Obituaries: February 24, 2023

Randy J. Zupancich
Randy James Zupancich, 60, of Britt, died of natural causes on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. A private service will take place for family, followed by a celebration of life on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 2-6 p.m. at Tom and Jerry’s in Chisholm. Arrangements are entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chisholm.
Randy was born on April 22,1962, in Chisholm, to Louis and Lorraine (Hill) Zupancich. He graduated from Chisholm High School in 1980. Twenty years ago, Randy met the love of his life, Deb Rhodes, and they were united in marriage on Nov. 1, 2006, in Hastings. In 2012, Randy moved back to the Iron Range where he worked for US Steel as a Step-Up Foreman, Production Truck Driver and Mobile Equipment Operator. Randy enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and loved them all dearly.
Randy is survived by his wife of 16 years, Deborah; children, Zach (Heidi) Zupancich, Adam Zupancich and Melanie Zupancich; grandchildren, Ariana, Natalie, Morgan, Victoria and William; mother, Lorraine Zupancich; sister, Chris (Mark) Gustafson; nephew, Tyler (Bailey) Gustafson; niece, Ande Gustafson; and brothers-in-heart, Mark Brotherton, Danny Wiirre and Chris Allen.
He was preceded in death by his father, Louis; and father- and mother-in-law, Robert and Alice Rhodes.

Robert W. Pulkinen
Robert W. Pulkinen, 84, of Washington Manor in Virginia, formerly of Embarrass, died peacefully from Alzheimer’s on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, at New Journey Memory Care in Eveleth. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 at Grace and Truth Bible Church in Virginia, with visitation starting one hour prior. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his spouse, Francine Brula Pulkinen; son, James Pulkinen and significant other Katie Dougherty of Duluth; son, Michael (Jamie) Pulkinen of Wausau, Wis.; grandchildren, Brian (Erin), Eric and Rachel Pulkinen; four step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; sister-in-law, Delores Walsh of Badger; numerous nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Lois E. Johnson
Lois E. Johnson, of Aurora, passed away peacefully at Carefree Living in Babbitt, on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, 23 days shy of her 101st birthday. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
She is survived by her daughter, Kris (Jim) Watson of Aurora; grandchildren, Patti (Justin) Mineheine of Aurora, Dawn (Dave) Serena of Babbitt, Christopher Hannula and Lori (Steve) Wisniewski, both of Houghton, Mich.; great-grandchildren, Kyle and Abbi Dale, D.J. Serena, Owen Hannula, Evelyn and Emilia Wisniewski.

James Lokken
James “Jim” Lokken, 84, of Cook, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. To honor his wishes, there will be no funeral service. You are invited to privately celebrate his memory in your own way. He will be with us all in spirit. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.