Obituaries: September 26, 2025

Marjorie J. McPeak
Marjorie Jean “Marge” McPeak, 90, of Tower, passed away on Thursday, Sept.18, 2025. A gathering time for family and friends will be held on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Hope Community Presbyterian Church in Virginia from 1 - 2 p.m., with a service at 2 p.m. and refreshments following. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity or Hope Community Presbyterian Church in Virginia. Family services are provided by Bauman Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Marge was born on Jan. 21, 1935, in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, the daughter of Dr. Thomas H. “Harry” and Lola Saundercook Seldon. Marge attended Rochester High School, and then the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a library science degree. She was employed by Hennepin County Library System and Eden Prairie Library System, where she was director at the time of her retirement. Marge married her high school sweetheart, Rhoderick John “Rod” McPeak on June 30, 1957, in Rochester. They made their home in Bloomington, prior to moving to Lake Vermilion in 1996. Marge was an active member of St. James Presbyterian Church in Tower where she played the organ most Sundays and was a current member of Hope Community Presbyterian Church in Virginia.
Community service was very important to Marge. She was an avid supporter and board member of North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity, an active member of the Iron Range Rotary Club, a member of the Arrowhead Library System Board, a member of VinE (Volunteers in Education), and a former member of the St. Paul MALF board (Minnesota Association of Library Friends). Marge was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood.
In her spare time, Marge began the Tower Area Food Shelf, a book club, and a knitting club. Marge and Rod were motorcycle enthusiasts. Marge was an accomplished knitter with her specialty being beautiful socks. Marge’s greatest joys were spending time with family and friends and living on Lake Vermilion. 
Marge is survived by her children, Barbara McPeak of La Crosse, Wis., and Tom (Linda) McPeak of Caledonia; grandchildren, Eric (Julia) McPeak, Megan (Marcus) Chaloupek, and Rebecca McPeak; brother, Tom Seldon; extended family; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Robert “Bob” McPeak; and sister-in-law, Sandra Seldon.

John Lamolli
John Lamolli, 83, of Vermilion Lake Township, passed peacefully in his sleep at Waterview Woods in Eveleth and woke up reunited with his heavenly Father on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025. A service to celebrate and honor John’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10 at the Evangelical Free Church of Embarrass.
John was born on June 14, 1942, in New York, N.Y, to Juan and Hilda Guzman Lamolli. His strong personal character and resilience were developed growing up on the streets of New York City. That character served him well as he proudly served in multiple branches of the U.S. military for nearly 20 years. His admiration for the armed forces and commitment to his country were unwavering. He was particularly proud of his years with the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, the Seabees. “Can do!”
In addition to military service, John served the communities where he lived. He was a street supervisor in Los Angeles, Calif., for many years. After moving to Minnesota, he worked for St. Louis County Environmental Services for 20 years, where he enjoyed engaging with members of the community. He left a lasting impact on those he served with and worked alongside. He was respected and fondly remembered by numerous co-workers and customers long after he retired.
In his retirement, John enjoyed life with Patty, his adoring wife of 25 years. Together they loved discovering the beauty of Minnesota, exploring shared interests in history, and spending time in their treasured home with their dogs and cats.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Patty; children, Michael (Jackie) Lamolli, John (Diana) Lamolli, John Ishmael Lamolli, Gino (Carmel) Lamolli, and Christina Lamolli; stepchildren, Ryan (Liz) Engelke and Joy Archibald; 17 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His legacy of patriotism, dedication, and discipline will be long remembered by family and friends.

Rani A. St. Martin
Rani Ann Violet Egeland St. Martin, 36, of Ely, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. There will be a celebration of life at a date to be determined. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.