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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Obituaries: July 16, 2021

Posted

Neil Milan
Neil Milan, 33, of Minneapolis, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in his home.
Neil was born in Cook, on Jan. 3, 1988, the first baby of the new year. He grew up in Orr. His summers were spent on Lake Kabetogama at his aunt and uncle’s resort, cleaning fish, manning docks, maintaining the grounds, and helping out in the restaurant. In the winter, you could find him on the slopes snowboarding; in any other season he’d be cruising around on his skateboard.
 Neil had a successful career working at Modis for 13 years as an IT recruiter in downtown Minneapolis. He was very passionate about his work, and found great satisfaction in helping people gain employment. Volunteering, charity, and giving back to the community were also things that Neil valued. Whether it was building out gardens, growing a mustache for Movember, biking hundreds of miles, or cleaning up yards, as Neil would say, “I’m down!” Neil loved living in Minneapolis. One could often find him at a sporting event, concert, comedy show or restaurant. If he was going, you were invited to join! 
 Neil was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Every year, he looked forward to deer season to hunt with his Uncle Larry and spend time with his Aunt Vivian. During the summer, he would escape to the great Northland to spend time with his family going fishing, boating, jumping into Pelican Lake, grilling, and sitting around the campfire. He loved to jam out on his ukulele with his favorite youngest sister, go tearing around in the Jeep with his favorite eldest sister, and geeking out to Harry Potter with his mom. As a crazy animal lover, you could always find Neil holding or petting a dog or cat. His kitten, Lola, and six dog-nephews loved him more than anything in the world. 
 Neil was an adventurous soul, who loved to laugh, dance, and travel. One of Neil’s creative passions was painting and, of course, he always turned it into a social event, inviting several friends to join in on the fun. His art is featured in several friends’ and families’ homes.
Neil had a huge heart and beautiful smile. With his warm demeanor, contagious laugh, jovial personality, and larger than life presence, Neil could make friends with anyone. He had many friends from all walks of life whom he adored and cared for deeply. Golfing, card games, video games, brewing beer, and camping were just a few of the activities he enjoyed with his friends. He will be greatly missed by each and every life he touched over the last 33 years.
Neil is survived by his mother, Marie of Orr; sister, Adrienne of St. Paul; and sister, Crystal (Lauren) of Minneapolis.
He was preceded in death by his father, Frank; and Best Friend and Partner-in-Crime, grandmother Cathy.

Reynold K. Kivela
Reynold “Rey” Kenneth Kivela, 87, of Virginia, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at his residence. The family would like to thank East Range Hospice for their time and care. At Rey’s request, there will be a private family gathering held at a later date with interment at the Pike Cemetery.
He is survived by a special friend, Barb Bohar; son, Steven (Becky) Kivela; grandchildren, Luke, Jason, Sammantha, Judy, Brett, Amber, Austin and Alyssa; and great-grandchildren, Gage, Brooklyn, Peyton, Baylee, Colten, Aaliya and Clinton.

Joshua Orcutt
Joshua Orcutt, 57, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.