Obituaries: January 26, 2024

Ramon E. Berg
Ramon E. “Ray” Berg, 91, longtime resident of Soudan, passed away on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at Essentia Health-Virginia. A private family interment will be held. A celebration of life will be held in the spring or summer. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Ray was born at home in Tower, on March 28, 1932, to Christian and Virginia Bruneau Berg. His life revolved around family, and whenever you met Ray, he always greeted you with a smile; he had a kindness that would warm your heart.
He is survived by his son, Michael Berg; daughter, Patricia (Kurt) Hujanen; grandchildren, Brian (Kelly) Hujanen and Sarah Hujanen; and four special great-grandchildren, Mackenzy, Avaya, Jameson and Taiger.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Lorraine, in August 2009.

Daniel E. Hackey
Daniel Earl Hackey, 75, of Porterville, Calif., and formerly of Tower and Biwabik, died on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Bakersville Memorial Hospital in California. A celebration of life is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 5:30 p.m., along with a potluck style dinner, at the Vermilion Family Wellness Center on the Vermilion Reservation in Tower for anyone who wishes to attend.
Dan was born on May 3, 1948, in Alameda, Calif., the son of Margaret and Donald Hackey. He attended Biwabik High School and completed some courses at Mesabi Community College. In 1970, Dan enlisted with the U.S. Navy Submarine Division. After 20 years of service in the Navy, Dan retired in 1990. Dan was an enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bonfires, golfing and working.
Dan is survived by his wife, Darlene of Porterville, Calif.; siblings, Pam and Vickie of Tower and Dawn of Virginia; sons, Daniel (April) of Embarrass and Craig (Maria) and grandchildren, Noah, Cora and Shea of Richmond, Va.; daughter, Leona Hackey (Chris) Crenshaw and grandchildren, Taylor, Matthew and Kelly of Richmond, Va.; bonus daughter, Shawntelle Weinberg (Keith Browder) and grandsons, Shane and Jaison Weinberg. 
He was preceded in death by his son, Jesse Hackey; brother, Guy Hackey; stepdaughter, Tammy Dratz; nephew, Timothy Pepworth; and great-nephew, Starlin Strong.

Robert LaTourell
Robert “Jeep” LaTourell, 89, of Ely, a proud U.S. Army Veteran, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital with his family by his side. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely. 

Galen A. Holewa
Galen Anthony Holewa, 63, formerly of Ely and Babbitt, entered into God’s Kingdom on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 26 at Blessed Sacrament Church in Hibbing with visitation at 10 a.m. Lunch will follow the service at the church. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at the Lavell Cemetery in Meadowlands. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Pregnancy Health Center of Hibbing or Duluth. Arrangements are entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chisholm.
He is survived by his wife, Lizbeth Haapala Holewa; children, Jedediah (Stephanie) and Nathan (Kari); grandchildren, Taylor, Mackenzie, Madison, Jakob, Lukas, Tristen and Adrien; and siblings, Evan and Gwendoline Holewa Webb.

Brian D. Jarvi
Brian Daniel Jarvi, 57, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. A private family ceremony is planned to honor his life. The family appreciates the support and condolences received during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his loving son, Shane (Maisy) Jarvi; father, Gerald; mother, Carolyn (Bill) Surla; brother, Brett; and sister Joni (Billy) Hemming.