Obituaries: September 5, 2025
Lawrence A. Hardy
Lawrence Allan “Joker” Hardy, 78, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Ely Cemetery. ln lieu of cards or flowers, please make a donation to a local Vets organization in memory of Larry. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
Larry was born on July 28,1947, the son of Boyce and Josephine Burja Hardy of Babbitt. Larry was a Vietnam Vet in the Army Fifth Special Forces Group, known as the Green Berets. He was the 30th Vietnam soldier to be awarded the distinguished Service Cross. He received four Silver Stars, Bronze Star with V device, five Purple Hearts, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Legion of Merit (Vietnam), Medal of Honor First Class (Vietnam), Legion of Merit (France), and numerous campaign medals.
One of Larry’s greatest loves was his companion of 14 years, a long-haired chihuahua named Jax. Larry loved music, motorcycles and Hershey bars. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Larry is survived by his siblings, Barb Brust (Maack) of Fergus Falls, James Hardy (Jo Anne) of Embarrass, Debby Rolfson (Mike) of Embarrass, Peggy Hardy of Babbitt, Judy Erickson (Wayne) of Erhard and Danny Hardy (Brenda) of Colfax, Wash.; and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Boyce and Jo; and sisters, Bonnie and Donna.
Kathryn L. Carlson
Kathryn “Kathy” Louise Carlson, 77, of Tower, passed away quietly at her home on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. There will be a celebration of life from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Tower Civic Center. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Kathy was born on Sept. 20, 1947. She was adopted by Nick and Evelyn
Koski in Virginia and raised in Embarrass. She graduated from Embarrass
High School in 1964. She married Michael L. Kemp shortly out of high school, raised two boys, and worked for many years in various service and health-care related jobs. She and Michael amicably separated in 1982.
Kathy met her husband, Bruce Carlson, in 1984. Married in 1987, Bruce and Kathy enjoyed 40 years of love and laughter, family and friends, and thousands of miles together on their motorcycle.
Kathy is survived by her husband of 38 years, Bruce; two siblings, Michael (Sue) Koski of Embarrass and Lois (David) Lahti of Duluth; five children, Michael E. Kemp (Jennifer) of Cook, David Kemp (Amy) of Angora, Steven Carlson (Teresa) of Cherry, Kelly (Jesse) Taylor of Cook and Jason (Lisa) of Aurora; grandchildren, Justin, Shyanne, Tristan, Jillian, Elle, Madison, Megan and Lana; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother; and brother, Harvey.
Timothy W. Reing
Timothy William “Dudley” Reing, 64, of Angora, was called home on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, after a courageous fight with cancer; his family was by his side. Dudley left a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
Dudley is survived by his loving wife of nearly 44 years, Lois Reing; sons, Jerry and Steven Reing; brother, Daniel (Nancy) Reing; nephews, Danny (Ivette) Reing and Josh (Jill) Rutchasky; nieces, Mackenzie Reing (Nick), Jenny (Matt) Rae and Jolene Gitzlaff; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; brother-in-law, Ronnie Rutchasky; sister-in-law, Pauline Rutchasky; father-in-law, Bill Rutchasky; eldest brother, David (Dawn) Reing and their daughters, Melissa (Sam) Grahn and Becky (Jason) Lappi; friends too numerous to list; and beloved cats, Boots and Ricky.
James A. Lahti
James A. “Jim” “Jimmy” Lahti, 83, of Virginia, formerly of Ely, Babbitt, Cook and Orr, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, after a short stay at the Waterview Pines in Virginia under the care of Essentia St. Mary’s Hospice. Graveside rites will be held on Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Florenton Cemetery at 11 a.m., followed by a celebration of life at Wuori Town Hall from noon to 2 p.m. where lunch will be served. Bauman Funeral Home is in charge of the inurnment.
He is survived by his sister, Jan (Ron) Stadtherr; brother, Brian (Nancy) Lahti; four nieces, a nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews; and many cousins.
Ruth A. Eilola
Ruth Aileen Kallio Eilola, 84, of Tower, died on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Waterview Woods in Eveleth. A memorial service was held on Thursday, Sept. 4 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Virginia with Pastor Brad Felix officiating. Arrangements were by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Aurora.
She is survived by her siblings, Eugene Kallio of Lincoln, Calif., Kenneth (Barbara) Kallio of Embarrass, Robert (Lorna) Kallio of Aurora, Fred (Nancy) Kallio of Two Harbors and Dale (Stephanie) Kallio of Cloquet; numerous nieces, nephews, grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews; as well as several special friends.
Dorothy A. Strong
Dorothy Ann Strong, 86, of Cook and Nett Lake, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. A wake will be held on Monday, Sept. 8 starting at 5 p.m. at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Michael Vraa
Michael “Mike” Vraa, 49, of Babbitt, passed quietly at home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. Visitation will be held at 12 noon on Sunday, Sept. 14, until 12:45 p.m. when military honors will take place and a service will begin at 1 p.m. at Embarrass Town Hall. Inurnment will be immediately after at the Embarrass Cemetery, followed by coffee an’ at Embarrass Town Hall. In lieu of flowers, condolences and memorials to help with additional costs may be directed to Amy Vraa, 43 Glen Circle, Babbitt, MN 55706.
He is survived by his best friend and wife, Amy; children, Jon Ross and Cameron Jayson-Vraa; biological family, Steven (Joanie) Vraa, Neal Vraa and Kevin (Robyn) Vraa; many nieces, nephews and extended family members; and honorary brothers, Chris Revord, Ron Childs, Cleet Conaway, Joe Miller and Robert Asleson.
Dale E. Owens Sr.
Dale Elmo Owens Sr., 92, longtime resident of Angora, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 at Range Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at the Alango Cemetery in Angora Township. Richard Owens will officiate. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
Thomas K. Reed
Thomas Kirby Reed, 69, of Angora, passed away on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, with his wife by his side. Funeral arrangements are pending with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Ronald L. Abrahamson Sr.
Ronald L. Abrahamson Sr., 89, of Virginia, formerly of Tower, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, at Essentia Health-Virginia. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
