Obituaries: August 22, 2025

Jack E. Montagna
Jack Elliot Montagna, 75, of Soldotna, Alaska, originally of Ely, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of life on Saturday, Aug. 23. There will be a graveside service at 11 a.m. at the Ely Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at 2 p.m. at the home of Cory Weisinger, 1340 Suoja Road in Ely. Everyone is invited to come and visit with the family.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline Montagna of Alaska; sons, Kevin Montagna of Arizona and Dan (Deanna) Montagna of Alaska; stepsons, Drew (Brenda) DeMars of Minnesota, Dean (Cathy) DeMars of Arizona and Darrin “Buck” (Leslie) of Minnesota; stepdaughter, Dixie DeMars of Alaska; grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; and sisters, Irene (Jerry) Reckers of Arizona and Mary (Dave) Dianoski of Alaska.

Alice B. Anderson
Alice Bernadette Maki Anderson, 79, of Babbitt, was called to her heavenly home on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. She passed away peacefully at Waterview Woods in Eveleth after a long battle with multiple sclerosis and other health ailments. A service of remembrance will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 22 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt. Lunch will be served following the service. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
She is survived by her husband, Douglas Anderson; daughters, Lori Akkanen, Dawn Marie (Roy) Martin and Holly (Daniel) DeJoode; grandchildren, Ben, Darren, and Rachel Akkanen, Holly, Heather, and Ashley Monk, Jordyn Faith, Tyler, Troy, and Gavin Kontos, and Kaija and Felix DeJoode; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Patsy (Reinhold) Johnson, Ceil Nolley and Frances (Bill) Stone; sister-in-law, Elaine Maki; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

 Gwen E. Lilya
Gwen Elizabeth Lilya, 87, of Tower, passed away on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 at the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital in Ely. The funeral will be held on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower with Pastor Beau Braun officiating. Visitation is one hour prior. Burial at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Homes in Ely. A full obituary will be published in next week’s paper.