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Serving Northern St. Louis County, Minnesota

Obituaries: November 20, 2020

Posted

Helen T. Zavodnik
Helen Theresa Zavodnik, 71, of Soudan, died on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Services will be held at a later date. Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Helen was born on June 13, 1949, in Soudan, the daughter of Anton and Mary (Vesel) Zavodnik and was a lifelong resident of Soudan. Helen was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School and Beauty College. She was employed as a hairdresser and worked for the Cluett-Peabody Arrow Shirt Factory. Helen was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. She enjoyed picking blueberries and mushrooms, painting, and keeping things neat and clean. Her greatest joys came from time spent with family and babysitting nieces and nephews.
Helen is survived by her siblings, Marie Zavodnik and Anthony (Kathy) Zavodnik, all of Soudan; nieces and nephews, Angela (Korey Johnson) Zavodnik and Connor and Mariah, Joey (Angela) Zavodnik and Nate and Isabella, Kelly (Wes) Johnson, and Katie (Eli) Mitrovich and Nina, Oliver and Carmella.

Anthony P. Merhar
Anthony “Tony” Paul Merhar, 69, of Babbitt, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, after a battle with cancer. A visitation is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 19 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. We ask that during Covid-19 to please wear a mask and maintain social distance. There will be a private graveside service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 in Argo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local Food Shelf.
He is survived by his siblings, Lucy Miner, Dianne Gibson (who has since passed on Nov.14, 2020), Dick (Mary), Tom (Jennifer) and Kathy (Joe); brother in-law, William Madison; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

James R. Powers
James Ronnie Powers, 74, of Virginia, formerly of Cook, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020. There will be a private burial at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his wife, Catherine Ann Cornelius Powers; son, James Powers (Renee); daughters, Kelly Ratai (Mike) and Kathleen Posey; grandchildren, Michael McClain, Jessica McNiff, Brianna McClain, Ian McNiff, Jace Ratai, Lucas Ratai, Logan Ratai, Niles Powers, Madeline Powers, Jamie Schanlaub and Max Posey; and nine great-grandchildren.

Anne E. Joki
Anne Elizabeth Kosevich Joki, 93, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2020, at Cook Care Center. Following a private family service, a burial was held at the Zim Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to the Cook Care Center. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her sons, Rob Joki (Rhonda) of Cook and Dennis Joki of Ortonville; sister, Karen Grahovak of Riverview, Fla.; two grandchildren, Todd (Sarah) Joki and Scott (Jevene) Joki; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.