Obituaries: March 28, 2025

Donald C. Girard
Donald Chester Girard, 88, of Embarrass, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the Boundary Waters Care Facility in Ely with his family by his side, as he went to heaven to be with his savior. A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 29 at the Evangelical Free Church of Embarrass. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. 
Don was born in Belle Plaine on Oct. 24, 1936, to Lawrence Girard and Emma Clark. He attended school in Fergus Falls through the eighth grade. At the age of 17 he joined the U.S. Army where he served for three years. When he left the Army he moved to Babbitt and went to work at Erie Mining Company. On Nov. 1, 1957, he married Joyce Ann Bailey in Millbank, S.D. They were married for 67 years and lived in Embarrass. 
Don worked as a mechanic for 38 years. He was a volunteer fireman for the Embarrass Fire Department and an EMT.  Prior to retiring he had started to ski at Giants Ridge where he then became a ski instructor for 20-plus years. He taught his granddaughters to ski, and the family all have many memories of hours on the hills and ski lifts. He made several trips to Colorado to go on skiing vacations.
Don also did a lot of mechanic work, repair work, and carpentry, having built two houses in Embarrass; he also worked at the Embarrass Evangelical Free Church, where he served on the Physical Properties Committee. Don loved to play guitar and sing country western songs. He ministered at the church with the true servant’s heart.
Don is survived by his wife, Joyce; five children, Teresa (Mike) Dolinar of Soudan, Rodney (Chong) Girard of Highland Lake, N.Y., Vernon Girard of Princeton, Kenneth Girard of Embarrass and James (Yolanda Rood) Girard of Brooklyn Center; five granddaughters, Amanda Kehus (Alex Marwick), Hana (Kai) Garlipp, Chyanne Girard (Casey Zins), Brandice Girard (Chris Duncan) and Liliah Girard; two great-grandsons, Bellamy Girard and Rowan Zins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings.

Bruce J. Monson
Bruce “Mooser” John Monson, 64, passed away on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at his home in Moorecroft, Wyo., with his wife Renae by his side. Bruce enjoyed spending his time tinkering in his garage, so a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Myers’ garage, 7182 Dallas Rd. in Embarrass from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 19.
Bruce was born on Nov. 1, 1960, to John and Patty Monson. He went to college in Hibbing, then relocated to Wyoming. He worked as a welder, working in construction for over 40 years. Throughout his life, Bruce enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, making metal art, and socializing with friends. He was a jack of all trades. Bruce made friends very easily and over the years he made them everywhere he went.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Renae; parents, John and Patty; son, Vernon (JoVina); grandchildren; brothers, Joel (Billy Jean) and Jim (Donna); sister, Kim; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Terry; and many other beloved family members.

Jeffrey J. Gorecki
Jeffrey John Gorecki, 38, of Babbitt, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 5 from 1-3 p.m. at the Hideaway in Babbitt. Jeff was an organ donor and saved the lives of three people. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
He is survived by his daughter, Jayden Gorecki; son, Jackson Gorecki; former wife, Erica Hohiesel; parents, Beverly Tuura and Loren Gorecki; sister, Ashley Gorecki; beloved pets, Anna, Hazel and Boone; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tracey A. Porter
Tracey Ann Porter, also known as Trasi Porter-Goodsky, 54, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Friday, March 14, 2025. A traditional wake was held on Saturday, March 22 and a traditional funeral service was held on Sunday, March 23, both at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center in Nett Lake. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
She is survived by her brothers, Leon (Yvonne) Goodsky of Forest Lake and Brandon Benner of Duluth; sisters, Lana (Vince) Goodsky of Minneapolis, Tammy Goodsky and Natalie Goodsky, both of Nett Lake, Kelly Chosa of Tower and Kristal Porter of Seattle, Wash.; children, Minh Porter known as Jonny, Brianna Proeung (significant other Jonathan LaDuke), Jeydin Proeung (significant other Randii Callan), Deandre Rodriguez and Valencia Porter.

Margaret E. Gentile
Margaret Emily “Peggy” Loomis Gentile, 81, of Cook, died peacefully at home on Thursday, March 13, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the First Baptist Church in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her sister, Ken Marie Hedquist of Esko; son, Thomas (Cecilia) Gentile of Pottsboro, Texas; daughter, Gina (Jim) DerGantz of Maple Grove; and three grandchildren, Elizabeth Gentile, Sarah Gentile and Maggie DerGantz.