Obituaries: July 4, 2025

Elaine M. Villebrun
Elaine Marilee Villebrun, 78, of Orr, passed away on Sunday, June 29, 2025. The Traditional Wake will be held on Monday, July 7 starting at 5 p.m. The Traditional Service will be held on Tuesday, July 8 at 10 a.m., both at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Kayla R. Fisher
Kayla Rochelle Fisher, 32, of St. Cloud, passed away on Thursday, June 19, 2025. A celebration of life was held at the Bois Forte Government Center on Thursday, June 26. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her mother, Michelle Fisher; brother, Cameron Fisher; sister, Korynn Fisher; significant other, Andrew Newcomb; nieces, Ava Hanks and Everly Hanks; best friends, Sunshine Bundy, Katie (Terry) Ahseln and Nikki Walker; and beloved pets.

Marilyn Lindbeck
Marilyn Lampe Lindbeck, 96, of Kalamazoo, Mich., born and raised in Ely, and a longtime summer resident of Little Long Lake in Ely, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025. A memorial and celebration of life will be held in Ely at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Friendship Village Kalamazoo Employee Appreciation Fund or to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.
She is survived by her children, James (Mary Guzowski) of Minneapolis and Aline (Anne Bailey) of Stillwater; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Raymond Vesel
Raymond Vesel, 90, of Ely, passed away at Ely Carefree Living on Saturday, June 28, 2025. He was a proud U.S. Air Force Veteran. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

James L. Novosel
James L. Novosel, 62, originally of Ely, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember him by sharing a story of adventure or lending a helping hand to someone in need.
He is survived by his brother, Mark; sister, Adele; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert L. Syrjanen
With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Robert Lee Syrjanen, 84, of Soudan, on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. Per his request, there will be no funeral or memorial service.