Miscellaneous Itasca County, Minnesota Obituaries

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Evelyn J. Ayres, 79, Remer, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 1997, at St. Joseph's Hospital, Park Rapids. She was born Oct. 28, 1917, in Stevens Point, Wis., and grew up in Minneapolis where she attended school and was later employed at various jobs. She married Clifford Ayres in 1945 and in 1947, they moved to the Remer area where they owned and operated Ayres Resort from 1947 until 1969. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Remer. She is survived by a daughter, Sharon Cleveland, Remer; a son, Mike Ayres, Brandon; a sister, Janice Dahl, Devils Lake, N.D.; a brother, Ralph Tuthill, Ely; and eight grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clifford, in 1973, her parents, Ojay and Gertrude Tuthill, and two brothers, Carl and Jack. Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 1 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Remer. Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Remer. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Remer.

Howard Clair Braden, 81, Deer River, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 1997, at Homestead Nursing Home, Deer River. He was born Feb. 7, 1916, in Mayhew Lake and attended school in Kimball. Following graduation, he worked as a farmer. He married Mildred Miller in 1939. He joined the U.S. Army in 1944. After his discharge, he returned to Kimball until 1950 when he moved to Deer River. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 2720 of Deer River. He is survived by a daughter, Juanita Marty; two sons, Terry Braden and Howard Braden; and two grandsons, Kevin and Steven Marty. Preceding him in death were his wife, Mildred, a sister, Mabel Linn and two brothers, Clyde and Monte. Funeral: Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. at United Methodist Church, Deer River, with the Rev. Ron Suntken officiating. Burial: Olivet Cemetery, Morse Township. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River. 

