Obituaries: November 8, 2024

Jose A. Vidal
Jose Agustin Vidal, 88, of Nett Lake, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral services. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Jose was born on March 19, 1936, in Mariel, Cuba, the only child of Francisco and Nievas Vidal. He worked as a fisherman and diver and concrete plant worker in Cuba. After spending five years as a political prisoner in Cuba during the 1960s, he left his beloved country and fled to Spain. He spent a year in Spain and arrived in the United States in 1969, where he met his wife, Rita, in New Orleans. They were married in 1970 in Grand Forks, N.D. Throughout the years, they lived in Grand Forks, N.D.; Roanoke, Va.; Naknek, Alaska; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Nett Lake. Jose was a hard worker who held various jobs to support his family, including owning and operating a refrigeration business. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he proudly and often mentioned. He enjoyed cooking Cuban and Spanish cuisine, tinkering in his tool shed, watching the news, talking politics, and spending time with his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Rita; children, Laura Ferwalt of Nett Lake, Leo (Angela) Vidal of Nett Lake, Lisa (Jason Carlson) Vidal of Tower and River Spirit of Duluth; grandchildren, Christine, Britney, Alley, Trinity, Tristan, Winter, Raven and Skylar; and great-grandchildren, Carlin, Valor and Nova.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Alice P. Smith; surrogate mother, Ruth Boshey; and brothers-in-law, Edwin Porter and Howard Knutson.

Dana L. Wakemup
Dana “The Great Dane” Leslie Wakemup, 51, of Nett Lake, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. A wake service will be held on Friday, Nov. 8 starting at 7 p.m. It will be followed by the funeral service on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. Both events will be at the Bois Forte Tribal Government in Nett Lake. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his mother, Alice Wakemup; sisters, Carolyn Wakemup (Francis Littlewolf Jr.) and Toni Wakemup (Charles Gruae); brothers, Chuck Holmes, Daniel Wakemup (Bea Vue-Benson) and David Wakemup (Angel Santeramo); and many nieces and nephews.

Alvin S. Warpula
Alvin Steven Warpula, 90, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully at Waterview Woods in Eveleth on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. A celebration of life was held on Thursday, Nov. 7 at The Junction in Babbitt. Interment will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. The family would like to thank the staff at Waterview Woods, St. Mary’s Hospice-East Range team, family and friends for all their prayers, love and support. Arrangements are by Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Grendahl Warpula; daughter, Cindy Lou Warpula; brother, Earl Warpula; several nephews and nieces; Glen Tervola; and adopted family, Jim and Kathie Crawford and family.

Robert M. Pintar Jr.
Robert M. Pintar Jr., 46, of Babbitt, was reunited with his mom and sister on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Aurora. A celebration of life will be held at Sam’s on Friday, Nov. 8 from 12-4 p.m. Light lunch will be provided.
He is survived by his father, Kenneth of Babbitt; brother, Travis (Tena) and nephews, Aiden and Cooper, all of Pequot Lakes.

Samuel J. Richter
Samuel Joseph “Sammy” Richter, 41, of Ely, died on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, please reach out for help at the
Minnesota Addiction Hotline 2-1-1.
He is survived by sister, Tessa (Jared) Overton; niece and nephew, Summer and Jake Tome; love of his life, Melissa Morrison; stepchildren, Rhys Truty, Madison (Colton) Clark, Logan and Taylor Mather; grandson, Luke Clark; special friend, Sydney Matthias; godmother and godfather, Chris and Larry Urbas; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends that became family.

Murle F. Olson
Murle F. Olson, 90, of Cook, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at View Crest Health Center in Duluth. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.