Obituaries: April 4, 2025

Scott A. Larson
Scott Alan Larson, 57, of Cambridge, Md., passed away peacefully on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Baltimore, Md. Scott will be greatly missed by his many friends and family. A celebration of life will be held in Cook in the upcoming months.
Scott was born on Nov. 11, 1967, and grew up in Cook, where he spent many happy days on and around Lake Vermilion. Scott was a lifelong hunter, fisherman and nature lover.
He is survived by his life partner, Anne; sons, Nathan (Jade) and Kodi; grandson, Slade; sister, Kit; and niece, Tily (Sean).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Lois Larson.

Edith M. Villebrun
Edith Mae Morrison Villebrun, 80, of Nett Lake, began her journey to her heavenly home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Wake services for Edith were held at the Bois Forte Tribal Government Building on Friday, March 28 with the Rosary prayed. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, March 29 at the Bois Forte Tribal Government Center with Fr. Beau Braun as celebrant. Casket bearers were Nicholas Hayes, Alexander Hayes, Corporal Ian Villebrun USMC, Timothy Lilya, Corey Kolkin, Olin Nelson, Brendan Parson and Wesley Jeanotte. Honorary bearers were Edith’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bridget Villebrun, Cassandra Villebrun, Davis Villebrun, Patia Hayes, Savannah Parisien, Hannah Villebrun, Emily Drift, William Drift, Kristen Lilya, Angeline Lilya, Asher Kolkin, Andrew Kolkin and Inayah Kaivola. The Rosary was led by Rae Villebrun, Patia Hayes, Savannah Parisien and Hannah Villebrun. The readers were Edith’s daughter, Miranda Lilya and friend, Patti Wilkie. Edith’s son, John, gave her eulogy. The funeral pall was placed by Edith’s children, David, John and Miranda. Edith was buried at the old Nett Lake Cemetery. A meal was served after the burial service at the Bois Forte Tribal Government Center. Edith’s love, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family and community will always be remembered. Services were provided by Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Edith was born in Nett Lake on Sept. 17, 1944, to John and Angeline Wein Morrison. She was a proud member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. She spent most of her life in Nett Lake and Indian Point, graduating from Orr High School in 1962. She then attended Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kan. After earning her degree, she moved to California for two years, living with her sister Lucille.
In 1977, Edith served as a member of the Nett Lake Ambulance crew and later worked as a U.S. Census worker in 1990, conducting interviews in many homes. She dedicated many years to the Bois Forte Tribal Government, holding positions such as CAP Secretary, Acting Director of the Bois Forte Accounting Department, Accounting Supervisor and Commissioner of Administration. Even after retiring in 2017, she returned to work as an Accounting Specialist.
Edith was a woman of deep faith, a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Nett Lake before joining Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Her faith was central to her life. On the day she passed, her children prayed the Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet with her many times.
In November 1970, Edith married David “Fox” Villebrun at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Though they later divorced, together they raised three wonderful children, David Jr., John and Miranda. She was a devoted mother, grandmother to 14, and great-grandmother to three. Edith loved fiercely and took great care of her family. Though finances were often tight, her children never felt it; she made sure they were always provided for and loved.
Edith had a competitive spirit and a love for games. She enjoyed playing bingo and golf, especially when competing alongside her children in the Black Bear Tournament. A two-time Vermilion Fairways Women’s Golf Club League Champion, she also loved watching golf, tennis, figure skating, the Olympics, the Game Show Network, and The Price is Right. She was an avid true crime fan, often telling Miranda about a show she started but fell asleep before finishing. She also had a fondness for keepsakes, even collecting Bois Forte flags from this year’s State of the Band. She cherished time with her family, cheering on her children and grandchildren in sports, playing sudoku, and sharing her favorite stories. Her signature saying, “Whatever,” summed up her sharp yet lighthearted spirit.
Edith was loved dearly and will be missed by her children, David Villebrun of Nett Lake, Miranda (Tim) Lilya of Orr and John (Rae) Villebrun of Mt. Iron; brother, Floyd Morrison of Nett Lake; sister, Marcella Connor of Nett Lake; grandchildren, Bridget, Cassandra, Davis, Nicholas, Alexander, Patia, Savannah, Ian, Hannah, William, Emily, Kristen, Timothy and Angeline; and great-grandchildren, Asher, Andrew and Inayah.
She was preceded in death by her spouse, David Villebrun in 1995; parents, John and Angeline; brothers, Dan and Joe; and sister, Lucille. 