Faye E. Enges, 81, Grand Rapids, died Monday, Sept. 1, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center. She was born March 23, 1916, in Shovel Lake Township, Aitkin County, the daughter of Ignatius and Lenora (Carpenter) Saylor, and grew up and attended school at Shovel Lake. She was a homemaker. She is survived by a daughter, Helen Dionisopoulos, Oakdale; a son, Ronald Shepherd, Cohasset; two brothers, Clyde Saylor, Hill City, And Ray Saylor, Puyallup, Wash.; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and many friends at 411 Seventh Street NW apartments in Grand Rapids. Preceding her in death were her husband, Arvid, in 1972, two sisters, Ethyl Shepard and Dorothy Kelly, and four brothers, Glenn, Roger, Joe and Floyd. Funeral: Thursday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, with the Rev. Lonnie Lee officiating. Visitation is Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial: Shovel Lake Cemetery, Aitkin County. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Louis E. Karau, 85, Deer River, died Monday, Sept. 1, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center, Grand Rapids. He was born July 25, 1912, in Rochester and attended Wabasha High School. Following graduation, he served with the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Deer River area. He married Betty Williams and they moved to Seattle, Wash., where he was employed at the defense plants. They returned to Minnesota where he operated Williams Narrows Resort until his retirement. He was a member of the Chippewa Lodge No. 275 of Deer River and the AAD Temple of Duluth. He is survived by his wife, Betty; a son, Jerry, Deer River, and two grandchildren, Molly and Joe. Private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Rudolph R. Lom, 80, Northome, died Monday, Sept. 1, 1997, at Community Memorial Hospital, Deer River. He was born Dec. 14, 1916, in Good Hope Township where he grew up. He attended school in Good Hope Township and graduated from Grand Rapids High School. He was employed by Lasker and Upin clothing store. He entered the U.S. Army in 1941 and was stationed on Kodiak Island, Alaska. He married Doris Carrigan in 1944. They moved to the Squaw Lake area where he worked as a logger. He later worked on road construction. They moved to South America where he was employed by the Alcoa Aluminum Company for three years. He returned to the Northome area where he drove school bus for Independent School District 318 in Grand Rapids and for Blackduck, retiring in 1985. He was first commander of H.A.L.E. Post of Squaw Lake, charter member of the REA, active in Ducks Unlimited, was on the board of Northern Itasca Electric and a member of Hope Lutheran Church of Northome. He is survived by his wife, Doris, Northome; a son, John, Northome; a brother, Wayne, St. Louis Park; and three grandchildren, Jessica, Johnathan and Ashley. Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Amelia Lom, three brothers, Art, Ed and George, and three sisters, Selmi, Esther and Violet. Funeral: Friday, Sept. 5, at 1 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Northome, with the Rev. Tom Schierkolk officiating. Visitation is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. with prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River. Burial: Squaw Lake Cemetery, Squaw Lake. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Roy Bilson Peterson, 78, Grand Rapids, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 1997, at Leisure Hills Health Care Center. He was born Dec. 16, 1918, in Grand Rapids where he grew up and attended school, graduating from high school in 1939. He also attended Itasca Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was employed by the Minnesota Highway Department for many years, retiring in the late 1970s. He lived at the Manor House in Grand Rapids from 1980 until 1997 and had resided at Leisure Hills for the past 3 months. He is survived by special friends, Gary and Joanna Gillespie and family, Bovey, Claudia and Carl Wahlsdorf, Grand Rapids, and Edith Fideldy, Grand Rapids. Preceding him in death was his mother, Evangiline Peterson in 1970. Memorial service: Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. at Manor House, Grand Rapids, with the Rev. Timothy Prince officiating. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Dr. Edward W. "Ed" Aiton, 87, Venice, Fla., died Wednesday, Sept. 3, 1997, after a long illness. He was a pioneer and primary influence in the national 4-H and youth development programs of the Cooperative Extension Service. A native of Grand Rapids, Aiton graduated from the local high school in 1929 and from Itasca Junior College, Coleraine, in 1931. Dr. Aiton began his long years of association with the 4-H program in 1918, with membership in the Boys' and Girls' Agricultural Club in Grand Rapids. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Minnesota (AgEd & AgEcon) in 1933. He then began a career as a vocational agriculture instructor, later becoming an extension agent in Wright County, and, eventually a member of the Minnesota state 4-H staff. Along the way, he obtained a master of science degree in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota. Some years later, he received a doctoral degree from the University of Maryland. He was hired in 1944 by the Federal Extension Service (FES) of the U. S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D. C., as a field agent. In that role, he was a key influence in the founding of the National 4-H Foundation by the Association of Land-Grant Colleges and State Universities. In 1951, he assumed the position of executive director of the foundation. In that capacity, he was instrumental in securing the funding which resulted in purchase of the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md. He later was instrumental in creating the International Farm Youth Exchange, a global education effort that brings many foreign youths to the center annually to receive citizenship training. After two years with the new foundation, he returned to the FES, where he created a new 4-H and Youth Division. He later served as assistant administrator of the FES, before becoming Maryland Extension Director. Thereafter, he spent five years on appointment with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome, Italy. He established 4-H's influence in other fields, as well. He served for almost a decade on the Federal Inter-Departmental Committee on Children and Youth, and represented the USDA on President Eisenhower's National Council on Youth Fitness. He traveled to 32 countries working for rural youth and organizing the IFYE program. He authored many books and publications, and was the recipient of several national and international honors. His activities in behalf of 4-H continued throughout his retirement. In April 1991, the main auditorium at the new National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, Md., was dedicated in his name. He was a lay leader at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He is survived by two first cousins, Robert S. Fisk, Springfield, Ill., and Wallace K. Fisk, White Bear Lake, and Ft. Myers, Fla., and by a nephew, John C. Aiton, Northome. Preceding him in death were his first wife, Helen Erickson Aiton, who died in 1983, and his second wife, Janet E. King-Aiton, who died in 1991. Memorials are requested to Trinity Presbyterian Church, PO Box 3878, Venice, FL 34293 or the organization of the donor's choice. Memorial service: Monday, Sept. 8, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Venice, Fla. Burial: Memorial Garden at the church. Arrangements by National Cremation Society, Sarasota, Fla. 

