Obituaries: September 16, 2022

Leroy Anderson
Leroy “Putsy” Anderson, 77, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, crossed over to his lake house in the sky on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, after many days of being surrounded by family and friends. Special thanks to St. Croix Hospice and the Estates at Greeley for providing care and compassion in the final months of Putsy’s life. A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15 at Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia. Putsy would be most comfortable in his favorite flannels; if so inclined, please dress comfortably in a flannel shirt for the celebration of life.
Putsy was born on Nov. 7, 1944, in Virginia, and made lifelong friends on the South Side before finding his true home on Lake Vermilion in Tower.
He was a proud U.S. Navy Veteran who served aboard the Bryce Canyon during Vietnam, and spent his career as a control room operator at US Steel Minntac.
Many people have been touched by his kind heart, unforgettable wit, generous spirit, and “charming” disposition. Putsy was a simple man who loved polka, woodworking, and spending time behind the wheel of the boat where he patiently taught many people to waterski over the years. He so enjoyed the life he created, where his friends and family always knew that they could stop by for a sauna or conversation by the lake, if not first put to work chopping wood.
Putsy loved his family above anything. He also created an extended chosen family including neighbors and local friends who helped one another with projects, shared meals, and trips to the casino, where he would often joke that he “could just drive by and throw his money out the window.”
Putsy is survived by his dog, Dottie; chosen daughter, Chris “Chrissy” Mish (Brett Gibson); grandchildren, Cason and Lyla Gibson; sister, Barb Downing (Tom); brothers, Rodney Anderson (MaryAnn) and Warren Anderson (JoAnn); and many very special nieces, nephews and cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav “Chub” and Ethel Anderson; brother, Ed Anderson; and beloved dogs, Cuddles and Rosie.

Gerald Salo
Gerald “Gerry” Salo, 85, of Tower, originally of Embarrass, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at his son Darrel’s house in Red Wing. A special thank you to St. Croix Hospice for the love and care they showed Gerry in his last days. There will be a graveside burial at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Ely Cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Lindsoe Cabin on Fall Lake.
Gerry married Kathy Pucel and together they had three children, Darrel (Dollie) Salo, Terry Salo and Debra (Chris) Hedin. Kathy passed away in 1986. Gerry later married his high school sweetheart, Joanie Lindsoe, who had grown children, Dawn (Scott) Chaffee, Sue (Mike) Maternowsky, Greg (Marcy) Lindsoe and Chris Lindsoe. Together they started the second chapter of Gerry’s life.

Joyce A. Markus
Joyce Ann Szymanski Markus, 86, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Babbitt Public Library, Babbitt Senior Center, or the International Wolf Center in Ely. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her granddaughters, Annie (Aaron), Meara, T.J. (Brandon), Sydney and Maxie (Austin); brother-in-law, Robert (Karen); nieces, Deborah (Cory) and Beth (Mike) and their children, Emma and Andrew.