Danielle A. Pieratos
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Danielle Alys Pieratos, 36, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, beloved mother, daughter, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend, who passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. She left this world far too soon but leaves behind a legacy of deep love, sharp wit, and unwavering service to her people and community. A wake was held on Sunday, June 15 and a service was held on Monday, June 16, both at the Vermilion Wellness Center in Tower. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Danielle was the deeply loving mother of Kai Contreras-Pieratos and Nicholas Contreras-Pieratos, who both will be in high school this fall. They were her world, her purpose, and her pride; no one will ever truly grasp how completely she loved her boys. She was the cherished youngest daughter of Denise Pieratos and Creighton Pieratos; beloved sister to Nikki (Love) Pieratos; and doting Auntie to little Jacque and her namesake Dani Love.
She is remembered with deep affection by her many aunts and uncles, Junie (Tracey) Strong, Carrie Strong, Kevin Strong, Kelly Strong, Winnie (Cheryl) Strong, Pam and Dale Centanni; and by a vast circle of cousins who were more like siblings. Danielle joins in the spirit world her grandparents, Mary Strong, Phyllis and Robert Boshey, and Phyllis and Nicholas Pieratos; uncle, Carl (Strong) Dagen, and her lifelong best friend, Kristin Jankowski, surely already laughing with her on the other side.
Danielle’s life was one of excellence, integrity and service. She was a proud 2007 graduate of St. George’s School in Newport, R.I., where as a ninth grader, she played varsity hockey and helped lead the team to a first-place state championship. She graduated from Stanford University in 2011 as a Gates Millennium Scholar, earning her degree in American Indian Studies. She served her community through her work at Bois Forte Tribal Housing and most recently at the Bois Forte Heritage Museum, always advocating for sovereignty, health, and cultural reclamation. A founding force in Harvest Nation and a passionate leader in food sovereignty and land conservation, Danielle walked the talk of Indigenous self-determination. More than anything, she was a giver, selfless to her core like her Grandma Phyllis. She volunteered endlessly, writing grants that brought in tens of thousands for community events, organized food drives and gatherings, and tirelessly fundraised for the Lake Vermilion Powwow every summer. Her life was about bringing people together, feeding others in body and spirit, and lifting up her community with everything she had.
Danielle was Bear Clan and loved bears dearly, both symbolically and literally. Her sister called her “Makoonz,” which means Little Bear. She also loved her homeland, Lake Vermilion “Onamii-Zaaga’igan,”, the lake of the sunset glo. She grew up swimming in its waters with her sister and cousins, and it remained the place her spirit was most at peace. Her ashes will be returned to the lake she so loved.
Danielle was an old-style Jingle Dress dancer and really shined when she was dancing crow hop or a two-step contest. She had an irreverent, brilliant, one-of-a-kind sense of humor - equal parts Monty Python, Joe Dirt, and Never Been Kissed, with her own Danielle-flavored comic genius that now echoes through the heavens.
Danielle Alys Pieratos was light, laughter, legacy, and love. Her memory will live on in her sons, in her family, and in the land and people to whom she gave her heart. We are better because she was here. And she isn’t gone, because when you believe in Y’shua (Jesus), you never die, you just change your address.

Martin D. Bergerson
Martin D. Bergerson, 87, of Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Private family services will be held with Pastor Liz Cheney officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his daughter, Karen (Doug) Tusa of Minneapolis; sons, Michael (Michelle) Bergerson of Britt, and David (Sharon) Bergerson of Eveleth; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers, Marshall Bergerson of Virginia and Glen (Lind) Bergerson of Lake Vermilion-Cook.

Mary A. Henderson
Mary Ann Simonich Henderson, 90, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, died peacefully in her sleep in Eden Prairie on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. 
A Mass and celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower.

Michael B. Halik
Michael Brian Halik, 42, of Mt. Iron, formerly of Cook, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Bakk Halik of Mt. Iron; brothers, Bruce (Mary) Halik of Aurora, and Dale Halik of Mt. Iron; niece, Ashley Halik; great-niece, Autumn Halik; aunt, Julie (Lee) Marconett; and cousins.