Clarence P. Chambers, 76, Grand Rapids, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997, at his home. He was born Jan. 19, 1921, in Remer, the son of William and Florence (Jackson) Chambers, and grew up and attended school in Remer. He married Mary Ludenbach Aug. 29, 1941, in Remer. He was a U.S. Army-Air Force veteran of World War II and served in Indo-China. Following the service, he lived in Grand Rapids and was a longtime area resident. He worked at the CCC camps in Cass County area for sometime. He worked as an electrician for Blandin Paper Company for 37 years, retiring in 1983, and was a member of Independent Union of Paper Makers. He is survived by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Linda Chambers, Grand Rapids, and Shirley Broking, Grand Rapids; two sons, Dick Chambers, and Ken Chambers, both of Grand Rapids; a sister, Ella McCahon, New Mexico; a brother, Leo Chambers, Crosby; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers, Amos, Jess and Burt, and three sisters, Elsie Block, Opal Chambers, and Violet Armstrong. Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m. at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Rev. Michael Eckert officiating. Burial: Itasca Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Mayme G. Hart, 80, Deer River, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 1997, at Bethesda Lutheran Hospital, St. Paul. She was born April 27, 1917, in Boy River, where she grew up and attended school. She married Alvin Hart on June 18, 1942, and moved to the Deer River area. She is survived by two sons, Raymond and Maynard, both of Deer River, a brother, George Lien, Deer River; and three grandsons. Preceding her in death were her husband, Alvin, a daughter, Janice Mayer, her parents, Hans and Emma Lien, and two brothers, Henry and Elwin Lien. Funeral: Thursday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. at Evangelical Covenant Church, Deer River with the Rev. David Harlow officiating. Visitation is Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service at Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River. Burial: Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Beulah Nickerson Keever, Remer, formerly of LeSueur, and Wayzata, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at her home of cancer. She was the first enlisted W.A.C. from Bangor, Maine, during World War II. As a resident of LeSueur, Wayzata and Remer, she was active in Girl Scouts, Civic Club, Welcome Wagon and real estate. She also was active in trade relations for the "Jolly" Green Giant. She and her husband were "Winter Texans " at Fun 'N Sun in San Benito, Texas, for the past 10 years. She is survived by her husband, Myles J. Keever, Remer; a son, Paul F. Keever, Minneapolis; four daughters, Paulette Keever, Sidney, Maine, Constance Calhoun-Amox, Plano, Texas, Patricia J. Terry, Herndon, Va., and Lynn E. Getty-Schneider, Remer; four sisters, Lillis N. Curtis, Bangor, Maine, Lucie N. Davis, Augusta, Maine, Evelyn N. Jones, Bangor, and Barbara Bruns, Bangor; a brother, Richard E. Nickerson, Skowhegen, Maine; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was a son, Jay Edward Keever, in 1972. Memorials are requested to The Women's Memorial, Dept. 560, Washington D.C. 20042-0560, 800-222-2294. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Mary Miskovich Miljevich, 82, Eveleth, died Friday, Sept. 5, 1997, at Leisure Hills Health Care Center after a 13 year battle with cancer. She was born July 4, 1915, in Wakefield, Mich., the daughter of Theodore and Amanda (Damyanovich) Miskovich. She married Nick Miljevich in 1931 in Wakefield. She was a nurse's aid at Arrowhead Nursing Homes in Eveleth and Virginia for over 20 years, retiring in 1979. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and was a member of St. Vasilije of Ostrog Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church in Chisholm. She is survived by a son, Nick, Grand Rapids; two brothers, George Miskovich, and Marco Miskovich, both of Wakefield, Mich.; a sister, Dorothy Kellet, Apache Junction, Ariz.; and four grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Nick, in 1961, and her parents. Memorial service: Friday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. at Lakeside Memorial Chapel, Wakefield, Mich. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Louise Evelyn Nason, 86, Ball Club, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 1997, at Community Memorial Hospital, Deer River. She was born April 7, 1911, in Itasca County and grew up and attended school in Ball Club. Following school, she married Charles Michaud on Jan. 15, 1932, and resided in the Ball Club area where she was active in St. Joseph's Rosary Society and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2720 Auxiliary of Deer River. She worked as a cook at the Ball Club Elementary School and the Ball Club Senior Center. She also worked as a housekeeper for Dr. Peterson. She married Mark Nason in July of 1975 and they resided in Ball Club. She is survived by five daughters, Audrey Isaacs, Deer River, Nancy Michaud, Ball Club, Carol Schultz, Grand Rapids, Betty Nason, Grand Island, Neb., and Marcy Glines, Minneapolis; three sons, Jack Nason, Grand Island, Neb., Maynard Nason, Bovey, and Charles Nason, Bemidji; 50 grandchildren, 91 great-grandchildren and 37 great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her first husband, Charles Michaud, in 1974, her second husband, Mark Nason, in 1979, a sister, Isabelle Matthews, three sons, Frank P. Michaud Sr., Thomas E. Michaud and James A. Michaud Sr.; a granddaughter, Rebecca Michaud and a grandson, James Michaud II, and five great-grandchildren. Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ball Club, with the Rev. Athanase Fuchs officiating. Burial: St. Joseph's Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Alice May Robbins, 80, Remer, died Monday, Sept. 8, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center, Grand Rapids. She was born Feb. 9, 1917, in Remer and attended school in Remer/Boy River. Following school, she lived on the family farm. She married James Robbins on Feb. 4, 1935, and they moved to Boy River. She cooked for Luces Restaurant/Hotel and also worked at a sawmill in Emily with her husband. They moved to California in 1955 where they lived for three years before returning to Boy River. She cooked at Camp 18 in Two Harbors and at Campbells Sawmills. The couple then moved back to the farm where she resided until her death. She was president of the Hobo Club for many years and was the town constable for several years. She is survived by two sons, Carl, Chisholm, and Roy, Maplewood; two daughters, Betty Morlan and Pat Robbins, adopted children, Jerry Robbins and June Krohn; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, James and three sons, Richard, Leonard and Edwin. Funeral: Friday, Sept. 12, at 1 p.m. at Boy River Log Chapel, Boy River, with the Rev. Steve Voss officiating. Visitation is Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church. Burial: Boy River Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Wesley Charles Sheffield, 87, Deer River, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at his home. He was born July 27, 1910, in Wadena at Wesley Hospital and attended Leaf River School in Wadena. Following school, he lived and farmed near Wadena. He married Helen Adams July 27, 1937, and the couple resided in Wadena until 1941 when they moved to Deer River. He was then employed as a logger, iron miner, at the DeWitt Cedar Yard in Deer River, and most recently, Rajala Timber where he remained until retirement. He was a member of Assemblies of God Church in Grand Rapids. He is survived by five daughters, Linda Mayo, Brenda Bixby, and Shelly Snyder, all of Deer River, Monica Klein, Mason, Wis., and Rose Bush, Wahpeton, N.D.; three sons, Gary, Askov, Joe, Deer River, and Charles, Ball Club; a brother, Fred, Monticello; 23 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wife, Helen, in 1990, a brother, Polk, and five sisters, Annie, Verna, Evelyn, Winnifred and Helen. Funeral: Friday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. at Morse Community Center near Deer River with the Revs. Oscar Marth and Mark Boone. Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River. Burial: Olivet Cemetery Morse Township. Arrangements are by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River. 

