Obituaries: September 19, 2025

Donald Markwardt
Donald “Don” Markwardt, 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at Edgewood Assisted Living in Virginia. In accordance with Don’s wishes, there will be no funeral services. Many thanks to the staff at Edgewood and Caring Edge Hospice for the wonderful care he received. Though his passing brings sorrow, the family is grateful for the precious time they shared. May his memory be a blessing, and may his spirit live on in all who knew and loved him. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Don was born on April 14, 1928, in Fergus Falls, to Frederick and Mary Markwardt. He grew up in Ironton, graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1946, and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving overseas in Italy. After being discharged from the military, Don attended Brainerd Junior College and St. Cloud State University. He began his professional life as a math teacher in Deer River, where he met his future wife, Marjorie. After they were married, he attended Michigan Tech, graduating with a BS in Mine Engineering. They moved to Hoyt Lakes in 1958. He dedicated 35 years to Erie Mining Company, where he held various positions but predominantly worked as a supervisor in the Ore Dressing Department.
Don was an Eagle Scout, an avid hunter and fisherman, and a talented woodworker who spent countless hours in his workshop on various projects. When not in his workshop, he cherished his time at the cabin, enjoying outdoor activities and tackling new projects. He was an active member of the Engineers Club of Northern Minnesota, the Biwabik Masonic Lodge, and Ducks Unlimited.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Marjorie; children, David (Nancy) of Ely, Susan (Mike) of Plymouth and Paul (Annie) of Farmi,ngton; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, Frederick Charles Jr. of Stillwater.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Linda Solum
Linda Hoit Solum, 78, died on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 at Ledgerock Community Church in Ely. Interment will be next to her husband Paul at Elmhurst Cemetery in Roseville at a later time. Family services have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her sons, Brian Solum (Deborah) of Bemidji and Kirk Solum of Ely; grandchildren, Will Solum, Jon Solum (Hanah), Hoyt Solum (Hallie) and Jack Solum of Bemidji, Silas Solum and Oren Solum of Ely; great-grandson, Callan Jon Solum of Bemidji; numerous other relatives; and many, many friends whom she had kept since childhood and new friends through her church and community.

Carol A. Dostal
Carol Ann O’Connell Alto Dostal, 78, of Virginia, a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, in her hometown. A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, Sept. 22 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Carol’s well-lived and loving life. Carol’s legacy lives on through the family she so dearly cherished and the memories she created with all those fortunate enough to know her.
She is survived by her children, David (Rachelle) Alto, Craig (Dawn) Alto, and Amy (Karl) Gotfredson; sisters, Janet (Andy) Autio, Cathy Chavers, and Linda (Dan) Manick; and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends, who will miss her kindness, warmth, and steady presence.

Marlene A. Brown
Marlene Ann Brown, 90, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025, in her hometown of Cook. Marlene’s warmth, creativity, and enduring spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Please feel free to wear bright and happy colors to help celebrate Marlene’s life.        
In lieu of flowers, Mary and Mark ask you to consider making a donation to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, a camp for children ages 7-17 who have or have had cancer. Started as a one-week experience, the camp has grown into year-long support programs for siblings, weekends for moms and dads, winter weekends, and playgroups for children who are not yet old enough to participate in the summer camp week. As a young leukemia survivor, Mary is an avid and ongoing supporter of the camp. Marlene had supported Mary and Camp TKT in many ways since its first year in 1985. Donations can be sent to Camp Ta-Kum-Ta at PO Box 459, South Hero, VT 05486 or made online at www.takumta.org.