Obituaries: May 16, 2025

Mary J. Morse
Mary J. Morse, 66, of Grand Rapids, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at her home. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Loyal Order of Moose Club in Grand Rapids. Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids.
Mary was born in 1959 to Orrie “Dean” and Marlyce “Dolly” Morlan in International Falls. She graduated from high school in International Falls in 1977. On April 14, 1984, Mary was united in marriage to Terry Morse in Tower. While living in Tower, Mary was involved with her kids’ activities which included being a Cub Scout leader and soccer coach; she made many lifelong friends from her time spent there. In 1997, Mary and Terry moved to Grand Rapids. Mary was employed as the secretary at Rowe Funeral Home for 20 years before retiring in 2019.
Mary’s motto always seemed to be “Choose Joy.” She had a kind, generous, gentle spirit which was present in all aspects of her life whether it was spending time with family and friends, or helping a grieving family while working at the funeral home. She loved all animals including dogs, cats and wild birds.
Mary was a talented cook who was known for making special recipes from her soup-making drawer, tacos, baking cookies with the kids, and making people happy at parties she would host. Mary enjoyed spending time around a campfire, fishing trips to Lac Suel in Ontario, Canada, with her husband Terry, and fishing with her grandkids.
Mary is survived by her husband, Terry; sons, Lucas (Megan Bartell) Morse of Cohasset and Zachary (Kara) Morse of Grand Rapids; two sisters, Sandy (Mark) Gorrill of Embarrass and Georgia Shaff of Eveleth; seven grandchildren, Mariah, Drake, Lexi, Tenley, Maisey, Ricky and Jace; one great-grandchild, Bryley; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Andy Morse; and three siblings, Beth “Buffy” Woolridge, Lenora Loney and Randy Morlan.

Theresa J. Burandt
Theresa JoAnn Burandt, 75, of Ely and formerly of Prior Lake, Minneapolis and Bemidji, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at her home with family at her side. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 17 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Fr. Charles Friebohle will be the celebrant. Private inurnment will be at a later date. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. 
Theresa was born on Nov. 19, 1949, in Minneapolis, the daughter of John and Joanne Rogers Elms. She was a graduate of Minneapolis South High School.  Theresa was united in marriage to Thomas Allan Burandt on Aug. 19, 1967, in Minneapolis. Theresa worked as a homemaker. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely, and also attended St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower.
Theresa is survived by her husband, Thomas of Ely; sons, Joseph of Ely, Daniel (Greta) of Tower, and Thomas Burandt of Savage; siblings, John Elms (Cheryl Bolen) of Minneapolis, Timothy (Valerie) Elms of Shoreview, and Mark (Lisa) Elms of Circle Pines; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Daniel Elms, Colleen Nygaard, and Mathew Elms; and brother-in-law, Dale Nygaard.

Adam John Burgess
Adam John Burgess, of Tower, passed away on May 3, 2025. He was born on May 21, 1983. An obituary is not available at this time. Family services being provided by Bauman Family Funeral Homes.

Amy L. Johnson
Amy Lynn Igo Johnson, 40, of Virginia, passed away unexpectedly in a car accident on Monday, May 5, 2025. Please join us to celebrate Amy’s life and legacy on Friday, May 16 at Range Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. In her honor, feel free to come as you are; no need for formal attire. Camo, fishing gear or anything that reminds you of her is more than welcome. A gathering of friends and family will follow the service at the Virginia Elks Club. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Chuck; her parents, Mike Igo and his wife Maude, Janet Swanson and her husband Mike; brothers, Ryan Igo, Mike Buck, and Jerrod Buck; sisters, Sarah Kapella, Heidi Harfield, and Bobbie Jo Cook; nieces, Joey Kapella, Alyvia Fields and Ryitt Igo; nephews, Chase Kapella, Hayden Igo, and Kyler Tuura; and great-niece, Charlotte Kapella.
Amy is also deeply missed by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and countless lifelong friends who were more like family. She had a rare and beautiful way of turning connection into kinship, and her circle of love stretches far and wide.

