Obituaries: May 2, 2025

Warren B. Kregness
Warren Ben Kregness, 95, of Superior, Wis., died on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Aspirus Hospital in Duluth. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3 in Bauman’s Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 a.m. Honorary pallbearers will be Warren’s grandchildren. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Warren was born on Feb. 9, 1930, in Duluth, to Ben and Thora Larsen Kregness. He graduated from Hermantown High School in 1948. Warren proudly served in the United States Marines from 1948 to 1951. He fought in the Korean War and earned two Purple Hearts; he was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. He had the honor of participating in the Honor Flight Northland to Washington, D.C., in 2012.
Warren married Laurene Branwall, of Tower, in 1951 and they had four children. He worked at First American National Bank in Duluth from 1948-1967. In 1967, Warren and Laurene moved their family from Hermantown to Soudan, where they purchased the State Bank of Tower, the Tower-Soudan Agency, and the Falls Insurance Company. In 1992, he sold the businesses. In 1990, Warren built a home in Cape Coral, Fla., and would spend his winters there, leaving Minnesota after hunting season was over.
On Sept. 7, 1996, Warren married Kathleen Horner Williamson, of Duluth. In 2000, they sold their Florida home and became residents of Superior, Wis., to be closer to family and friends. Warren was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was also a commercial pilot who owned and flew his planes to the Arctic and the cabin on Hope Lake in Kenora, Ontario, Canda. He was a member of the Birdwatchers’ Duck Camp in Squaw Lake and a deer camp on Lake Vermilion. Warren also enjoyed time in his workshop building gifts for family members and doing many carpentry projects and repairs. He looked forward to his outings with his good friend Bob Sederberg, and saunas at the Kitchi.
Warren is survived by his wife, Kathleen; children, Scott (Marilyn) Kregness of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Tower, Jorgine Gornick of Soudan, Karen (Ward) Patterson of Port Charlotte, Fla., and Barb (Steve) Burgess of Tower; grandchildren, Sean (Allison) Kregness, Sara (Steve) Colberg, Nichole (Bryan) Chiabotti, Aaron Gornick, Jillian (Mike) Anderson, Cheri (Dean) DeBeltz, Alaina (Dustin) George, Brynn (Patrick) Rhodes and Alli (Ryan) Harasyn; great-grandchildren, Bria (Chase Kleppe) Chiabotti, Jared Chiabotti, Kaden and Kaleb Gornick, Joey and Jacie Lakoskey, Chloe and Jack Anderson, Carena and Cylvia DeBeltz, Hunter (Meghan), Kimber, Ruger and Jagger Carpenter, Sammy and Sophie Harasyn, Lyra and Julian Kregness and Thomas and Lucy Colberg; stepchildren, Patti Williamson of Phoenix, Ariz., and Scott (Lori) Williamson of Superior; step-grandchildren, Kathryn (John) Tidenberg, Erik, Niklas, Seth and Luke; and many extended and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife and mother of his children, Laurene Kregness; sister, Frances who died in infancy; and son-in-law, Franklin Gornick.

Dolores M. Cederholm
Dolores M. Cederholm, 95, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Babbitt Carefree Living. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Jody A. King
With heavy hearts, we share the unexpected passing of Jody April King, 49, of Cook, on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Her loss leaves a space that cannot be filled and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 10 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Lunch and fellowship will follow at the VFW in Cook.
Jody was born in Virginia to Rocky and Glory King on Easter Sunday, April 18, 1976. She graduated from Cook High School in 1994 and went on to obtain her nursing degree from Lake Superior College. She was a proud mother and grandmother, devoted daughter, beloved sister, and treasured friend to many.
Jody’s bright eyes, beautiful smile, and infectious laugh left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She had a way of lighting up any room she entered. She was beautiful inside and out. Her straightforward, matter-of-fact personality was as refreshing as it was unforgettable. She loved fiercely and was a loyal friend to many. Jody was always the first to show up when someone needed help or when life took a hard turn; her care and presence was constant in the lives of those she loved. 
 Jody loved those around her with her whole heart - her friends, her family, her three children, Shania, Gavin and Kennedy, and especially her four grandchildren, Melody, Isabella, Jackson and Amelia, who brought her immense joy.
Jody spent many years living and working in Duluth as a nurse, forming lasting friendships and touching many lives. She later made her home in Cook, where she embraced a slower pace and the beauty of small-town life. Jody enjoyed golfing when she got the chance, spending time at the casino, cheering on the Minnesota Vikings, and soaking up the sun. And when she needed quietude, she always found serenity in her favorite place, in a long hot bath.
 Her intense love for her family and friends, and enduring strength, will never be forgotten. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her.
 Jody is survived by her children, Shania Esala-Shoars (Allen Shoars) of Blaine, Kennedy (Tony) Chesser of Hoyt Lakes and Gavin Esala (fiancé Cassandra Celley) of Eveleth; grandchildren, Melody Esala, Isabella Esala, Jackson Shoars and Amelia Shoars, all of Blaine; parents, Rocky and Glory King of Cook; sister, Roxie (Jason) Wefel of Duluth; niece, Bryanna Wefel of St. Cloud; nephew, Payton Wefel of Hopkins; grandmother, Audrey Armagost of Cook; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Kenneth Hill, Clark Armagost, Marianne (Hoffer) King, Warren King and Judy King; uncle, Terry King; and cousin, James Krank.
 James J. Smrekar
James Jacob “Jim” Smrekar, 88, of New Hope and Lake Vermilion, died on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 5 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in New Hope. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Mass at the church. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery in New Hope. Arrangements are with Kapala-Glodek-Malone Funeral Home in New Hope.
Jim was born on Jan. 15, 1939, the son of Jacob and Christina Urchull Smrekar in West Allis, Wis. The family soon moved to Ely, where he spent his childhood. Jim graduated from Ely High School in 1957. After graduation, Jim attended Ely Junior College and then the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where he majored in Elementary Education. Jim continued his education throughout his career, completing Masters and Specialist degrees at St. Cloud State University and the University of St. Thomas. After college, Jim moved to the Twin Cities to start his career as an educator with Minneapolis Public Schools. His career would span over 35 years as a teacher, principal and consultant, all in Minneapolis.
Jim married Kathryn Lundeen in 1964 in Crystal. They were married over 60 years. They made their home and raised three children in New Hope. Jim enjoyed being involved with his children’s activities as a teacher, coach and mentor. He instilled in his children his love of the outdoors and being “up north,” especially in the BWCAW. Jim loved spending time at the cabin on Lake Vermilion with family and friends, and he and Kathy traveled all over the world. He was so grateful for his “Ely Crew” and countless shenanigans, such as hunting weekends and golf.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; daughter, Sara Tait; sons, Jay Smrekar and Jack (Amy) Smrekar; and grandchildren, Grace and Jack Tait, Tatiana and Jesse (Danielle) Smrekar, and Maya Smrekar.

