Obituaries: January 14, 2022

Robert V. Hodge
Robert Vaughn Hodge, “Pastor Bob”, 81, of Angora, went to be permanently with his Lord on Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at his home with his wife by his side. Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at Chisholm Baptist Church. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the church. Interment will be in the Chisholm Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Marie Sandvik Center in Minneapolis, Samaritan’s Purse, or Blind Inc. in Minneapolis. Arrangements are entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chisholm. 
 Bob was a preacher and Bible teacher by calling, and a structural iron worker by trade.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Darlene; five children, Johnny V. (Susan), R.V. (Jennie), Leah (Mike) Landacre, Rebekah (Jason) Olson and Micah V. (Jacinda); 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; sister, Dorthy Jean Jackson; numerous nieces and nephews; and so very many close brethren and friends.   
He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert T. Hodge, Sr. and Thelma M. (Wade) Hodge; five brothers and sisters, Albert Jr. (Bill), Charlene Krause, Jackie, Walter and James; and a daughter, Stella (Sally) Hodge. 

Robert M. Lassi
Robert “Bob” Mathew Lassi, 80, of Ely, died peacefully surrounded by those he loved on Friday, Dec. 24, 2021. A celebration of Bob’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He was born to Onnie and Coral (Hillman) Lassi on April 10, 1941. Bob was a graduate of Ely Memorial High School. He was a proud Vietnam era veteran after serving his country in the Army, stationed in Germany. Bob married the love of his life, Renee Zupancich, in 1981. After retiring from Northshore Mine, Bob spent his time playing poker with his brother and nephew, chatting with neighbors, and being the best, most loving grandfather to his four grandchildren.
Bob will be missed by so many, especially his children, Bobbi Lassi and Cory (Missy) Lassi; brothers, Jim (Kathy) Lassi and Dave (Doreen) Lassi; sisters-in-law, Patti (Dickie Brooks) Zupancich, Cheryl (Roger) Hanson, Michelle (Albert Stewart) Zupancich and Mary Zupancich; most beloved grandchildren, Colton and Morgan Lassi, Clark and Harper Lassi; nephews and nieces, Craig (Tami) and Chris (Ele) Lassi, Rachel (Dan) Bailey and Brian (Kelly) Lassi, John (Jenny Al-Rashid) and Molly Zupancich and their families.
Though Bob will be greatly missed, there is peace of mind knowing he will be looking down on us with his wife of 40 years, Renee; parents, Onnie and Coral Lassi; and father and mother-in-law, John and Lorraine Zupancich.

Robert A. Anderson
Robert Alan “Bob” Anderson, 57, of Bear River, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, at the Cook Community Center with Gloria Anderson-Hegg officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chisholm.
He is survived by his brothers, Donald, Thomas (Margo) of Chisholm, Richard of Cooperstown, N.D., Brian (Gail) of Cook, James (Robyn), Gary (Amy) and Jeff of Bear River; sisters, Lois (Donald) Jenson of Bigfork, Judy of Bear River, Barbara of Chisholm and Patty (Ron) Owen of Snohomish, Wash.; and many nieces and nephews who dearly loved their “Uncle Bob”.

Todd Ranua
Todd Ranua, 57, of Soudan, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2021, in Hibbing, from advanced pulmonary fibrosis with COVID-19 complications. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. 
Todd was born on April 24, 1964, in Mora, to Walter and Beverley (Lusti) Ranua. He served in the Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan and California.  He had lived in Blaine, Menahga, Virginia, Shakopee/Prior Lake and Soudan. Todd lived for ice fishing on Lake Vermilion, laughing at family gatherings, riding motorcycle with his friends, and playing great music.  Given a prognosis of one year to live in 2017, he defied the odds and focused on living the next four years and eight months on his terms; he made many friends along the way. During this time, he was a living embodiment of the Finnish concept of sisu - fortitude in the face of adversity.  
Todd is survived by his wife, Victoria; two children, Hemi and Jack; dog, Sisu; father, Walter; siblings, Terry (Meg) Ranua and Tami Ranua; nieces, Darah (Eric) Carlstrom, Dana Ranua, Alyssa (Travis) Denzel and Kristi Wilber; aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beverley; dog, Sparky; birds, Buddy Boy, Chirpy Boy and Mama Girl; and cats, Snacky and Bobbi. 