Joyce Elaine Topper, 64, Cohasset, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center, Grand Rapids. She was born March 22, 1933, in Eau Claire, Wis., where she grew up and attended schools. She married Llewellyn "Pee Wee" Topper on Sept. 11, 1954, in Eau Claire. She came to Cohasset in 1956 where she worked from her home at various sales positions. She was a very active charter member of the Women of the Moose in Grand Rapids enrolling in 1964. She earned her academy of friendship degree in 1966 and her college of regents degree in 1968. She served many years as the chapter musician and also as star recorder. In 1970-71, she served as deputy grand regent for the state of Minnesota. She also was serving as executive leader and recorder audit session leader for the state of Minnesota for the past several years. She played accordion with the Rythametts for many years. She is survived by two daughters, Jeanne Adams, Pengilly, and Judy Mayerle, Nashwauk; four sons, Bobby and Jerry Topper, both of Cohasset, Larry and Gary Topper, both of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Gloria Ripley, Eau Claire, Wis., and Ruthie Hanson, Elk Mound, Wis.; one brother, Ernie Stark Jr., Eau Claire; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Ruth and Ernst Stark, and a brother, Bud Stark. Funeral: Thursday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, with the Rev. William Zeige officiating. Visitation is Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home with a Women of the Moose memorial service at 7 p.m. Burial: Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Sulo E. Hendrickson, 70, Deer River, died Sunday, Sept. 7, 1997, at his home. He was born July 27, 1927, in Sebeka, the son of Albert and Olga Aijala Hendrickson. He moved with his family to Deer River in 1935 and attended school in Cohasset. He served in the Army from 1945-46. He worked for the iron mines, was a logger and did construction work in Minneapolis. In the latter years, he had a Christmas tree farm at his home in Oteneagen Township. He is survived by four brothers, Waino, Edwin, Wilmer and Clement; and four sisters, Lila Grape, Nora Hendrickson, Ethel Harmonick and Arla Strege. Private family services: Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River, with the Rev. Dwight Rudquist officiating. Burial: Pine Ridge Cemetery, Deer River Township. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Edna L. Krube, 77, Grand Rapids, died Friday, Sept. 12, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center. She was born March 8, 1920, in Braham and grew up and attended school in Braham and Mora. She married Edward P. Krube on Dec. 26, 1936, in Mora. They lived in Brook Park and Pine City until 1958 when they moved to Duluth. They came to Grand Rapids in 1967 from Duluth. She worked two years at the Grand Rapids Middle School Cafeteria. She was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cohasset. She is survived by four daughters, Darlene Driver, Chisago City, Elaine Ross, Cohasset, Beverly Bordeau, Atlantic Beach, Fla., and Cindy Jordan, St. Paul; one son, Edward Krube, South Range, Wis.; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband, Edward, in 1982, five sisters and three brothers. Funeral: Sunday, Sept. 14, at 1 p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, with the Rev. William Zeige officiating. Visitation is Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home. Burial: Wildwood Cemetery, Cohasset. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Delores B. Nolan, 70, rural Bovey, died Wednesday, Sept. 10, 1997, in Duluth. She was born March 14, 1927, in Deer River, the daughter of Orville and Loretta (Tibbetts) Bixby, and graduated from the Deer River High School. She then attended Glenwood Hills Nursing School before returning to Deer River in 1946. She and her family moved to Balsam in 1949. She worked at the Itasca Memorial Hospital for 22 years until her retirement in 1989. Since that time, she had been an active volunteer with KAXE, Seniors Citizens, Al-Anon and Hospice. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, William J. Nolan; a daughter, Margaret Steensland, Becker; a son, James Nolan, Wetter, Germany; five brothers, Jay Bixby, Bismarck, N.D., Gerald Bixby, Sturgis, S.D., Timothy Bixby, Marion Bixby and Anthony Bixby, all of Deer River; two sisters, Nancy Kinn, Trimont and Dorothy Jerry, Deer River; three grandsons, Ryan Steensland, Chicago, Ill., Matt Steensland, Minneapolis, and William Nolan, Pensacola, Fla.; a granddaughter, Kay Mendyke, Slinger, Wis., and a great-grandson, Steven Mendyke. Funeral: Friday, Sept. 12, at 2 p.m. at Lawron Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Omar Helmuth officiating. Visitation is Thursday, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Peterson Funeral Chapel, Coleraine. Burial: Balsam Cemetery, Balsam Township. Arrangements by Peterson Funeral Chapel, Coleraine.

