Obituaries: July 10, 2020

Helen M. Adkisson
Helen Margaret Mesojedec Adkisson, 94, of Ely and formerly of Tower, died on Sunday, June 28, 2020, in Carefree Senior Living Center in Ely of natural causes. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 11 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Reverend Father Nick Nelson will be the celebrant. The casketbearers will be grandsons, Edward Adkisson, Peter Adkisson, Lee Adkisson, Michael Coombe, Joshua Adkisson and Gabriel Adkisson. Due to COVID concerns, there will be no visitation. Please remember social distancing, and your mask. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. Martin’s Catholic Church, PO Box 757, Tower, MN 55790. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. 
Helen was born on July 11, 1925, in Soudan, the daughter of Ludvik and Helena (Breznik) Mesojedec and was a 1943 graduate of Tower-Soudan High School. After graduation, Helen moved to San Francisco, Calif., to work for the United States Army, and met Charles Adkisson. They were married on Aug. 5, 1944, in the Presidio of San Francisco. They returned to Tower and were longtime residents. Helen was an active member of the Tower-Soudan community, serving on the Tower City Council, KSKJ (Secretary 1974 to 2011), SWU, Legion Auxiliary, St. Martin’s Church (St. Theresa Circle and General Chairman of Circles), St. Anthony’s Church, Respite, Moving Meals, Parkside Advisory Board, Cub Scout den mother, and Girl Scout leader.
She enjoyed crossword puzzles, plant and flower gardening, volunteer work, and providing transportation to those unable to drive. Helen was a wonderful mother and wife. She was caring, accepting, compassionate and generous. Helen was a capable, kind woman who opened her door to anyone. She will be remembered for her wit, intelligence and strong faith. Helen was a friend to many and loved by many. Her children are so proud of their mother.
Helen is survived by her children, Charles E. (Margaret) Adkisson of Brooklyn Center, Gregory (Gloria Gervais) Adkisson of Eagles Nest-Ely, Mary Lee Erickson of Ely, Scott (Dawn) Adkisson of Red Wing, Joseph Adkisson of Babbitt and Jean (Jess) Lindsay of Iowa Falls, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Nancy (Dennis) Olds of Hibbing; grandchildren, Julie Wolbeck, Anita Adkisson, Edward Adkisson, Ann Adkisson, Peter Adkisson, Lee Adkisson, Michael Coombe, Joshua Adkisson, Gabriel Adkisson and Marina Lindsay; great-grandchildren, Emma Adkisson, Taylor Lussier-Flesher, Chris Hedger, Jason Hedger, Jorie O’Connor, Nolan Adkisson, Summer Pederson, Lilly Pederson, Olivia Pederson, Kaden Adkisson, Aili Adkisson, Tyler Kienlen, Isaac Coombe, Kendall Coombe, Kalie Adkisson, Marie Adkisson, Chloe Adkisson, Isaiah Adkisson, Madeline Adkisson and Isabelle Adkisson; sister, Rose Passi; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles I. Adkisson; son, Paul Adkisson; grandson, Michael Adkisson; mother, Helen (Breznik) Mesojedec; father, Ludvik Mesojedec; brothers, Edward Mesojedec, Frank Mesojedec, Joseph Mesojedec, Herman Mesojedec and Ludvik Mesojedec; and sisters, Mary Mesojedec, Vida Popesh, Elizabeth Spreitzer, Gizella DeMasi, Pauline Wiirre and Agnes Taylor. 

Ervin L. Minier
Ervin Lee Minier, 91, of Ely, died on Friday, July 3, 2020, in Wakefield, Mich. Special thanks to Leonard at the Northwoods Motel in Wakefield and to the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad for all of their help. Graveside services will be held at noon on Friday, July 10 at the Embarrass Cemetery. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his daughter, Debra Minier of Floodwood; sons, Daniel, Michael, Dennis and Edward, all of Ely; sister, Karen Wedenoja of Ironwood, Mich.; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Thomas F. LeTourneau
Thomas “Tom” Franklin LeTourneau passed away on Friday, May 1, 2020. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 18 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Silverdale Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at GRS Community Center in Silverdale. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Patrick S. Mahoney Sr.
Patrick “Pat” Steven Mahoney Sr., 56, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, after a lengthy, hard-fought battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Faith Assembly of God Church in Aurora.
He is survived by his mother, Janice Mahoney of Ely; children, Kim Shields of Hoyt Lakes, Patrick S. Mahoney Jr. of Mt. Iron and Zach Mahoney of Duluth; grandchildren, Bridgett, Harley and Skylar; sister, Maureen (Michael) McIlvain; brothers, Tim (Brenda) Mahoney, Michael (Adila) Mahoney and Rory (Heather) Mahoney; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.