Todd K. Olson
Todd Kevin Olson, 60, of Cook, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will also be held on Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Cook, followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m.
Todd’s life was a demonstration of spirit, strength, and steadfast love. As a faithful servant of God, his tender heart touched many lives. Above all, he was a warrior of love, fiercely devoted to his wife and children, pouring himself out daily as a husband, father, mentor, and friend.
Todd was a member of First Baptist Church in Cook, a 1983 graduate of Cook High School, and received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern College. He was employed as a business education teacher at Duluth Business University, Vermilion Community College and ISD 2142. While Todd loved teaching high school and coaching, his true passion was teaching the martial arts. For over 35 years, Todd’s classes inspired thousands of students. Todd achieved the level of fifth-degree black belt (Hanshi/Godan) with Northern Dragon Martial Arts and was well respected among other schools all across the Midwest.
Todd also raised Arabian horses. He had a way of making his horses reflect who he was; they were gentle and kind, yet willing to run through brick walls for him. We’ll never forget the sound of hooves running to the barn as soon as he yelled, “Come on girls!” The horses couldn’t wait to see him. And music filled Todd’s life. He loved to close his eyes and listen to his mother play piano. He also loved being on stage playing music with his many bands and musician friends. He enjoyed writing, recording, and just sitting on the couch playing guitar.
For nearly 15 years, Todd worked through many health trials that demonstrated his faith and trust in God’s plan and timing. Most notably, Todd received two organ transplants which gave him ten additional years with his family. One of these “gifts of life” was given to him by his nephew, Nathaniel (Than) Tibbetts. He was forever grateful for those bonus years.
Todd was a lover and a fighter. His passion for God, family, and friends radiated from him. He fought fearlessly through health struggles to ensure he saw all of his kids graduate from high school; that was a testament to how strong he was. His love was contagious and his hugs were healing. His constant support for the kids was visible to everyone. His wisdom, grace and love will continue to carry on in his name.
Todd is survived by his wife, Kandi; children, Tate, Nicole, and Victoria; mother, Doreen Olson; sister, Brenda (Bill) Tibbetts; brothers, Kyle (Michelle) Olson and Greg (Sharon) Olson; foster brother, Lee (Karissa) Riutzel; treasured nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and his best buddy, Memphis.
He was preceded in death by his father, Arlee; father-in-law, Roger Makela; brother-in-law, Kirk Makela; and grandparents, Ailee and Ray Junttonen, Ernest Nukala, and Victor and Marie Olson.

Helen M. Marsh
Helen M. Marsh, 93, of Crystal, formerly of Tower, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14, 2025. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, June 18 at Billman-Hunt Funeral Home in Minneapolis. Burial took place on Thursday, June 19 in Guthrie.
Helen was born on Feb, 11, 1932, and spent much of her life in northern Minnesota, where she found beauty and peace living on the shores of Lake Vermilion. She worked for over 40 years at Trenti Law Firm in Virginia, where she was known for her strong work ethic, dedication and kind spirit. Her professional life was marked by loyalty and grace, and she formed many lasting friendships through her work.
Helen will be remembered for her warmth, and the love she shared so generously with family and friends. Her gentle presence and unwavering support left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Helen was deeply devoted to her family and held them close to her heart.
She is survived by her brother, Gene Vikre; sister, Carol Bearth; daughter-in-law, Kathy; grandsons; Nick, Andy, Pat and Tony; and nine great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her great pride and joy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darrell Marsh; and son, Danny.

