Obituaries: April 11, 2025

Robert Tekautz
Robert “Bob” Tekautz, 78, of Virginia, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 28, 2025, at home, with his wife and family by his side, after a lengthy illness with several health issues. He was strong and fought valiantly to the end. A gathering of family and friends was held before a Memorial Mass on Monday, April 7 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses and support staff at Essentia Health who provided excellent care to Bob over the years.
Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Robert was born on Oct. 11, 1946, in Virginia, the son of Charles and Gladys Axelson Tekautz. He married Paula Koski on Nov. 22, 1967, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Robert was raised in Tower and moved to Virginia. He worked as a welder at the Virginia Public Utilities. He was a one-of-a-kind man who was never boring. Bob enjoyed going hunting, fishing, and spending some time at the casino. His true enjoyment in life was spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his wife, Paula; children, Robert (Allison) Jr. of Lake Vermilion-Tower and Jamie of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Anna, Hunter (Cierra), Paige (Chase Pocrnich), Kayla, Gary and Tiffany; great-grandchildren, Tim, Memphis, and Remi Tekautz and Ryder Pocrnich; sister, Melinda Berg of Eveleth; brother, Chuck (Nancy) of Soudan; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends; sister-in-law, Judy Anderson; and brother-in-Law, Jerry Koski.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jon; sister, Pat; brothers, Tim and Edward; and in-laws, Kay and Bergy.

Dean J. Esala
Dean Jacob Esala, 54, a cherished lifetime resident of the Lake Vermilion community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family and friends. His life was a testament to courage, dedication, and the joy of simple moments spent in the beauty of nature. A funeral service was held on Monday, April 7 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pike-Sandy with Pastor Zachary Klumpp officiating. Military rites were accorded by the Virginia Servicemen’s Color Guard. Burial will be at a later date in North Sandy Cemetery in Sandy Township. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Dean’s legacy will live on through the memories shared by his family and friends, and the stories told about his exceptional kindness, sisu, and deep love for life. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest easy, Dean. You will forever be in our hearts.
Dean was born on July 24, 1970, in Virginia. Dean proudly served his country with honor and distinction, dedicating years of his life to missions in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan. He was a member of Pratt-Volden-Mickelson-Anderson American Legion Post 239 of Virginia. His bravery, steadfastness and commitment touched many lives both at home and abroad.
Lake Vermilion was where Dean’s heart found solace and happiness. He cherished his life there, savoring every minute on the water and every moment of peace in its surrounding woods. The lake wasn’t just a place to him; it was where he was truly at home.
Dean is survived by his loving wife, Heather Lundstrom Esala; father, Gary Esala; sister, Jodi Esala Pontinen; mother- and father-in-law, Debra and Arnold Lundstrom; sister-in-law, Lisa (Levi) Anderson; several nieces and nephews; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Tandy McDermid Esala; and brother, Ryan Esala.

Judith M. Syrjanen
Judith Marie Syrjanen, 84, of Soudan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. She was born on July 7, 1940, in Virginia. To respect Judith’s wishes, there will be no funeral service.
She is survived by her husband, Robert; and other family members.

Robert M. Glinsek
Robert M. “Bob” Glinsek, 55, of Tower, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at the Church of Saint Andrew in Elk River, with visitation from 10:30 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow with full military honors at 1:45 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Dare’s Funeral Home in Elk River.
Bob was born on March 22, 1970, in St. Paul. He was a man with a heart as big as his stories were long, and we miss him so much already. If you ever met Bob, you undoubtedly heard the same jokes more than once. His sense of humor was infectious, and he had a way of filling every moment with laughter and eye rolls. But more than anything, Bob loved his family. His greatest joy was his daughter, Nan. He was her biggest fan, never missing a chance to watch her play basketball or soccer. And last March, on his birthday, he experienced one of his proudest moments, walking Nan down the aisle and welcoming Rishi into the family.


Bob was a man of many passions. A U.S. Marine through and through, he considered his Marine buddies his family. He made friends wherever he went, and everyone who knew him had a Bob story. He loved the great outdoors, spending time hunting and fishing, and had a deep appreciation for the simple things in life. We can’t forget about his dogs; he loved his dogs.


A natural talker, Bob built a successful career in the lumber industry, where his gift of gab served him well. But it wasn’t just business, he genuinely cared about people. He was the guy who never said no to a beer with a friend, who would drop everything to help someone in need, and who had the most caring and generous heart. But above all, he loved reliving old memories through his storytelling and creating new ones.
Bob lived his faith through his kindness and generosity. He gave without hesitation, helped without question, and loved without limits. He was generous with his time and always willing to lend a hand. Rest easy, Bob. Your stories, your laughter, and your love will live on in all of us.
Bob is survived by his parents, Joe and Mary Kirscht Glinsek; daughter, Nan Glinsek (Rishi); siblings, twin sister Elizabeth (Darin) Laabs and James (Dr. Carrie) Glinsek; nieces and nephews, Taylor, Thomas, Tate, Etta, Lyla, Brittni and McHale; other relatives, friends, and his military family.

Elizabeth I. Hill
Elizabeth “Betty” I. Salo Rekonen Hill, 100, passed away at the Cook Care Center on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The family would like to thank the Cook Care Center and all the wonderful staff for the excellent care they gave Betty. A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, May 18 at the Cook VFW from 12-3 p.m. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
 She is survived by three children and two stepchildren, Rosemary (Oz) Leciejewski, Lee Rekonen, John Rekonen, Sally (Brett) Wakefield and Scott Hill; grandchildren, Melanie (Tim), Tony (Karen), Kellie (Luke), Lauren (Bryan), Heath (Christine), Sara (Steve) and Amanda (Jeremy); and nine great-grandchildren.

Ann L. Pucelj
Ann Louise Baker Pucelj, 70, of Chisholm, originally of Bear River, died on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, with a service at 2 p.m. and a luncheon to follow.
She is survived by her sisters, Linda (OJ) Volkman, Sandy Baker and Lauren Baker; brothers, Mike (Claudia) Baker, Pat (Min) Baker and Steve (Mary) Baker; children, Katie (Jason) Lorenzen, Robert Pucelj and Julie (Kevin) Leecy; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Bernadine J. Krtinich
Bernadine “Bernie” Joan Oja Krtinich, 88, of Babbitt, passed away on April 17, 2024. Please join us in celebrating her life from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Babbitt Junction Conference Center in Babbitt. Food and beverages will be provided. Please come to share your stories and celebrate the “Queen.”
She is survived by her sons, Danny (Connie) Krtinich and Steve Krtinich; four grandchildren; two great-granddaughters; sister, Annette (Bob) Pozos; sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.