Obituaries: November 29, 2024

Alan Sam
Alan Sam, 42, of Duluth, formerly of Tower, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. A wake was held on Sunday, Nov. 24 and a traditional service was held on Monday, Nov. 25, both at the Vermilion Wellness Center in Tower. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Alan was born in Duluth on Aug. 9, 1982, to Terry Dupree and Linda Sam. He grew up in Tower, attending school and graduating from Tower-Soudan High School in 2001. He worked for Fortune Bay Casino in various departments for many years.
Alan enjoyed being an uncle. He had numerous nieces and nephews whom he would take on outside adventures. Alan enjoyed being outdoors doing any type of activity. He also enjoyed walking and spending time by the lake. He was the nicest guy you could ever meet. He enjoyed helping people out, often volunteering his time even if they did not ask.
Alan is survived by his siblings, Terry Lightfeather Sr., Teresa Lightfeather, Duane Sam, Krissy Sam, Naomi Hanks, Christina Dupree/Boshey and Tara Taylor; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Terry and Linda; and adoptive mother, Geraldine Hanks.

Helen L. Arola
Helen Louis Picek Arola, 97, of Virginia, formerly of Idington, passed away on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. There will be a private family interment at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her children, David (Janis) Arola, Sandra (Lyndon) Nurmi, Sharon (Glen) Aune and Susan (Tim) Waataja; sister, Katherine Aune; sisters-in-law, Donna Picek and Margaret Picek; grandchildren, Theresa (Jason) Bush, Zachary (Michelle) Aune, Connie Cuffe, Janet (Craig) Merten, Kyle Arola and Dr. Paul Nurmi; five great-grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Russell E. Long
Russell Eugene Long, 81, of Ely, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at Carefree Living in Ely. Arrangements are pending with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Tod Polley
Tod (Leon) Polley, 74, who was born and lived his entire life at Polley’s Resort on Lake Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. A service is being planned and will be announced when finalized. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his daughter, Sena (Terry) Ostrander; granddaughters, Abigail and Addison; nephews, Marc Russell and Ross Polley; nieces, Regan Russell and Christina Plaut; extended family, Charlene, Carlotta, Josh, more “grandkids” and cousins.