James R. Maki
James Robert “Jim” Maki, 70, of Ely, died on Saturday, July 6, 2019, at his home on Burntside Lake. He was where he loved to be, doing what he loved, fishing. A gathering to remember Jim is being planned for later this summer.
Jim was born on Aug. 24, 1948, in Ely, the son of Luella (Erickson) Maki and Robert William (Ropey) Maki. After graduating from Ely High School, Jim joined the Army serving from September 1967 until December 1970. He was in the 173rd Airborne Division, the 41st Battalion, working as an MP. He sustained injuries in Viet Nam.
Returning to Ely after his military commitment, he married Rebecca (Becky) Richards on Feb. 5, 1972. He and Becky raised their two children, Krista and Steven, at their home on Burntside Lake. Jim worked at US Steel’s Minntac Plant in Mt. Iron from 1971 to 1975 and as a millwright for Inland Steel at the Minorca Plant in Virginia from 1976 until 2003, when he retired. Jim was a member of Steelworkers Local 1938 and Local 6115. He also owned and operated the Great Outdoors Bait and Tackle Shop on Sheridan Street in Ely from 1985 until 2019.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years, he trapped his own bait, and went ricing with his wife and in-laws. He loved the Ely area and was the unofficial ‘mayor’ of Burntside Lake, being the voice of authority regarding fishing and ice conditions.
Jim, who was affectionately known as ‘Jaws’, had the gift of gab and was always up for conversation. He had a story about anybody you could name, fishing advice to share, and was willing to express his political opinion whether you asked or not. He could be cleverly funny, entertaining his audiences with humorous tales from his extensive knowledge of Ely’s colorful past.
Above all, Jim was known for his heartfelt concern and interest in people. He devoted many hours coaching youth hockey and was always available to provide support for his friends, family, and even people he had just met.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Krista (Shawn) Zurn; son, Steven (Katie) Maki; grandchildren, Cas Grant, Ayden Maki and Kylee Maki; and his loving companion of 20 years, Celia Domich.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Becky.

Edward Sarell
Edward Sarell, 95, of Embarrass, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 14, 2019, in Eveleth. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 19 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Viewing begins at 12 noon.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Janine Rice of Fort Collins, Colo.

Donna M. Littler
Donna Marie Church Littler, 88, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2019, surrounded by her family at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, July 12 at Woodland Presbyterian Church in Babbitt. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
Donna is survived by her husband of 67 years, Floyd; son, Karl (Kathy) Littler; daughter, Diane (Orrin) Johannessohn; 11 grandchildren, Kate VanVickle, Andy (Michelle) Littler, Mariah (Antonio) Templos, Jacob Littler, Wesley (Eason) Johannessohn, Matthew (Rebekah) Littler, Arthur Johannessohn, Kayla (Matt) Djonne, James (April) Longmore Johannessohn, Melina (Andy) Johannessohn and Stacie (Josh) Littler; 19 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Madisyn, Caleb, Hanna, Ronan, Denisse, Leo, Sofia, Amelia, Liliana, Isaiah, Ella, Joshua, Elijah, Jessa, Nora, Ellie, Lilah and Noah; extended family and many friends.