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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Obituaries: September 18, 2020

Posted

Marilyn F. Geshick
Marilyn Frances Geshick, 74, of Nett Lake, began her journey on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Duluth. A wake will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Nett Lake School in Nett Lake. The service will also be held at Nett Lake School on the following day, Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
Marilyn was born to Eugene Whiteman Sr. and Angeline (Wein) Whiteman on July 24, 1946, in Cloquet. Marilyn grew up in Nett Lake and attended school at Nett Lake and Orr High School, and attended college at Rainy River, earning a secretarial certificate. Before retiring, she worked as Cook for Head Start and Elementary School in Nett Lake, Secretary at Housing, Postal Clerk at Nett Lake, Clerk at MSC, Bingo Caller at Fortune Bay, and most recently Cook at the Elderly Nutrition Center. Marilyn loved going casino-hopping with her best bud and official partner in crime, Floyd Morrison. She enjoyed her Thursday evening bingo at VFW in Cook and a good Friday night Smear game in Orr at the Legion.
Marilyn was a big supporter of elementary and high school events, ready to pitch in for any fundraisers and cheer on students far and wide. Her devotion to education was evident in her 28 years serving on the Nett Lake School Board (since 1992). She was extremely fond of her daughters, and fiercely devoted the grandkids. Her best times were spent overseeing them in hunting, fishing and gathering activities, and she was proud to see them keeping tradition alive.
Marilyn was at her best and happiest when she was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Marilyn was very happy, outgoing and upbeat. She had a goofy sense of humor, sharing her quick wit and tons of laughs with family and friends. She was persistent and a good motivator and sometimes a little bossy, but in a very loving way. She was truly cherished and will be missed by many.
Marilyn is survived by her siblings, Jerome, Bill, Eugene Jr., Debbie and Steve; children, Douglas Whiteman, Angela Geshick (William LaRoque), Robin Geshick, Tara Geshick and Merrilee (Mark) Littlewolf; grandchildren, Nicholas, Marion, Anthony, Tracey, Amber, Dallas, Mark, Marshall, Jordan, Marissa, Alexa, Bryleigh, Preston, Isaiah and Brandon; and great-grandchildren, Malaya, Addison, Xiomara, Izik, Jade, Kayla, Aleesia, Camden, Journey, Matthias, Macy, Maleah, Maurice and Myles.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Edna Whiteman, Roger Whiteman Sr., Margaret Whiteman, Mary Fairbanks and Linda Whiteman; and a great-grandchild, Jasmine Drift.

Roy C. Carlson
Roy Clarence Carlson, 93, of Ely, died on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, at Carefree Living in Ely. The family would like to thank Carefree for the excellent care given to Roy during his stay. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his four children, Robert (Sandra Nyman), LeRoy, Thomas and DeAnn, all of Ely; six grandchildren, Shannon Wallisch, Chad Carlson (Meghan Moravitz), Shalee Hansen, Garrett Carlson (Melissa Portinen), Marissa Carlson (Jeff Gapp) and Brianna Carlson; and 12 great-grandchildren, Skyler, Grayson, Cameron, Wyatt, Brynn, Preston, Peyton, Mila, Aiden, Easton, Reagan and Bristyl; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.

Francine J. Stellmach
Francine “Fran” J. Kolak Stellmach, 86, a longtime resident of Babbitt, died on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020, at Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely with her daughters by her side. Fran’s life is a true testament of love and dedication to her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Sept. 12 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with Father Bill Skarich as the celebrant. Interment was in the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. Arrangements were by Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
She is survived by her five children, Craig (Brenda) Stellmach of Smelterville, Idaho, Diane Thiel of Babbitt, Barb (Darwin) Lossing of Northome, Lori (Jeff) Sanborn of Crane Lake and Sandy (Matt) Skala of Ely; grandchildren, Jacquline and Sara, Tony and Misty, Dustin and Tim, John and Scott, Carley and Chad; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Urick; sisters-in-law, Ellie Moberg, Margie Moulzolf and Donna (Ron) Rosa; good friends, Sandy Eddy, Gerry Mealy and Linda Hadeen; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Arthur J. Lehtonen Sr.
Arthur “Art” John Lehtonen Sr., 81, of Virginia, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, at his residence. Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept.14 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia with Pastor Amy Janssen officiating. Burial took place at the Florenton Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Virginia Foundation in Art’s name. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his sister, Arlene (Dale) Weirmaa; son, Arthur John Lehtonen Jr.; grandson, Leslie “Artie” Arthur Lehtonen; nieces, nephews and many extended friends.

Anita Peterson
Anita Peterson, 82, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020, at Carefree Living in Babbitt. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at the Ely Cemetery. Family arrangements were entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.