Obituaries: January 13, 2023

Gladys D. Tuuri
Gladys D. “Gladie” Tuuri, 97, of Cook, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Cook Hospital. Her whole family wants to extend their grateful thank you to the staff at Cook Carefree Living for their extra care recently and for the past nine years of her life. Thank you also to the Cook Hospital doctors and staff and emergency services and the Essentia Health East Range Hospice Team for their care of Gladie. Services are not planned at this time. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Gladie was born to Mayme Thelma (Holkko) and (Sam) Lahja Isaac Salomon Seppala in Virginia on Dec. 24, 1925. Because the Seppalas lived in the logging camp they owned, rooms were rented in the Mondavi house for the winter birth of their first child.  
 As a child, Gladie grew up in lumber camps in Buyck, Pike Lake and Poplar Lake on the Gunflint Trail near Grand Marais. She was known to log boom walk as well as becoming an accomplished acrobatic gymnast and figure skater. On July 4, 1940, her father, Sam Seppala, drowned on Poplar Lake and she and her mother moved to Virginia. Later Gladie moved to Mullan, Idaho, with her mother and stepfather, Hans Kesanen, until she graduated from high school. She returned to Virginia and attended cosmetology school in Duluth and obtained a license.
 For a time, Gladie owned and operated a beauty shop in Mt. Iron, until she met and married WW II veteran O.W. Tuuri, who began graduate work for his master’s degree in Greeley, Colo. Later O.W. began a teaching and school administrator career in Minnesota in Wrenshall, Remer and Virginia. Gladys owned and operated Remer Beauty Shop and worked at the Plaza in Virginia. Gladie and O.W. enjoyed the two homes they built on Lake Vermilion property and shared with O.W.’s sister with joy and refuge. For over twenty years, Gladie volunteered in Cook for the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop and weekly she cut and styled hair at the hospital nursing home.
Gladys is survived by her daughters, Linda Young of Britt and her three children Ann, Ellie and Liz, and Judith (Bob) Ulseth of Cook and their three children Julian, Lee and Amber. Her grandchildren remember her piloting the boat for waterskiing, the ice skating lessons, the food, and the iced sled runs she set up for their arrival at the lake. Gladie’s great-grandchildren number eight, plus bonus step-great-grandchildren.
 The losses that Gladie endured during her lifetime included her husband, mother, father, stepfather and three infant siblings; son, Dr. William Nicholas “Butch” Tuuri, wife, DeDe, and grandsons, Will and Luke; and recently her nephew, John Wiitanen. The loss of her best friend and sister-in-law, Helvi Tuuri Wiitanen Nykanen and Holger was devastating to her and the whole family.
 
Steven S. Thielbar
Steven Sidney Thielbar, 72, of Embarrass, died on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower. Greg Anderson was the officiant. Family services were provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Steve was born on Oct. 1, 1950, in Faribault, to Calvin and Virginia Thielbar. He moved to Tower after graduating from Randolph High School. He met the love of his life, Elaine, and made a home for 50 years in Embarrass. He was quite the outdoorsman. He loved fishing, hunting and walking in the woods.
Steve was a kind and generous man who will be sadly missed by his daughter, Amanda (Leo) Lambert; son, Greg (Erin) Thielbar; grandchildren, Hannah and Emma Lambert, Gage and Nolan Thielbar; and many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in the death by his wife, Elaine Erickson Thielbar; parents, Calvin and Virginia Thielbar; and sister, Alice Perkins.

Jack L. Woehrle
Jack Leonard Woehrle, 80, longtime resident of Orr, died on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Rockport, Texas, while on vacation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol Broda Woehrle; son, Alan (Jacinta) Woehrle; daughter, Janet (Gregg) Ponting; grandchildren, Jacob and Kaitlyn Woehrle, Noah, Anita and Emma Staupe, and Brady Ponting; brother, Don (Anne) Woehrle; brother-in-law, Joseph (Joanne) Broda; cherished cousins; and many nephews and nieces.

Carl F. Stone
Carl F. Stone, of Babbitt, has died. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with military honors. Burial will be in the spring at Clear Creek Cemetery in Bloomington, Ind., with a graveside service and military honors.
He is survived by his daughters, Maria and Carla of California; stepsons, Greg and Brian Link; grandchildren, Sophia, Carmen, Georgia, Brittany, Danny, Junior, Ciara, Zoe, Bella and Emily; goddaughter, Erica and granddaughter-of-the- heart, Miss Molly; great-grandsons, Braylon, Bryson and Max, sons-in-law, Glenn and Sophocles; daughter-in-law, Crystal Link; ex-wife, Juanita; wife of 40 years, Karen; and many friends.
Theodore M. Nielsen
Theodore “Ted” Michael Nielsen, 76, of Ely, passed away at his residence on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at the Ely Senior Center from 2-4 p.m. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his loving wife of over 47 years, Lynne Nielsen; daughter, Terri Nielsen Jones (Wayne); sons, Todd (Lisa), Michael (Sarah), David and Steven; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Peter (Vanra) Nielsen; sister, Vi (Hank) Reyerson; and many other family members.

Calvin D. Jokela
Calvin “Cal” Donald Jokela, 74, of Babbitt, died with his family by his side on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at the Junction Inn Meeting and Event Center in Babbitt from 2-5 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Memorials may be directed to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patty” Jean Swanson Jokela of Babbitt; daughter, Brandi (Randy) Lislegard of Embarrass; son, Sand (Kristine) Jokela of Hermantown; grandchildren, Jaden (Dylan) Scherer, Shayler Lislegard, Bralyn Lislegard and Zander Lislegard; and grandchild, Eva Scherer, all of Embarrass; brother, Ronald Jokela of Babbitt; sisters, Alice Gorecki of Babbitt, Gail Cyr of Two Harbors and Rachel (Dave) Heikkila of St. Cloud; six nephews and four nieces.

