Obituaries: November 22, 2024

Michael Leino
Michael “Mikko” Leino, 72, of Ely, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, after a brief battle with cancer and complications from an ongoing heart condition. There will be a memorial service at Kerntz Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. Memorials are preferred to the Ely Area Food Shelf.
Mikko was born on Dec. 23, 1951, and was a lifelong resident in the Ely area. He lived most of his life on Burntside Lake, his favorite place; his home was a central place for his family and friends to gather. He was the son of Lauren and Irene Kivisaari Leino.
An electrician by training, he worked in multiple roles at the Northshore Mine (and its earlier iterations) and completed his career as a supervisor in the drilling department. Between the various disruptions in the operation of the mine, he worked in jobs from operating heavy equipment at a local salvage yard to doing small engine repair, along with several diverse jobs in between.
Mikko was universally well-liked and relied upon by family and by numerous cabin owners along the south shore of Burntside Lake where he oversaw and maintained their properties. He was always ready to share his wide-ranging knowledge and practical skills. He was a good man and will be missed for many things including his wild blueberry pies, expert boat rides, and love of saunas.
Mikko is survived by his siblings, Judith Horns (James), Richard Leino (Jackie), Philip Leino and David Leino (Susan); close cousins, Walter Leino (Norma), Ronald Leino (Rhonda) and Pamela Leino-Mills; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss him greatly.

Alberta D. Larson
Alberta Dianne “Birdie” Bergman Gustafson Larson, 76, of Cook, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. A celebration of life will be held at the VFW in Cook on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m.
There will be a private family interment held in the spring. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her children, Carrie (Scott) Erickson, Tara (Kevin Jacobson) Gustafson and Ryan (Jill) Gustafson; grandchildren, Samantha (Jeremiah) Stone, Hailey (Adam) Rich, Jacob Erickson, McKenzie (Lance Borkowski) Gustafson and Kaiden Kachinske; great-granddaughters, Rilee Ann Stone and Ilya Mae Rich; a great-grandson due any day; sister, Shelly (Jason) Nelson; brothers, Alden Bergman, Galen (Doreen) Bergman and Brian (Gail) Bergman; best friend, Linda Troseth; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Roland E. Fowler Jr.
Roland Eugene Fowler Jr., 62, of Embarrass, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Range Funeral Home of Virginia is in charge of arrangements.