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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Obituaries: January 27, 2023

Posted

Gary G. Gornik
Gary G. Gornik, 63, of Dixon, Ill., passed away suddenly on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. Visitation was held on Friday, Jan. 27 with a recitation of the Rosary at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon, with a funeral luncheon to follow at the Dixon Knights of Columbus Hall. Burial of cremains will occur at a later date. A memorial has been established.
Gary was a kind, generous, and tenderhearted man who always put others first and didn’t stop until the job was finished. Gary loved his friends, Minnesota sports, the Knights of Columbus, and his family, especially his grandchildren. He was born on Feb. 23, 1959, in Virginia, the son of the late Jack and Winifred (Krall) Gornik. Gary married the love of his life, best friend, and constant companion, Jean Wallin, on Jan. 8, 1982, in Virginia.
Gary was a charter member of the Fayal Township Volunteer Fire Department and worked for U.S. Steel in Virginia, before joining the Pamida store franchise. Pamida moved Gary and his family to multiple cities in Minnesota, then to Omaha, Neb., and finally to Dixon, where Gary and Jean decided to make their permanent home. Gary was the manager of Culver’s in Dixon prior to joining the Dixon Walmart as an assistant manager, where he was employed for the last 15 years.
Gary was a proud member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon. Gary was also a dedicated member of the Dixon Knights of Columbus, a past Grand Knight, and a Fr. Boland Assembly of the 4th Degree member. Gary devoted every Thanksgiving as a Knight of Columbus to serving the annual Knights of Columbus meal to his community, including ensuring the meal was available during the pandemic.
Gary is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Amelia “Amy” (Joshua) Hemmen of Dixon and Patrick (Erin) Gornik of Dunlap, Ill.; and was the proud grandpa to five grandsons, Lincoln Dillavou, Landon Dillavou, Jason Hemmen, Jackson Hemmen and Jacob Hemmen. He is also survived by three sisters, Wendy Pfeffer of Cloquet, Laurie (Ron) McDowell of Eveleth and Becky (Mike) Dall of Mt. Iron; as well as nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Roderic Gornik and James (late Candace) Gornik; and brother-in-law, Rodney (Wendy Gornik) Pfeffer.

Michael J. Pechek
Michael John Pechek, 67, a lifelong resident of Ely, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, surrounded by his family after fighting a long and very courageous battle against lung cancer. His daughter would like to thank all of the medical staff at EBCH and Virginia Regional Medical Center for the care he received. A celebration of life will be held at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely on Saturday, Jan. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. All who knew and loved Mike are invited to join in sharing stories and celebrating a life very well-lived. Food and beverages will be provided.
He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Andy Linden); grandson, Alex; granddaughter, Hailee; brother, Louis (Monica) and their daughters Shari, (nephews Alec and Brenden) and Michelle (Ken Madison) and their children Alexis (Nate Starke), Hannah and Andrew; niece, Kristy (Tony Cummings) and their children Chloe, Tony and Lucy; aunt, Natalie DeGuisti; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Eugene I. Ferweda
Eugene Ivan Ferweda, 77, was found unresponsive in his home in Angora on Monday, Dec. 26, 2022, due to a massive heart attack. Per his wishes, cremation services were provided by Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, with no public service to be held. If you would like to share your colorful personal story about Eugene, it can be mailed to the family in care of Vicky Anderson, 20408 County Road 445, Bovey, MN 55709.
He is survived by his six children, Jesse, Vicky (James) Anderson, Aimee Nugent, Andrew, Christi (Paul) Abrahamson and Carla (Charlie) Jesness; and eleven grandchildren.

Ruby D. Rasmussen
Ruby Delores Weum Rasmussen, 91, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023, at Carefree Living in Babbitt. A celebration of life will be held this spring at the Assembly of God Church in Babbitt. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her sons, Steve (Laurie) and Jerry (Pam); daughters, Julie (Bob) Smith and Chris (Bill) Stupica; grandchildren, Chad Stupica, Jim (Melissa) Smith, Janelle (Andy) Butler, Michael (Theresa) Rasmussen, Mark (Kylee) Rasmussen, Matthew Rasmussen, Michelle (Chris) Schally and Paul (Amanda) Rasmussen; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; brother, Gordy (Bonnie) Weum; and many nieces and nephews.