Ray J. Hiltunen
Ray James Hiltunen, 80, of Duluth, formerly of Virginia and Minneapolis, died peacefully at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital on Nov. 4, 2024, with Finnish music serenading his transition. A memorial service will be held in Tower later in May. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
The family sends special thanks to the staff and friends at Lakeside Manor in Duluth where Ray enjoyed living for 16 years. Finally, the family cannot thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital enough for their loving care of Ray during the last days of his life. Memorials may be sent to World Vision, www.worldvision.org, or the Lake Vermilion Cultural Center.
Ray was born on Feb. 9, 1944, in Minneapolis. His mother, Ingrid Kainula Hiltunen, was living there awaiting the return of her husband from WWII. Sadly, Ray’s father, 1st Lieutenant Ray Jacob Hiltunen, originally from Vermilion Lake Township, was shot down in a glider over the Netherlands in September 1944 and died. Ray never met his father. His mother later met and married Oscar Sooger of Virginia in 1950, so Ray was raised there, graduating from Roosevelt High School in 1962. He attended Bemidji State College and went on to graduate from the Minnesota School of Business in Minneapolis.
Ray married Mary Jorenby on Dec. 31, 1966. They settled in Minneapolis and raised their son, Don. Ray had several jobs over the years, like selling fancy suits at Dayton’s in downtown Minneapolis and working for the Model Cities project. His favorite job was bus driver for the Minneapolis Public Schools. He always had a corny joke for his students.
Ray was a proud Finn. His mother, father, and stepfather were all Finns. He could speak Finnish, which was appreciated by his younger family members. Things Ray loved during his life were summers as a child at the family cabin on Bass Lake (the one near Gilbert and Biwabik) and family camping trips at Lake Kabetogama. He had fond memories of the annual reunion picnics at the Hiltunen Farm. In the 80’s he made cassette tapes of loon calls and sold them at craft fairs with his wife Mary. He made recordings of the Sooger family oral history, for which his family is grateful. Ray was honored to be part of the Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Choir, especially when they sang Handel’s Messiah at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. For many years, he looked forward to his annual canoe trip in the Boundary Waters with his AA group. His other favorite places were the former Little Sweden Resort at the Cook end of Lake Vermilion and the former Cliff ‘n Shores Resort on Lake Superior, where owner Anna Mae was a friend. Later in his life he enjoyed time at his sister’s home on Lake Vermilion.
Ray is survived by his son, Don Hiltunen (Jen) of Eagan; grandchildren, Maia Cross (Thomas) of Maple Grove, and Alex Hiltunen of Minneapolis; sister, Elaine Sooger McGillivray (Peter) of Lake Vermilion-Tower; niece, Erin McGillivray of Minneapolis; nephew, Joe McGillivray (Christine) of Brooklyn Park; cousins; great-nieces; and longtime friend, Roger Anderson of Two Harbors, who was there for Ray so often over the years.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Jacob Hiltunen; mother, Ingrid Kainula Hiltunen Sooger; stepfather, Oscar Sooger; and wife, Mary Hiltunen.

Herbert O. Cornwell
Herbert “Herb” Orville Cornwell, 84, of Ely, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Duluth, surrounded by the love of his family. A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22 at the Winton Community Center. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to raise a beer in his honor, share a story, and enjoy the simple pleasures, just as he would have wanted. Arrangements are with Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his beloved wife and best friend of 55 years, Deb Cornwell; daughters, Pamela Berens (Paul) and Kristy Johnson (Chad); daughters from a previous marriage, Rebecca Kitzler and Roxanne Tulla (Bill); grandchildren, Fawna Berger (Sam), Deven Tulla, Desiree Brink (Travis), Rachael Thom (Nate), Lucas Eggebraaten (Amanda), Austin Berens (Jolee), Kelsey Johnson, Madelene Larson (Josh), and Savannah Tyndall (Preston); 13 great-grandchildren; mother-in-law, Lucille Scott; brother-in-law, Richard Havercamp (Kay); siblings, Leland Cornwell (Ruth), Phyllis Mabie, and Lois Hartshorn; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Dolores M. Cederholm
Dolores Marie Bialke Cederholm, 95, longtime resident of Babbitt, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Carefree Living in Babbitt. Many thanks to the wonderful, caring and compassionate staff at Carefree Living who became her second family. The family would also like to thank Essentia Hospice for their support, their kind, gentle care and for making her final days very peaceful. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 24 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt, with a luncheon to follow after the service. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to donate, please consider Friends of the Library or the Babbitt Golf Course. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her children, Bob (Kim) Cederholm, Judy (Brian) Thomas, and Janet (Allen) Priolo; grandchildren, Scott Thomas, Lisa (Zack) Anderson, Ross (Tara) Priolo, and Jaclyn (Jace) Romano; great-granddaughters, Lettie Anderson and Piper Priolo; sister, Corrine Schedlbauer; brother, Tim (Bev) Bialke; and nephews, Don, Rick and Steve Schedlbauer.