Sharon Ahcan Oatey, 58, Ruidoso, N.M., died Wednesday, April 23, 1997, at her home. She was born May 22, 1938, in Hibbing where she grew up and attended schools graduating from Hibbing High School in 1956. She lived in Grand Rapids for 20 years. She worked at JC Penney and also performed several years in the Showboat productions in Grand Rapids. For the past five years, she had lived in New Mexico. She is survived by her husband, William, El Paso, Texas; two daughters, Tammy Ahcan Kassler, Grand Rapids, and Lynn Ahcan, Phoenix, Ariz.; a son, Michael Ahcan, Chanhassen; and five grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, Gladys and Harvey Remer. Memorial service: Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, with John Tinquist and Julie Jacobson officiating. Visitation is Thursday from 6:30 p.m. until the service. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Hollis Morrison Page, 72, Deer River, died Tuesday, Sept. 9, 1997, at Deer River. He was born April 9, 1925, in Grafton, N.D., and grew up on a farm in Hamilton, N.D. Soon after graduating from high school in 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He was a Pfc. in the 325 Glider Company of the 82nd Airborn Division. He participated in the Normandy invasion, the fighting in Holland and the Battle of the Bulge. After the end of the war, he went to photography school. He worked in Cavalier, N.D. and then Fargo, N.D. He moved to Minneapolis in 1954 and worked for 3M Company for 28 years, retiring in 1984. He is survived by his wife, Doris; children, Carol Martin, Fargo, N.D., Deborah Murphy, Deer River, Barbara Biebighauser, Denver, Colo., Robert Page, Grand Rapids, and Judy Furmato, East Windsor, N.J.; 10 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Preceding him in death were his parents, Hollis E. and Violet Morrison Page, his first wife, Karen Jane Link and an infant son. Funeral: Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. at Bowstring Chapel, Bowstring, with the Rev. Ron Suntken. Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Frances I. Sandmoen, 78, Hibbing, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 1997, in Hibbing. She was born May 30, 1919, in South Dakota, the daughter of Richard and Elsie (Lamason) Kelly. She is survived by her son, Kelly Sandmoen, Hibbing; three step-sisters, Genevieve Wheelock, Washington, and Ruth Crow and Delores Peterson, both of Grand Rapids; four step-brothers, Clysta McNew, California, Archie Mills, Northome, Arnold Mills, Washington, and Rolland Mills, Moose Lake. Graveside services: Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Coleraine, with the Rev. C. Arlin Talley officiating. Arrangements by Peterson Funeral Chapel, Coleraine.