Charles J. Tekautz
Charles John “Chuck” Tekautz, 85, of Soudan, completed his final earthly journey on Monday, June 9, 2025, at his home in Soudan, surrounded by his wife and other family members. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, June 16 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and support staff of Essentia Health for their excellent care. Memorials may be directed to the Tower Area Food Shelf.
Family services were provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Chuck was born in Soudan on April 4, 1940, the son of Charles S. and Gladys Axelson Tekautz. He was united in marriage to Nancy Singleton Vandevoort on Aug. 12,1982, in Virginia.
Chuck grew up in Tower, graduating from Tower-Soudan High School in 1958. After high school, he received his associate degree from Superior College and moved to Chicago to train as a machinist. He began his career as a machinist in Chicago, returning to the Iron Range in 1966 to work for the Reserve Mining Company in Babbitt. In 1982, Reserve Mining Company closed, and with a young family to feed, he changed careers, working in sales for Tartan Transportation Systems Inc. based in Tower. When the company moved operations to Waseca, he took over plant management for Tartan’s sister company, Delta Waseca. While an employee of Tartan he was awarded two patents for Air Ride Suspension units.
Chuck lived a life of public service, teaching CPR, volunteering as a Firefighter and EMT for Tower Fire Department and Ambulance Service, and serving on the Tower City Council and Breitung Town Board.
Chuck is survived by his wife, Nancy; children, Stephen (Terry) Tekautz of Soudan, Dena (Thomas) Suihkonen of Tower, Anthony (Ann) Tekautz of Brooklyn Park, John (Darcey) Vandevoort of Tower, and David (Tina) Vandevoort of Tallahassee, Fla.; grandchildren, Callie (Christopher) Jensen, Charlie (Makayla Densmore) Tekautz, Tucker Tekautz, Andrea Suihkonen, Ariana (Jason) Picard, Gabriella (Jorden) Gross, Olivia (Brody) Haavisto, Stefanie (Derek) Holleman, Brent Tekautz, Nathan Tekautz, Nicholas Vandevoort, Sabrina (Jaziel) Navarro, Justin (Samantha) Vandevoort, and Emily Vandevoort; great-grandchildren, Madelynn, Brooklynn and Ashlynn Jensen, Odin, Barrett and Sage Picard, and Carver Haavisto; sister, Melinda Berg of Eveleth; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Gladys; son, Brian; brothers, Edward, Tim, and Robert; sister, Pat; and in-laws, Richard and Mabel Singleton, Pierce and Bertha Holstine.

Wayne N. Malmberg
Wayne Nels Malmberg, 87, died peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Boden Memory Care in Elk Ridge, of complications of Alzheimer’s following a stroke in December. A special thank you to the staff at Boden that cared for and loved him the last 17 months of his life. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Foundation. A memorial service will be held at Glenhaven Memorial Gardens in Crystal at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20. A luncheon will be held directly after at the Charles Knaeble VFW Post 494 in Crystal.
Wayne was born in Montevideo and grew up in Minneapolis. He graduated from the University of Minnesota and taught most of his career in Minneapolis. He met his wife Barb while they were both teaching in Giessen, Germany, in 1961. He was an avid outdoors person, primarily because it was the least expensive way to take a vacation. He enjoyed hiking, camping, wilderness canoeing, skiing, tennis, and sailing. A great joy in his later years was seizing any opportunity to dance with a willing partner.
He is survived by his sisters, Vonnie Shmitka of Thorton, Colo., and Judy Klatt of Minneapolis; children, John Malmberg (Tammy) of Tower, Myra Malmberg of Crystal, and Craig Malmberg of Maplewood; grandchildren, Charles and Nick Malmberg, Kristin LeRette (Bryan), Hazel, Polly, and Ingrid Malmberg; two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jayne Marshall of Mesa, Ariz.; brother-in-law, Charles Marshall of Phelan, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 44 years, Barbara Marshall Malmberg; parents, Ruth and Cliff Malmberg; sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Marvin Clark; and in-laws, Leon and Palma Marshall.

Roger H. Lexvold
Roger Hugh Lexvold, 91, of Cook, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at Cook Care Center in Cook. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 28 with visitation at 10 a.m. and a service at 11 a.m. at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Military burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery will be at a later date.
He is survived by his sons, Eric (Tracey) and Chad (Michelle); grandchildren, Aiden and Isabella; sister, Shirley (Robert Waggoner); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.