Obituaries: November 15, 2024

William P. Suihkonen
William “Bill” P. Suihkonen, 69, of Tower, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Virginia with Pastor Liz Cheney officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.
Bill was born on May 31, 1955, in Virginia, to Eino and Ann Frazee Suihkonen and grew up in Kugler Township. Bill retired from U.S. Steel after 42 years of service as an equipment operator.
Bill married Jayanne Ward on Sept. 21, 1974, in Tower. He was a member of Steelworkers Local 1938 in Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Jayanne of Tower; two children, William E. (Kristy) Suihkonen and Angela Suihkonen; three grandchildren, Kaija, Kash and Kinsley; siblings, Becky Planton, Linda (Dan) Masica, John (Julie) Suihkonen, Roberta (Russ) Webb, Ann (Brian) Moravek, Carol (Jim) Hebl and Tom (Dena) Suihkonen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Eino and Ann Suihkonen; and one brother, Jim Suihkonen.

Alice M. Wakemup
Alice Mary “Allie” Wakemup, 76, of Nett Lake, Giiga wabamin miinawaa, mother, grandmother and aunt, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, just four days after her son Dana’s passing. A wake service was held at the same time as Dana’s, on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center. A funeral service was held on Saturday, Nov. 9 also at the Government Center. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by five children, Carolyn, Charlie, Toni, Daniel and David; many grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

Myrna G. Storm
Myrna Gayle Storm, 70, passed away on Nov. 8, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook. Online condolences can be sent at www.mlakerfuneralhome.com
Myrna was born to Kenneth and Helen (Hough) Storm on Nov. 4, 1954. She grew up in Cook with her twin brothers, Jerry and Larry, and graduated from Cook High School in 1973, where she was at the top of her class. She went on to earn her business degree from Bemidji State University, after studying at Mesabi College. Myrna worked in various roles throughout her life but spent the majority of her career as the CFO at Scenic Rivers Clinic.
In 1979, Myrna married John Malm. Together, they enjoyed selling their handmade goods at the local farmers market, where they were well known for their high-quality products.
Myrna was deeply loved for her big heart, making everyone around her feel special. She was incredibly talented, whether she was baking beautiful cakes, creating intricate cross-stitch designs, or managing complex numbers with ease. Even after losing her leg to cancer, Myrna’s determination never wavered—she went on to run several 5k races, inspiring all who knew her with her strength and perseverance.
Her home was filled with love, not only from her family but also from her beloved pets—Ruby and Dusty, her two dogs, and Indigo and Stella, her cats. They brought her great joy and were always by her side.
Myrna was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Storm; mother, Helen Storm; brother, Gerald Storm; sister-in-law, Sue Whitney; and several cherished pets.
She is survived by her husband, John Malm; brother, Larry Storm, and his family; goddaughter, Amy (Rick) Viita and their family; brother-in-law, Jim Malm and family; and many other loving friends and relatives.
Myrna’s kindness, strength, and loving nature will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Deborah E. Hanela
Deborah “Debbie” Elizabeth McGillivray Bozicevich Hanela, 79, of Virginia, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. A special thank you to the St. Mary’s Hospice East Range team and Dr. Peterson. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 at the North Star Church in Virginia with visitation starting at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia. 
She is survived by her children, Alan (Paula) Bozicevich Jr. of Embarrass, Amy Bozicevich (Scott Toratti) and son Matt of Virginia, Wendy (Todd) Rork and children Ellie and Aidan of Bayview, Idaho, and Craig (Margarita) Hanela and children Max and Matilda of Seattle, Wash.; siblings, Rod (Kathy) McGillivray of Grimes, Iowa, and Mesa, Ariz., Peter (Elaine) McGillivray of Tower and Blaine, and Bergetta (Mike) Indihar of Tower; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Hanela of Ely, Mary Jane Schuster of Brown’s Valley, S.D., and Ellen Hitner of Embarrass; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.