Johni Montavon Brazerol, six weeks, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center, Grand Rapids. She was born July 26, 1997, in Minneapolis and lovingly adopted by her parents on July 29. She was their sunshine. She is survived by her parents, Peter Brazerol and Jodi Montavon; a brother, Dakoda; grandparents, Janis Brazerol, Duluth, and Bob and Lavonne Montavon, Grand Rapids; great-grandmother, Dorothy Montavon, Mendota, Ill.; uncles and aunts, Paul (Therese) Brazerol, Beth (Robert) Johnson and Perry Brazerol, all of Duluth; Lori (Dan) Petermeier, Grand Rapids; Sheri (Jeff) Wright of Eden Prairie and Dan Montavon, Phoenix, Ariz.; and cousins, Tiffany, Kelsey, Gina, Lauren, Jacob, Robbie, Brett, Kevin, Melanie and Paige. Preceding her in death was her grandfather, John Brazerol. Memorial service: Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Grand Rapids, with the Rev. Thomas Radaich officiating. Burial: Itasca-Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

James George Flood, 79, Eads, Tenn., died Thursday, Sept. 11, 1997, at North Itasca Health Care Center, Bigfork. He was born April 28, 1918, in Oak Park, Ill. He is survived by his wife, Betty Jane Rouse Flood; a son, James A. Flood; a brother, Thomas Flood, Ocala, Fla.; and grandchildren, Gregory and Kathryn Flood and Heather Gates. Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Edith (Pahlke) Flood, and a son, Robert. No services are scheduled at this time. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Bigfork. 