Sarah A. Kingston
Sarah Allison Rayman Kingston, 66, of Ely, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Special thanks to Amy, Steve, Parker Jane, Linda, Sue, Lynne, and all of the staff at Solvay Hospice House.
Memorials are preferred to Iowa Lakeside Lab’s Friends of Lakeside Lab’s John Kingston Diatom Fellowship. There will be a celebration of Sarah’s life in the spring of 2022.
Sarah was born on March 28, 1955, in Austin, to Dr. Frederick and Jaqueline (Callies) Rayman Jr. After graduating from Austin High School, Sarah earned her BA Degree from St. Cloud State University and later earned her Master’s Degree from Regis University. 
Sarah married “the love of her life”, John Kingston, on Dec. 11, 1976, in Austin. They made friends across the U.S., Canada, and the world through their travels and global community of water quality scientists. Sarah is remembered for her love and devotion to her husband John and their sons O’Neill and Hudson. She supported their dreams and ambitions wholeheartedly, and fostered many other young people while working at Vermillion Community College and the Ely schools. She lived passionately as a champion of humanitarian and environmental causes, using her skills to support development in Jamaica, and living a life dedicated to protecting the planet for future generations. Sarah has immeasurably impacted her family and friends with her visions of a peaceful world. Sarah was a truly gracious being, as well as kind and strong, and was a talented musician and artist. Sarah will truly be missed by all who knew her.
Sarah is survived by her sons, O’Neill Kingston of Dubuque, Iowa, and Hudson Kingston (Maggie Schuppert) of St. Paul; brothers, Frederick (Miki) Rayman III of Ely and Carl Rayman of Austin; sister, Laurel (Aaron) Kaercher of Ely; John’s siblings and their spouses; several nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces; and furry friends, “The Boys” – John, Paul, George and Ringo.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Kingston; parents, Fritz and Jacky Rayman; brother, Thomas Rayman; and father- and mother-in-law, Clayton and Mary Kingston. 

Anne M. Levar
Anne Marie Shober Levar, 90, of Ely, passed away at Carefree Assisted Living in Ely on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 14 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with visitation one hour prior. Masks are required. Streaming service is available and preferred. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Levar; granddaughter, Cecily Amrane; nephews, John and Ed Shober; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

George W. Gray
George W. Gray, 84, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at Diamond Willow in Cloquet. A graveside service will be held on Sunday, June 5 at the Ely Cemetery. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.
He is survived by his daughters, Marcy (Allan) Bubb, Tanya (Keith) Akins, Georgia (Jason) Akins and Amanda (Lance) Horvat; sister, Joy Keuten; grandchildren, Alanna, Klaeton, Hailey, Andrea, Jacob, Chase, Caitlin, Alec, Aiden, Carter, Makenna and Jack; great-granddaughters, Isabella and Elleanor; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Glenn A. Biebl
Glenn Arlen Biebl, 87, of Ely, passed away at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. A celebration of Glenn’s life will take place at a later date. Memorials to Ely United Methodist Church are appreciated. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his children, Glenda (Steve), Brian (Casi) and Sandy (Chuck); grandchildren, Stephanie, Ted, Courtney, Riley, Ben and Griffin; and great-grandchildren, Devon and Finley.

Norman G. Adams
Norman Gary Adams, 68, longtime resident of Embarrass, died on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at his home. A Wake was held on Jan. 4 and Tribal Rites were held on Jan. 5, 2022, both at the Bois Forte Tribal Government Center in Nett Lake. Spiritual Advisors Gilbert Smith and Gene Goodsky presided. Burial was in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Duluth. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. 
He is survived by his wife, Jeannine; children, Rhonda (Brian) Fleck of Cloquet, Norman (Geraldine) Adams of Tower, Alicia (Todd Manninen) Dahl of Ely Lake, Chris (Jenna) Lehti of Tower, Jonathan Lehti of Tower, Hannah (Brent) Chosa of Tower, Emily (Brandon Luoma) Lehti of Britt and Andrew Lehti of Embarrass; siblings, Gordon (Patsy) Adams of Nett Lake, Vernon (Cindi) Adams of Mt. Iron, Randy Adams of Hoyt Lakes, Sherrie Laitinen of Tower and Les (Roberta) Adams of Duluth; grandchildren, Brent Bedausky, Taryn Fleck, Alivia Fleck, Norman Adams Jr., Jakson, Parker, Morgan, Max, Liam, Tanner, Kai, Brody, River, Matayah, Emma, Bryce, Brynn, Hayden, Ellie, Ryan, Silas and latise; great-grandchildren, Lyric, Tahlia, Sage, Braxton and River; cousin, Dan Lumbar, whom he loved as a brother; and numerous extended family members and friends.

