Obituaries: July 5, 2024

Gretchen T. Green
Gretchen Teal Green, 89, of Omaha, Neb., and Lake Vermilion-Tower, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024. A celebration of life was held on Sunday, June 9 at the Montessori Children’s Room in Omaha. Memorial contributions can be made to the International Wolf Center in Ely or Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue, Neb. Cards can be sent to Karlyn Svoboda, 12791 Grover St., Omaha, NE 68144.
Gretchen was born on Sept. 29, 1934, in Lincoln, Neb., to Dr. Frederick “Fritz” and Elinore Teal. Throughout her life she was best known for her dedication to teaching young children, spending summers at her beloved family cabin on Lake Vermilion in northern Minnesota, and her great love for any time she shared with her family.
Gretchen pursued higher education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she obtained her teaching degree, and met and married Ronald Green. Together they raised their three children, Laura, Karlyn and John, in the great “Kingdom of Drazi” in Omaha. Gretchen taught young children everywhere from Dundee Presbyterian Church preschool to special education pre-K classrooms in the Bellevue Public School system, before retiring at age 70.
Gretchen and family spent summers at their summer cottage on Birch Point on Lake Vermilion. Her love for the north woods and lake life impacted her ambitions to volunteer at the Bear Center and enjoy many other activities at the lake. She spent many years dedicated to making Birch Point a better place for families and conservationists, and remained active serving on committees to ensure lake life would continue for those who followed in her footsteps.
Gretchen is survived by her three children, Laura Green (Stan), Karlyn Svoboda (Mike) and John Green (Jenny); four grandchildren, Ed O’Neill, Shayna Bueckers (Tyler), Malesha Campbell (Devin) and Dominic Campbell (Bree); two step-grandchildren, Ali Svoboda and Andrew Svoboda; three great-grandchildren, Ava Campbell Bueckers, Elanora “Nora” Swanson and Ashton Syslo; sister, Linda Hebert of Traverse City, Mich.; and brother, Dr. Fred Teal of Aurora, Colo.

Lorraine R. O’Leary
Lorraine Ruth Krause O’Leary, 77, of Tower, and formerly a longtime resident of Duluth, died on Monday, June 24, 2024, surrounded by her family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, July 2 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Reverend Father Beau Braun was the celebrant. Private interment will take place at the Bois Forte Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to St. Martin’s Catholic Church. The family would like to sincerely thank Lorraine’s hospice caregivers, Maddie, Sara and Stefanie for their compassionate care. Family services were provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. 
She is survived by her children, Michelle O’Leary (John Holmes) and Kelsey (Teresa) O’Leary, both of Duluth, and David O’Leary (Jessyca Bardzel) of Sidney, Mont.; six grandchildren; siblings, Kathy (Roger) Vanderscheuren of Hoyt Lakes, Candace Peterson of Eveleth and Georganne Krause of Minneapolis; brothers-in-law, Roger (Paula)) O’Leary and Willia “Pete” O’Leary; numerous nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren; extended family and friends.

Wayne E. Cheney
Wayne Edward Cheney, 81, of Cook, loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather, and passionate hunter, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 11 at the Cook Community Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will be at the Hillside Cemetery in Angora immediately following the service.  Lunch will be provided at the Cook Community Center directly after the burial. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his children, Wayne (Barb) Cheney of Angora, Tina (Brian) Sklors of St. Michael, Kim (Greg) Dertinger of Gilbert, Kenneth Cheney of Virginia and Jillene (Herb Jr.) Clapsaddle of Gilbert; special brother-in-law, Pete Miller of Virginia; grandchildren, Wayne (Breann), Lisa (Mike), James, Ryan (Brittany), Nicole (David), Breanne, Mykell (Jesse), Alexandria (Kyle), Christian (Melinda), Noel (Jesse), Cory (Christie) and Isaac; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild and another on the way; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.