Obituaries: March 7, 2025

Mary Ann Henderson
Mary Ann Henderson, 90, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in Eden Prairie. A memorial service will be planned for July 2025 in Tower.
Mary Ann was born in Virginia on June 11, 1934, to Rudy and Mary Simonich. She and her sister Theresa grew up on the northside. She graduated from Virginia High School and attended two years of junior college before marrying the love of her life, Jack W. Henderson, on June 4, 1955, in Virginia.
Mary Ann was a loving mother to three children, Mary Beth, Cathleen (Rick Clevette) and Julie (Emmanuel Takgbajouah); proud grandmother to Kevin and Jackie Clevette, Mary and John Takgbajouah; and great-grandmother to four beautiful children. She will be missed. 

Elizabeth I. Lundin
Elizabeth “Betty” Irene Lundin, 77, of Orr, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in Libby, Mont. There will be a private family memorial service in the spring.
Betty was born on March 16, 1947, in Kansas, to Mabel Laverne Banks. In 1948, her mother married Louis Udovich, and he was known as Betty’s dad. They moved to Silverdale in 1948. Betty married Albin Zakrajshek on Sept. 11, 1965, and remained with him until his death in 1989. She and Albin had three children together. In 1993, Betty married Fritz Lundin of Orr. 
Betty loved going to Montana, gardening, flowers, berry-picking, visiting with friends, and swapping recipes. She also loved to talk about her beloved dog Simon. She worked at the Orr IGA and as a mail lady; everyone who knew her loved her.
Betty is survived by her husband, Fritz Lundin of Orr; children, Melissa (Robin) Ashley of Kalispell, Mont., and Michael Zakrajshek of Silverdale; grandchildren, Anthony, Amanda, Alan and Ajay Zakrajshek and Brandon Ashley; great-grandchildren, Michael, Gracie, Andrea, Zieva, Eliana and Zaylee; sister-in-law, JoHanna Udovich; stepchildren, Judy Boothman, Debbie Flegel, Jeffrey Lundin and Charlene Redd; and numerous step-grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Albin; parents, Louis and Mabel Banks Udovich; brothers, Donnie and Harold; sister, Rose; grandson, Tyler; and an infant daughter. 

Mark E. Drift Sr.
Mark Edward Drift Sr., Mi-Zin-Ni-Ga-Boo (“walks on clear ice”), of the Bear Clan, 58, of Eveleth, originally of Nett Lake, passed away unexpectedly at the U of M Hospital in Minneapolis on Sunday, March 2, 2025. A wake was held on Wednesday, March 5 and a Traditional Service was held on Thursday, March 6, both at the Nett Lake Government Services Center. Spiritual advisors were Billy Blackwell and Vernon Adams. Pallbearers were Shane Drift, Brent Chosa, Perry Drift, Erik Halvorson, Josh Sherman, Dexter Sherman, Kaiden Chosa and John Carlson. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Drift of Eveleth; mother, Karen Drift of Nett Lake; daughters, Nina (Everett) Villebrun of Cook, Alanna (Josh) Sherman of Tower and Jeanette Long of Tower; stepdaughter, Kendra Carver of Eveleth; sons, Mark (Isabel) Drift Jr. of Nett Lake and Phillip Long of Hibbing; sisters, Farrah Drift of Nett Lake and Karlene (Donald) Chosa of Baraga, Mich.; brothers, Peter (Lori) Drift of Mahnomen and Bart Drift of Nett Lake; grandchildren, Kaiden, Colt, Evan, Ellie, Dexter, James and Elora; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Javid D. Spaulding
Javid Donald Spaulding, 52, of Duluth, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, at Bayshore Residence after bravely fighting a lengthy period of multiple health issues. There will be a simple graveside service in May at the Alango Cemetery on Hwy. 22 for family and friends. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his sisters, Monique Grandy, Randie Spaulding and Tricia Williamson; and brothers, Bill Spaulding and David Clay.

Fred W. Gabrielson
Fred William Gabrielson, 29, of Orr, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025. Funeral services will be held later in the spring. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his parents, Fred and Kathleen, and sister, Laura, all of Orr.

James P. Heglund
James “Jim” Perry Heglund, 58, of Cook, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. There will be a family gathering at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Martha L. Nosie
Martha Louise “Marty” Shermer Nosie, 68, of Rauch, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, after a brief illness. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 7 at the Cook Community Center. There will be a short service from 4 to 4:30 p.m. followed by fellowship and food until 6 p.m. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
She is survived by her daughters, Chris (Terry) Novak, Katie (Jimmer) Pastore and Billie (Chris) Lemieux; granddaughters, Jaida Lemieux, (DJ Bialke) and Breanna Pastore; siblings, Dennis (Sharon) Shermer, Irene Semon, Cliff (Mary) Shermer, Mark (Karen) Shermer, Ruth (John) Huismann, James (Becky) Shermer, Joe (Amy Nelson) Shermer and Kay (Tim) Cornelius; aunts, Mavis Hubble and Elaine Forbes; uncle, John (Marianne) Hall; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Keith A. Aho
Keith Alan Aho, 85, of Cook, went to his eternal home with Jesus on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at his childhood home with the love of his life, Carol, by his side. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 28 at the Cook Community Center. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. In memoriam, the family appreciates charitable donations to Guided Hope Ranch in Berthoud, Colo., the Cook Lions Club or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carol Louise Johnson Aho; children, Kaarin (Guy) Scoma, Kraig (Jannet) Aho, Kristian (Jillian) Aho and Kurtis (Rachael) Aho; and 15 grandchildren, Felicia, Christopher, Katelyn, Tucker, Kira, Jessika, Kristian, Regan, Victoria, William, Jedidiah, Hannah, Olivia, Rebekah and Saarina.