Bonita Altobelli
Bonita “Bonnie” Hendrickson Altobelli, 67, of Virginia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family at the Essentia Virginia Hospital on Friday, May 9, 2025. Services were held on Tuesday, May 13 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia, led by Pastor Bruce Dissell.
She is survived by her husband, James Altobelli of Virginia; sons, Keith (Sara) of Mt. Iron and Scott (Gina) of Virginia; six grandchildren; sister, Brenda Laveck of Ashland, Va.; brother, Bruce (Linda) Hendrickson of Phoenix; brothers-in-law, Frank Glavan of Hibbing, John (Cindy) Altobelli of Tower, and Joe Whalen of St. Cloud; sister-in-law, Patty (Tom) Kallio of New Brighton; many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Harry D. Porter III
Harry “Butch” Dean Porter III, 64, originally of Nett Lake, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Burnsville. A wake was held on Thursday, May 15 at 5 p.m. and Traditional Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16, both at the Bois Forte Tribal Government Building. Casket bearers are Bryce Chosa, Darius Googleye, Angelo Kingbird, David “Squidg” Morrison, Lance Kingbird, Charles Gonier, Devon Porter, and Bryan Porter. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his son, Jamison of Cloquet; mother, Mary Porter of Nett Lake; brother, Gerald “Turk” (Janeal) Googleye of Nett Lake; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Harlan E. Broten
Harlan Edward Broten, age 92, of Tower, died Monday, May 12, 2025, while working at the job he loved. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the 1:00 p.m. Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Fr. Beau Braun will be the Celebrant.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower. To express condolences online please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Harlan was born Oct. 11, 1932, in Fox, Minn., the son of Henry and Edna (Fugelberg) Broten. He was a 1952 graduate of Roseau High School where he played both hockey and football – earning athletic scholarships to Nebraska State University and the University of North Dakota. A veteran of the United States Army, Harlan served during the Korean War and earned the Rank of Sergeant. Harlan was united in marriage to Adeline Gust on Jan. 26, 1956, in Greenbush, Minn.
Harlan worked as a locomotive engineer for LTV Steel and Erie Mining Co. He was the founder of Broten Construction Company in 1958 which is still being operated today by his son, David. Harlan was a dedicated husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He and Adeline spent many hours with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing and cooking and eating pancakes. He took pride in his work and wanted that to be a part of his legacy – working until the Lord called him. He was a dedicated community member donating concrete work for many projects. He was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower.
Harlan is survived by his wife of 69 years: Adeline; daughters: Lori (Jeff) Schulze, Lisa (Gordon) Dunkeld, and Yvonne Broten: son: David (Joan) Broten; daughter-in-law: Brenda Broten; grandchildren: Savannah Schulze, Alexandra (Alex) Prieve, Laura (John) Schulze, Cody (Kara) Schulze, Raichle (Ben) Dunkeld, Alec Dunkeld, Dean (Brianna) Broten, Barbara (Zachary) Broten-Lundstrom, Brianna Soby, Katrina (Kelly) Blocker, and Anthony (Tristan) Broten; great-grandchildren: Boone Broten, Hux Broten, Forrest Prieve, Stella Lundstrom, Harlan Lundstrom, Leona Broten, and Rosie Broten; close family friend: Greg Pishler; and numerous extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Edna and Henry; brother,0 Milo; infant son, Timothy; and son, Daniel.