Keith L. Hildreth, 56, Grand Rapids, died Sunday, Sept. 14, at Grand Rapids. He was born April 14, 1941, in Grand Rapids where he grew up and attended school, including one year at Itasca Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army for two years returning to Grand Rapids following his discharge. He was a self-employed carpenter building homes in the area for many years. He also worked as a logger in the area. He was a past governor of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge No. 2023, a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion and the Veteran of Foreign Wars, all of Grand Rapids. He is survived by two daughters, Janet Borth, Bovey, and Jackie Schmidtman, Maple Grove; two sons, Robert Hildreth, Grand Rapids, and William Hildreth, Warba; a special friend, Evelyn Andrews, Grand Rapids; two sisters, Sharon Lessard and Leona Hill, both of Grand Rapids; a brother, Gary Hildreth, Warba, his mother, Leah Hildreth, Grand Rapids; and four grandchildren, Nathan Borth, Alli Hildreth, and Daniel and Ryan Schmidtman. Preceding him in death was his father, Melvin, in 1974. Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. at Rowe Funeral Home with the Rev. Loren Anderson-Bauer officiating. Burial: Veteran's section of Itasca-Calvary Cemetery with military honors. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids. 

Kenneth E. Lebeck, 71, Grand Rapids, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 1997, at University Hospital, Minneapolis. He was born June 10, 1926, in Rochester and grew up and graduated from high school there. He was employed by Associated Builders, Inc., until retiring in 1984. He was an Air Force veteran of World War II and was a member of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. He is survived by two daughters, Lynn Tagtgren, Grand Rapids, and Lori Snow, Brooklyn Park; three sisters, Lois Beze, Hollywood, Calif., Donna Wondrow, Rochester, Sharon Bradford, Puyallup, Wash.; and three grandchildren. No services are planned. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Florence E. Lyman, 79, Grand Rapids, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 1997, at On Golden Pond care facility, Cohasset. She was born May 25, 1918, in Brainerd, the daughter of Charles and Myra Swindells. She was a graduate of LaPorte High School and Bemidji State Teachers College. She began her teaching career in a one room school in Straight River and also taught at Jenkins and Nevis before moving to School District 318 where most of her 23 years of teaching were in fourth grade at Southwest School in Grand Rapids. She retired in 1981 after over 40 years of teaching. She was an active member of Community Presbyterian Church and a Cub Scout and Camp Fire Girls leader for many years. She is survived by two sons, Lonnie, Grand Rapids, and Robert, Duluth; two daughters, Mary Allen, Chatfield, and Alice Larson, Brainerd; two sisters, Mary Olander, Nevis, and Myra Gustafson, Williston, N.D.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral: Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 3:30 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Becky Sherwood officiating. Burial: Itasca-Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids. 

Robert L. Norberg, 53, Grand Rapids, formerly of Duluth, died Monday, Sept. 15, 1997, in St. Mary's Medical Center of lung cancer. He was born Dec. 29, 1943, in Duluth, the son of John Norberg and Virginia Blomquist. He attended Duluth Central High School, graduating in 1961. He served in the U.S. Air Force and saw duty in Vietnam. He worked for the Department of Transportation in Duluth for 12 years before becoming a business agent for the State Employees Union, AFSCME Council 6, where he was employed until his death. He was a member of the Grand Rapids Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1721 and the Walker American Legion Post. He was active in the DFL in St. Louis and Itasca counties, served on the ARC board in Duluth, Living Wage Committee and Itasca Medical Center Citizens Advisory Committee in Grand Rapids. He was a member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth. He is survived by his wife, Connie Corrigan Norberg, daughter, Maureen and sons, Daniel and Christopher, at home in Grand Rapids; daughter Julee Norberg-Hitz and grandson Michael John, Mt. Carroll, Ill., son, Stephen Norberg, St. Paul; sisters, Jeanne Groskreutz, Duluth, Gail Rathmannor, Crystal, and Susan Forbradg, Wyoming, Minn., Nancy, Betty, and Mary; brothers, Marty Blomquist, Miami, Fla., George, Clifford, Jimmy, Mike and Jerry. Preceding him in death were his brothers John and Ron, his father, John, his mother, Virginia, and his stepfather, George. Funeral: Friday, Sept. 19, at 1 p.m. at Glen Avon Presbyterian Church, Duluth. Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home and one hour before the service at the church. Burial: Park Hill. Arrangements by Johnson Mortuary, Duluth.