Kirsten Shultz
Kirsten Knuti Shultz, 57, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 9, 2025, surrounded by her family, after a courageous fight against cancer. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 25 at the Embarrass Evangelical Free Church. A private interment, with family only, will be at Forest Hill Cemetery where Kirsten will be laid to rest next to her brother Erik.
Kirsten was born on Nov. 19, 1967, in Berwyn, Ill. She grew up in Glencoe, Ill., and attended New Trier High School, where she played the trumpet in the orchestra and jazz bands. She also performed in her brother Erik’s rock band, The Cymbals.
Her love for Minnesota led her to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where she earned a degree in history, continued music in college, and most importantly, it was at UMD that she met Matt, the love of her life.
After college graduation, Kirsten and Matt settled in Wayzata, but their deep connection to the North Shore of Lake Superior eventually drew them back. They built their dream home in the woods overlooking the lake, embracing the beauty and serenity of the area.  
Kirsten worked as a paralegal her entire career. She loved her job and was sad having to retire early due to illness. She was passionate about health and fitness - an avid skier, sun lover, horseback rider, full and half-marathon runner, and, above all, a devoted hiker and walker. She was sure to get the dogs out morning and night for a brisk three-mile walk.
She and Matt welcomed two sons, Bridger in 2001 and Wyatt in 2003. Both inherited Kirsten’s passion for physical fitness, love of the outdoors, and a deep appreciation for horses. Though Kirsten was dedicated to her career, her greatest joy was time spent with family and friends.
Kirsten was first diagnosed with cancer in 2014. She did not let cancer define her and she refused to let it interfere with her activities or spending time with those she loved. Kirsten was fierce in her pursuit of living and showed many of us that having a strong mind could push a person through most things. As her cancer made “normal” life more difficult, especially towards the end, walking and lifting weights remained her sanctuary; she continued to put one foot in front of the other with Jasmine by her side, embodying the same will and resilience that carried her through marathons. Her positive attitude said she would beat it again, no questions asked.
Kirsten is survived by her loving husband of 31-plus years, Matt; sons, Bridger and Wyatt; sister, Ingrid Spirito (Chris); brother, Ethan (Marina); loving parents, Paul and Carol; many extended family members; and her four-legged walking partner, Jasmine.  
Kirsten was preceded in death by her brother, Erik.

Leo Nurmi
Leo Nurmi, 89, formerly of Iron, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Jarvenpaa, Finland. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 12 in Jarvenpaa. Condolences may be sent to:
Heidi.korkeamaki@luukku.com.
Leo and his wife Anna-Liisa started the Scandinavian Bakery on northside Virginia in 1965, but he was a “jack-of-all-trades” after they moved to Iron. Leo had a passion for life and was someone who touched the lives and hearts of many. He lived life to the fullest, taught his children and grandchildren never to say, “I can’t” or “I don’t know how,” and to chase your dreams so you have no regrets. Leo did exactly that and then some…and when he took his last breath, he was surrounded by and showered with the love of his family that he loved so very, very much.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Anna-Liisa; daughter, Heidi (Jarmo) Korkeamaki; son, Heikki; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by brother, Pentti; and sister, Kyllikki.

Darrel M. Brodeen
Darrel Myran Brodeen, 69, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, joined his parents in heaven on Friday, March 28, 2025. He fought a courageous battle against CMML ASXL 1, a rare form of blood cancer, and was surrounded by his family at home when he passed. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 4 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at the First Baptist Church in Cook. Visitation will be held again for one hour prior to the service at the church. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bois Forte Medical Clinic – Vermilion, Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Oncology, Mercy Hospital, Fairview Range Medical Center, Essentia Health-Virginia and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice East Range.
Darrel was born in Virginia to Irving and Faith Sundeen Brodeen on Nov. 6, 1955. He graduated from Cook High School in 1974 and attended Bethel University in St. Paul. The north woods lured Darrel back early, where he worked in construction for many years. He was a highway heavy pipe foreman for Hoover Construction Co. for over a decade before beginning a career with St. Louis County Public Works as a supervisor.  Darrel was promoted to Superintendent of District 6 and retired from St. Louis County Public Works in 2021. After retirement, Darrel established Brodeen’s Guiding Services, where he was a fishing guide on Lake Vermilion. 
Darrel was united in marriage to Barb Boshey on Dec. 2, 1983, at the First Baptist Church in Cook. They built their first home on the outskirts of Cook, where they raised their daughters, Gina and Brianne, and son, Philip. In 2002, Darrel and Barb build their second home on Lake Vermilion in Tower and raised their granddaughter, Lexi Boshey.
Darrel spent a lifetime exploring the outdoors, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those who were blessed to share adventures with him. He enjoyed spending time on the lake and in the solitude of the woods. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and never missed a walleye, deer or moose season. While Darrel enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, he also cherished the camaraderie of the “Brodeen Breakfasts” on opening morning of deer season. He instilled the love of fishing and hunting in his wife, children and grandchildren.
Darrel’s greatest joy was being a grandpa to Lexi, Talon, Tennley, Lake, Gianna, Case and Jordan. You could find Darrel swimming, catching bugs, playing catch, fishing, hunting, reading, and just about anything that his grandkids wanted him to do with them. Darrel and Barb could often be found at their kids’ - and then grandkids’ – school, music and sporting events.
Darrel is survived by his wife of 41 years, Barb; two daughters, Gina Boshey of Tower and Brianne Brodeen of Lino Lakes; one son, Philip (Cheyenne) Brodeen of New Brighton; seven grandchildren, Lexi and Gianna Boshey of Tower, Talon and Tennley Peterson of Lino Lakes, Lake and Case Brodeen of New Brighton, and Jordan Gottfried of Lino Lakes; five brothers, Randy (Lauri) Brodeen, Pat (Karen) Brodeen, Curt Brodeen, David (Shari) Brodeen and Tim (Kelly) Brodeen; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving and Faith Brodeen; grandparents, Carl and Lucille Sundeen, and Victor and Myrtle Brodeen.

Fred W. Gabrielson
Fred William Gabrielson, 29, of Myrtle Lake-Orr, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Orr. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his parents, Fred and Kathleen, and sister, Laura, all of Orr. 

Dean J. Esala
Dean J. Esala, 54, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, First Sergeant MNARNG (retired), passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home following a lengthy illness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 7 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pike-Sandy, preceded by visitation at noon.
Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia. Full obituary in next week’s paper