Pearl H. Koskela
Pearl Helen Koskela, 87, of Embarrass, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Essentia Hospital in Virginia. A small celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Pearl was born on May 7, 1937, to Harry and Esther Windells in Sebeka. Pearl was married to Harold Butzin and raised her two sons in Embarrass. She was later married to Richard Koskela until his death. She remained in Embarrass until she was hospitalized just before her passing. Pearl enjoyed playing guitar music and multiple crafts.
Pearl is survived by her sons, Timothy of Granite Falls and Russell of Embarrass; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; and two sisters, Alice and Martha.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Clyde and Harvey; parents; and many beloved family and friends.

Robert D. Reed
Robert Dana Reed, 99, of Virginia, was called home by his Heavenly Father on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Chisholm. A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 26 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Zachary Klumpp officiated. The family would like to thank East Range Hospice for their care and kindness. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Robert was born on March 3, 1926, in Virginia, the son of Robert and Rose Sarkela Reed. Robert was valedictorian of the class of 1944 at Tower-Soudan High School. He was united in marriage to Ruth Luhta on Nov. 16, 1946. He served as a Merchant Marine during World War II. A gifted woodworker, Robert helped build the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in 1955 and continued to support the church throughout his life, working on the addition and furniture and wall plaques. His creative craftsmanship can be found in many homes across the Iron Range as he worked for Iver Johnson, Harry Anderson Millworks, and as a self-employed carpenter/contractor for over 55 years.
Robert was a founder of the Pike-Sandy-Britt Volunteer Fire Department, a Pike Township Supervisor, a 4-H Club Leader, and a member of the East Range Vintage Auto Club. Robert cared for his loving wife, Ruth, after she became ill. He also enjoyed hunting, garage sales and swap meets.
Robert is survived by his children, Dale (Darcy) Reed of Esko, Stanley (Roxanne) Reed of St. Paul, Dan (Sue) Reed and Pam (Chris) Kotys, both of Virginia; son-in-law, Dave Malenius of Gold Canyon, Ariz.; daughter-in-law, Peggy Reed of Moorhead; grandchildren, Shawn (Julie) Reed, Kris (Phil) Parendo, Jason (Selena) Reed, Angela Reed, Dana (Kate) Reed, Sarah (Jason) Reed Wolfe, Katie (Jeff) Reed, Mindy (Sven) Malenius, Josh (Jamie) Malenius, Mark (Erin) Malenius, Nick Reed, Charlie Kaufman, Ashley Hufnagle and Spencer Kotys; 16 great-grandchildren; and brother, Donald (Beverly) Reed of Hermantown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; children, Dennis Reed and Susan Malenius; sisters, Mae Gross and Margaret Haasl; and grandson, Chad Reed.

Geraldine M. Jauhola
Geraldine Marie Erzar Jauhola, 80, formerly of Ely, passed away on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in Tucson, Ariz. A service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Ely Cemetery with a celebration of life to follow at the Winton Community Center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Donor Network of Arizona, honoring Geraldine’s generous spirit.
She is survived by her husband, Carl; daughter, Cindy; sons, Tim and Bob; grandchildren, Amber, Corey, Brandon, T.J., Jaeger, Stone and Jessica; great-grandchildren, Hannah and Savannah; great-great-grandson, Toby; brother, Dean; and sister, Darlene.