Obituaries: December 6, 2024

Jodi LeeAnn Naykki
Jodi LeeAnn (Lewis) Naykki, 49, died Nov. 4, 2024, in Duluth, from a brief but aggressive illness. Her loving husband of 24 years, Brian, was by her side.
Jodi was born Dec. 7, 1974, in Fairbury, Neb., to Rev. Daryl and Sharol (Samp) Lewis, joining brothers Lynn and Troy. Jodi and her siblings attended a Christian elementary school run by their parents, and she graduated from Fairbury High School on May 16, 1993. She went on to study at North Central Bible College in Minneapolis.
At Inner City Church of Minneapolis, Jodi worked for 10 years with the children’s program and transportation ministry. But her main occupation – and her passion for more than 35 years – was her work as a child care provider. She dearly loved the countless kids she cared for and frequently stated (on Facebook and IRL) that she had the “best job ever,” “I love my job,” and “LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what I do!”
Jodi married Brian Naykki on Dec. 31, 2000, at Christ Church International, in Minneapolis. One of their favorite activities as a couple was traveling. Memorable destinations included Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.; Niagara Falls; Wyoming; and Las Vegas. Especially meaningful to them both were trips to Rapid City and Hill City, S.D., where Jodi enjoyed showing Brian where her dad had grown up; and to Ohio, where Brian arranged for them to have dinner with an Amish bishop and his family – a great fit with Jodi’s fascination with Amish culture.
Jodi and Brian loved experiencing new foods together, either at home where Jodi loved to cook, and Brian says, “She put the ‘love’ in her cooking,” or trying out new restaurants. They enjoyed watching shows together or just hanging out. For two years they had fun being “Santa and Mrs. Claus” for area Christmas events, including in Ely, in Winton, and at Fortune Bay.
Jodi also loved reading Christian Amish books, watching Christian Amish movies, and spending time in person or by phone with her best friend Maria.
Jodi is survived by her husband Brian, of Babbitt; by her mother Sharol Lewis Slama; brother Lynn; sister-in-law Cheri; and nieces Anna and Gabrielle Lewis; nephew David Lewis; niece Celeste Lewis (Joel) Stanberg, all of Lincoln, Neb.; and by her uncle and aunt, Daryl and Judy Lewis, of the Denver, Colo., area.
Jodi was preceded in death by her father Daryl; brother Troy; stepfather George Slama; and grandparents Chester and Beatrice (Lewis) Crandall, Rob Lewis, and Melvin and Darlene Samp.
May the memory of Jodi Naykki be a blessing.

Darlene Gay Wamhoff
Darlene Gay Nelson Wamhoff passed away on Nov. 27, 2024, just a few short weeks after closing up the cabin for the season and a mere four days after her 82nd birthday. She had battled dementia for a very long time and though she had been non-verbal, a smile or laugh from her was a priceless and treasured gift. Darlene will be interred at the Veterans Cemetery in Saginaw. Private family services are planned. In leu of flowers, please send memorials to The Mesabi Humane Society in Virginia or PJs rescue in Duluth.
Arrangements are by Bauman-Vermilion Funeral Home, Tower.
Darlene was born on Nov. 23, 1942, in Hibbing, to parents Lester and Lillian (Nobbe) Nelson. Though she would move from Hibbing in her early teenage years, she would always harbor a love for Hibbing and the Iron Range. Darlene, by then known affectionately as Dar, became a member of the first graduating class (1961) of the newly-formed Centennial High School in Circles Pines. There, she met Kenneth Raymond Wamhoff, and they were to start on a love story that would last for 62 years and indeed be only severed by death.
Ken and Darlene started their married life together in what was the adventure of serving in the Marine Corp. Their first daughter, April, was born a service brat - but not for long. They returned to Minnesota where they builta home in New Brighton to be near family. Their second daughter, Shannon, was born there. Ken became a trucker driver while Darlene was always ever capable on the home front.
Darlene had a connection to all animals and was always busy taking care of kids and critters, including dogs, cats, horses, cows, rabbits, and well, you name it. She developed the home place into a small hobby farm and then they relocated the whole family northward to Milaca. Darlene was a talented painter on many forms of media. She knit the most intricate sweater patterns. She could sew and crochet. The walls are adorned with her artwork.
In what would have been considered her later years, she completed vo-tech training and worked in the printing industry. The whole family was very proud of this accomplishment but she would always say that Shannon got her through school as they studied at about the same time.
Darlene never gave up her love of the Iron Range and eventually the couple came to land on Lake Vermilion and started a from-the-ground-up cabin project.
Together, they built the masterpiece that is the cabin. There were, of course, some obstacles to overcome. By this time, Darlene was wheelchair bound, so the pontoon was the only available mode of travel. Once on the island, there were the gravel and dirt paths to contend with. Ramps were installed in some places to allow access to the different levels of the cabin. Darlene was made of tough stuff and was determined to spend the summer at the place we all love.
Darlene’s journey with dementia started and slowly robbed her of the retirement she and Ken had planned. Ken took care of Darlene for many years and later, with help from family. She stayed at home, in the company of those who loved her, until she died. Her passing creates a big hole in her family’s hearts and lives.
Darlene is survived by her husband of over 62 years, Kenneth; and daughters April Wamhoff and Shannon (Susie) Paulsen-Wamhoff.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Lillian (Nobbe) Nelson.