Helen Ruth Farmer Quirk, 86, Deer River, died Friday, Sept. 12, 1997, at Community Memorial Hospital, Deer River. She was born Dec. 12, 1910, in Rusk County, Wis., the daughter of Belle and George Farmer, the youngest of nine children. She was a member of the Gold Star Wives and the Parish of St. Mary's Catholic Church. She is survived by two sons, Fred Quirk, Deer River, and Art Quirk, Anaconda, Mont.; two daughters, Mary Spargo, Edina, and Kathryn Wilter, Ham Lake; 15 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Preceding her in death were her husband, Lawrence, and a grandson, Freddy. Funeral: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Deer River, with the Rev. Anselm Thevarkunnel officiating. Burial: Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

Albert Robert "Bobby" Rose, 74, Deer River, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 1997, at his home. He was born Feb. 15, 1923, in Grants Pass, Ore. He is survived by a daughter, Amanda Rose, Deer River; two sons, Albert and Dennis Rose, both of Stockton, Calif.; close friend, Linda Bibeau, Deer River; and three sisters, Daisie, Maisie and Patsy Ruth Rose, all of California. Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Ball Club, with the Rev. Athanase Fuchs officiating. Burial: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home, Deer River.

David Lee Strommer, 60, Cohasset, died Monday, Sept. 15, 1997, at his home in Cohasset. He was born March 13, 1937, in Montevideo where he grew up and graduated from Dunwoody Institute as an automotive electrician. He was a longtime employee of H and M Automotive Electric in Grand Rapids and later owned and operated Automotive Electric Service in Grand Rapids. He was a member of the Itasca Vintage Car Club. He is survived by his wife, Fran; two sons, Eric, Cohasset, and David, Cordova, Alaska; and his father and stepmother, Orrin and Marguerite Strommer, Apache Junction, Ariz. Preceding him in death was his mother, Lilly Strommer. Visitation: Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids. Burial: private family service at a later date at the Sunset Cemetery, Montevideo. Arrangements by Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.

Howard W. Sutherland, 64, Grand Rapids, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 1997, at Itasca Medical Center. He was born in Blackberry and raised in rural Grand Rapids. He attended Wendigo School and graduated from Grand Rapids High School in 1951. He owned and operated Sutherland Trucking, worked as heavy equipment operator for numerous construction companies, most recently Casper Construction of Grand Rapids until this past June. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, the Masonic Lodge 208 of Grand Rapids and the ADD Temple Shrine of Duluth and the North Star Shrine Cycle Patrol. He is survived by his wife, LeAnna, Grand Rapids; four sons, Howard, Big Lake, Stephen, Pengilly, Daniel, Grand Rapids, and Gregg, Champlin; four daughters, Roxanne Mertes, Cohasset, Mona Foix, Grand Rapids, Tammy DeCenzo, Omaha, Neb., and Lynn Sutherland, Champlin; six brothers, Ervin, "Red", Grand Rapids, Lawrence, Coon Rapids, Leonard, Brooklyn Park, Gerald, Sequim, Wash., Art, Vancouver, Wash., and Kermit, Placentia, Calif.; a sister, Janice Kuhn, San Antonio, Texas; 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his parents, Sander and Goldie Sutherland, and a sister, Lorna Kuhn. Funeral: Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Chapel with the Rev. Charles Nelson officiating. Burial: Harris Cemetery, Grand Rapids. Arrangements by Libbey Funeral Home, Grand Rapids.


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