Bruce E. Roberts
Bruce E. Roberts, 80, longtime resident of Orr, passed away quietly on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, with his brother at his side after a long illness. The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff of Serving Hart Assisted Living Center and the wonderful people of Moment’s Hospice. A celebration of life will be held at the Hibbing Curling Club in the Hibbing Memorial Arena on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Food will be provided. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Serving Hart Assisted Living Center in Chisholm or Moment’s Hospice. Arrangements are with Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
He is survived by his sister, Margie (Dennis) Kelsall; brother, Joe (Nancy) Roberts; son, Mick (Lisa) Roberts; daughter, Shannyn (Chul) Lee; and grandchildren, Natalie, Tyler and Stella.

Robert Lindgren
Robert Lindgren, 83, of Sandy Township, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. In honor of Robert’s wishes, a private family service will be held. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Charlotte Lind Lindgren; daughter, Mary of Hibbing; sons, Allen (Bobbi) of Maple Grove and Charles (Lisa) of Thief River Falls; granddaughter, Coral of Virginia; brother, Art (Martha); brother-in-law, Dennis (Ann) Lind; sister-in-law, Diane (Paul) Hanson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Michael N. Huseby
Michael Nicholas Huseby, 81, of Embarrass, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022. A celebration of life was held on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia with Reverend Doug Wallace officiating. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Vermilion Lake Association. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria Michlitsch Huseby; children, Jeffrey Huseby of Hugo and Laura Huseby of Minneapolis; stepchildren, Bradley Marinaro of Eveleth and Anthony Marinaro of Hibbing; grandchildren, Jacob and Jerik; step-grandchildren, Hannah, Kristina, Brianna, Anthony Jr. and Chloe; great-grandchildren, Ophelia and Lumi; step-great-grandson, William; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Alex Przybylski
Alex Przybylski, 87, of Babbitt, passed away on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt. Family arrangements were entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his brother, Daniel (Donna) Przybylski; daughters, Becky Mather, Brenda Jankowski and Tammy Przybylski; son, Cary Przybylski; grandchildren, Aaron (Deena) Mather, Chad (Steph) Jankowski, Amy (Shannon) Neumayer, Craig (Brandy) Jankowski and Cory (Denny) Gowell; and 13 beloved great-grandchildren.

Gerald M. Thoren
Gerald Mathew Thoren, 69, a lifelong resident of Ely, died of natural causes over the Christmas holiday.
He is survived by his chihuahua sidekick, Bella; mother, Margaret Thoren; siblings, Connie Herrud, Susan Danisch and Larry Thoren; and several nieces and nephews.

Kathleen A. Adams
Kathleen Avis Adams, 60, of Nett Lake, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. A wake was held on Saturday, Dec. 31 and a funeral service was held on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, both at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center in Nett Lake. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Jack L. Smith
Jack Lee Smith, 73, of Fayal Township, died on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at Essentia Health-Virginia. A service of remembrance was held on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home in Eveleth with Pastor Jeanne Madsen officiating.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Ann Gabrielli Smith; daughters, April (Brian) Anderson of Tower and Noelle Smith of Fayal Township; son, Tom (Diana) Braehler of South Carolina; mother, Marvel Smith of Babbitt; grandchildren, Leah and Brody Anderson; sisters, Sue (Dave) Today of Ely and Pat (Mike) Rhein of Babbitt; niece, Tracy Pakala and nephew, Chad (Terri) Smith, both of Wisconsin.

Michael C. Taapa
Michael Charles Taapa, 80, of Grand Portage, originally of Embarrass, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, at his home. A family service will take place in the summer of 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Edith Oberg Carlson-Taapa; daughter, Michelle (Ron) Widner of Colorado; son, Jon Taapa of New Mexico; stepsons, Ron (Joe) Carlson of Minneapolis and Rodney (Julie) Carlson of Grand Marais; grandchildren, Seth Russell, Gavin (Kaile) and Chandler Widner, Harley Taapa, Aaron and Nate Carlson; and five great-grandchildren.

Lorena M. Loushin
Lorena Mae Swieringa Loushin, 84, of Ely, passed away at her home on Friday, Dec. 23, 2022. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Dale) Whiting, Jeannette (Jeff) Potter and Cindy Loushin; granddaughter, Jenna Lorena Potter; grandson, Tyler Ray Potter; sister, Bea Ruoho (the late Ray Ruoho); brothers, Bruce (June) Swieringa and Eugene (Monica) Swieringa; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Donald J. Casina
Donald James Casina, 86, of Ely and Lombard, Ill., a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, at his lake cabin. A private family service will be held and a memorial celebration of life will take place at a later date. Donations can be directed to Honor Flight or Animal Allies Humane Society of Duluth. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his children, Douglas (special friend Reene), Cassandra (Glenn) Luckinbill and Cheryl (Eric) Helms; grandchildren, Ryan (Katie), Brittny and Chad Luckinbill and Matthew, Nathan and Nicholas Helms; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Lois E. Kainz
Lois Elva Guinn Kainz, 72, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2022, at the Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. No funeral plans have been made at this time. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce; daughter, Jennifer (Tom Sr.) Nemanich and their three children, Josephine, Tom Jr. and Anthony; stepchildren, Sheila Kainz Sunsdahl and her children Erik, Josh (Ashley) and Kylee, Scott (Michelle) Kainz and their children Ashley and Zach, Travis (Kristi) Kainz and their children Rachelle, Trent and Elijah.

Kenneth R. Bruce
Kenneth R. Bruce, 72, of Tower, died on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, peacefully in his home. A service will be planned for a later date. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.