Pastor Erika E. Foss
“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Erika Elizabeth Foss, 43, of Cook, died on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in the Cook Care Center. A special thanks to the Essentia chemotherapy department in Virginia, East Range Hospice, and the Cook Care Center for their loving care. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Bishop Amy Odgren will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Inguadona. A prayer service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville. Bishop Amy will officiate. A coffee fellowship will follow the service. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Trinity Bible Quest, Salem Lutheran WELCA, East Range Hospice, Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry or Concordia College. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Erika was born on April 2, 1981, in Moorhead, the daughter of Dale and Sonja Schultz Foss. She graduated from Northland High School in Remer, Concordia College in Moorhead, and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Erika was baptized at Grace Lutheran in Ada, confirmed at Bethany Lutheran in Remer, and was a Sunday School teacher and preached her first sermon at Salem Lutheran in Longville. She worked summers as a counselor at Lutherdell Camp. She served her internship in Glenville. Erika was ordained on July 15, 2007, at Salem Lutheran. She served her first call at Quale Lutheran Church in rural Fordville, N.D., Fordville Lutheran Church, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Lankin, N.D. She then served Grace Lutheran Church in McGregor, and finally served Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook.
Erika is survived by her daughter, Maren of Cook; parents, Dale and Sonja of Cook; brother, Evan (Katie Johnson) and future nephew of Cottage Grove; best friends, Sara Dreke Eyre, Carrie Peltier and Jenny Turner; aunts, Gretchen (Mark) Noordsy and Kris Wilcox; cousin, Grant (Abbie) Noordsy; and extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents; and aunt, Nancy Foss.

Russell Soger
Russell Soger, 88, originally of Cook and Orr, passed away at home in Mission, Texas, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. The family plans to gather for a memorial next summer in Minnesota.
He is survived by his wife, Jackie Autio Soger; sister, Margie Olsen; sons, Ross (Anna) and Robert; daughters, Sue Prout (Bill) and Julie Kangas (Bill); grandchildren, Emily Soger, Lilly Soger, April Soger, Mike Soger, Jaime Elder (T.J.), Brett Kangas and Ryan Kangas; great-grandchildren, Fisher Soger, Will Soger, Jack Elder and Nate Elder.

Jill S. Hebl
Jill Suzanne Powell Hebl, 65, of Ely and formerly of Babbitt, died on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in her home following a battle with cancer. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Argo Cemetery. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
She is survived by her husband, Billy; brothers, Michael Powell of Iron and Clair John Powell of Rimrock, Ariz.; sister, Janice Powell of Foley, Ala.; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Carol A. Lassey
Carol A. Lassey, 95, of Ely, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.