Maxine L. Solberg
Maxine Louise Anderson Solberg, 85, of Babbitt, originally of Soudan, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Babbitt with Pastor Brian Birk officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Spring burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her husband, Merlin; children, Jane (Thomas), Dave (Delaine) and Terry (Diane); grandchildren, Mike (Kelsey), Scott (Cheyenne), Courtney and Joshua; brother, Doug (Cathy); sister-in-law, Julie; and seven grand pups.

Gregory S. Mosher
Gregory Scott Mosher, 58, of Ely, died on Friday, Dec. 24, 2021, in Ely. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Dec. 29 at Kerntz Funeral home in Ely, with a reception following at First Lutheran Church. Memorials are preferred to Prospectors ATV Club and LOW Historical Society. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Omerza Mosher; daughter, Kathleen (Anthony) Recht; granddaughter, Brooklyn Recht; parents, Bill and Bea Mosher; sister, Pam (Vern) Horntvedt; brother, Glenn (Janette) Mosher; brothers-in-law, Tom (Heidi) and Tim (Patty) Omerza; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews.

Rose M. Novak
Rose Marie Yaklich Novak, 85, of Gilbert, died on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, surrounded by family at Essentia Health-Virginia. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at Heritage Trail Bible Church in McKinley with Pastor Gus Layman officiating. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements were with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Mary) Novak of Embarrass, Dr. Anthony “Tony” (Constance) Novak of River Falls, Wis., and Mariann (Jack) Kunnari of Eveleth; former daughter-in-law and friend, Linda Koskiniemi of Eveleth; grandchildren, Meredith (Paul) Warmuth, Paula Novak, Esther “Essa” Novak, Luke Novak, Stephanie (Chan) Paine, Christopher Novak, Abigail (Erik) Lacksonen, Jon (Megan) Novak, Elana (Jeff) Zupetz, Sarah (Tracy) Martin, Dustin (Calah) Kunnari and Derek (Samantha) Kunnari; 18 great-grandchildren; brother, Jack (Verna) Yaklich of Gilbert; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Shirley J. Reichel
Shirley Jean Stenbeck Reichel, 89, a lifelong resident of Cook, died on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. A service and interment will be held in the spring. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathy (John) O’Keeffe of Worthington, Ohio, and Sandi (Ray) Bialke-Pinkerton of Wadsworth, Ohio; son, Fred (Kirsten) Reichel of Cook; special niece, Loretta (David) Rankila and their daughter, Kaylin Rankila, all of Cook; grandchildren, Cory (Hannah) Bialke, Jessica Price, Pat (Rachel), Ryan (Christina) and Joe (Erica) O’Keeffe, and Karl (Sydney Schuster) Reichel; sister-in-law, Arvilla Reichel; and many great-grandchildren, extended family members and friends.

Joseph Haasl
Joseph Haasl, 101, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, just six days shy of his 102nd birthday. A funeral is tentatively scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 24, 2022, at St. Pius X Church in Babbitt, with burial in the Argo Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt or a veterans organization such as Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.
He is survived by his children, Daniel Haasl, Marian (John) Klobuchar, Jean Esler, Michael (Mickie Micklewright) Haasl, Andrew (Beth) Haasl and Dolores (Matt) Lehman; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Gertrude O’Brien, Audrey (Don) Kvist and Ann (Jack) Hauber; brothers-in-laws, Tony (Julie) VanderLoop and George (Kathy) VanderLoop; scores of nephews and nieces; and stepchildren, Leslie Nelson, Nancy Ryan, Betty Clymen, Nancy Ryan, Jeanne Nelson and Rick Nelson.

Kenneth J. Forsman
Kenneth “Ken” “Kenny” James Forsman, 71, of Hibbing, originally of Ely, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2021. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely.
He is survived by his children, Jeff Struna, Codi Forsman and Kenny (Alicia) Forsman; grandchildren, Brady, Ashtyn, Kharma and Marley; siblings, Mike (Ernestine) Forsman, Gerrianne Koskinen, Ruthann (Ray) St. Martin, Dea (Bob) Whitten, Ron Forsman, Paul (Mari Jewel) Forsman, Monica (Tim) Cunningham and Al (Bonnie) Forsman; and sisters-in-law, Becky Forsman and Lynn (Gordy) Dormanen.

Leone Kendrick
Leone Kendrick, of Embarrass, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at her home. Arrangements are pending with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Mark E. Miklaucic
Mark E. Miklaucic, 61, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.