest employees of Boise Cascade at that time.
When he had off-time from the paper mill, Jim could be found out in the woods operating his skidder and chainsaw for his independent logging and firewood business of 25 years. Jim enjoyed working in the woods, fishing, and hunting. He often hunted with family and friends, but in his later years enjoyed watching deer instead of hunting, saying, “I’ve killed enough deer for one lifetime.”
Jim also enjoyed watching football and was a lifelong Vikings fan. He had a love of old movies, especially Westerns. He was a kind man with a fun sense of humor who was pleasant to be around. In retirement, Jim enjoyed trips to the casino and could often be found at Fortune Bay Casino on Lake Vermilion, affectionately coined “Torture Bay” by him.
He is survived by his children, Scott (Cathy) Griffith of Oklahoma City, Okla., Natalia Griffith of West Palm Beach, Fla., Sharon Griffith, Dan (Debbie) Griffith and Danita Ducharme, all of International Falls, Lori (John) Boykin of Chandler, Ariz., and Lisa (Terrence) Holden of Burnsville; 17 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Dolly (Gary) Fisher of Northome; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jim’s memory will be cherished by many, including former wife, Sharon Groskreutz, and friend, Barb Stahlberg.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) and Alice Griffith; two older brothers, Lloyd Griffith and Raymond Griffith; as well as former wife, Donna Iverson, and friend, Mary Mastin.

Marilynn E. Pelkey
Marilynn Elizabeth Pelkey, 78, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely, surrounded by her loved ones. Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, her 79th birthday, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Babbitt with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will be served following the service. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
Marilynn was born on Sept. 14, 1940, in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, to Rev. William and Elizabeth (Knack) Krueger; she was the oldest daughter of four children. She was married on Dec. 5, 1959, in Marble, to Clarence E. Pelkey of Pengilly. To this union, four children were blessed: Mark, Sheree, Susan and Kay.
Marilynn graduated from Greenway High School and attended Duluth School of Beauty Culture. Marilynn was an ongoing active member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church community: Sunday School teacher and Superintendent, Ladies Aide, Altar Guild, Cradle Roll and Vacation Bible School. Her hobbies included knitting, gardening and crafts. She had collections of spoons, Precious Moments, baskets and angels. She enjoyed cooking, camping, dancing, roller-skating and being a “snowbird” in Lake Havasu, Ariz. She enjoyed doing circle word books, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and playing penny slot machines. She loved hummingbirds, the color red, roses, country music, and her grand-dog Sandy.
Marilynn is survived by her beloved husband of almost 60 years, Clarence; four children, Mark (Heidi) Pelkey, Sheree (Dean) Coan, Susan (Tony) Erni and Kay (Larry) Gregg; five grandchildren, Amber (Ryan) Diebold, Dennis (Kassi) Coan, Sara (Eric) Milbridge, Genoa and Benjamin; two great-grandchildren, River and Huntleigh; sister, Kathy (Mike Doud) Sliva; brother, Brent (Jill Weisser) Krueger; sister, Pam Krueger; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. William and Elizabeth Krueger.

Gordon and Gail Sheddy
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ely will hold a memorial service celebrating the lives of Gordon and Gail Sheddy on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. The service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Ely. A reception will follow at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at the Ely Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the following local Ely community organizations: Ely Community Resources, Ely Food Shelf, Friends of the Ely Public Library, or any local non-profit or charity of your choice.

Elsie M. Scott
Elsie M. Klomps Scott, 85, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019, at Edgewood Vista Memory Care Unit in Virginia. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at Woodland Presbyterian Church in Babbitt with Rev. Terese Tomanek officiating. Burial was in Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. Arrangements were with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda (John) Raskovich of Chisholm; sons, Gary (Pam) Scott of Farmington and Michael Scott of Duluth; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.