Miscellaneous Pine County, Minnesota Obituaries

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Irvin Donald Ackerson
1923-2003
Irvin Donald Ackerson was born on July 25, 1923 to Charles and Nellie (Everest) Ackerson in Motley, MN. Here he attended school and grew to manhood. Irvin was united in marriage to Martha Crichton on July 7, 1942. Irvin entered the United States Army on July 13, 1943 serving in World War II with the 101st Airborne in Europe. After the service they resided in Superior, WI where he farmed. They resided in the Minneapolis area for several years before moving to Pine City and the Moose Lake area. In 1993 he moved to Milaca where he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also has enjoyed attending auction and garage sales. Irvin died on Wednesday, January 22, 2003 at the Hennepin County Medical Center at the age of 79 years, 5 months and 28 days.
He is survived by 8 children, Sheri Strickland and husband, Charlie of Port Hueneme, CA; Janice Venhuizen of Milaca; Ted and wife Donna of St. Johnsville, NY; Bill and wife Karen of Moose Lake, MN; Merry Johnson of Milaca; Irvin "Marti" and wife, Sandra "Burnie" of San Diego, CA; Tina Porter and husband Dale of Princeton; and Kathy McDonald of Milaca; 22 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Sis Koepke of WI; 3 brothers, Shorty of Minneapolis, MN; Lucky and wife Audrey of Princeton, and Mike and wife Doris of Pillager, MN, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, 3 grandsons: Bill, Christopher and Joseph; 1 granddaughter, Elizabeth; and one brother, Paul.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2003 at the Peterson Johnson Funeral Home in Milaca with Rev. Don Matheson officiating. Interment was in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul. The Hansen-Hayes American Legion Post and Siemers-Hakes VFW Post of Milaca provided military honors.

Loretta Ann Anderson
1924-2003
Loretta A. Anderson, age 78, of Carlton, died Monday, January 20, 2003 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Cloquet. She was born July 23, 1924 in Excelsior, Minnesota to Carl and Alice (Benson) Wenberg. She lived in Hibbing until moving to Carlton where she graduated from the Carlton High School. She was united in marriage to Albert Anderson on January 10, 1976 in Bessemer, Michigan. Loretta worked for Carlton County for many years mostly with the Agricultural Extension Office. She also worked for the Carlton Post Office and was a 4-H Leader. Loretta was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton where she was active with the church choir and women's circle. For 22 years, she and Albert would spend their winters in the Mesa, Arizona area.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and an infant daughter in 1955. She is survived by her husband, Albert; one son, Stephen (Lynn) Habhegger of Carlton; two daughters, Jo (Bruce) Gilchrist and Chris (Randy) Latvala both of Cloquet; two step-sons, Gregg (Mary Lou) Anderson of Woodbury, MN and Ross (Holly) Anderson of Edmunds, WA; one step-daughter, Mary Joy (Curt) Walberg of Two Harbors, MN; one brother, Ted (Mary) Wenberg of Moose Lake, MN; two sisters, Gladys Vernon of Carlton and Frances "Snooky" (Lyle) Johnson of New Brighton, MN; two sisters-in-law, Ida Jones and Marguerite Anderson, both of Carlton, MN; 18 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton with Rev. Michael Fossen officiating. Music will be provided by Nancy Finifrock as organist, and Joanne Schaible as piano soloist. Pallbearers will be David Wenberg, John Vernon, Mark Vernon, Paul Vernon, Tom Johnson, Sean Gilchrist, Shane Crandall, and Andrew Habhegger. Spring burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet. Memorials are preferred to Bethesda Lutheran Church in Carlton.

Evelyn Margaret Hunter
1918-2003
Evelyn M. Hunter, age 84, of Cloquet, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 at the Cloquet Nursing Home. She was born August 17, 1918 in Duluth, MN, the daughter of Raymond and Gertrude (Kohn) Peacha. She attended Cloquet High School and was united in marriage to F. Keith Hunter on February 4, 1938 in Cloquet. She was a member of the Cloquet Presbyterian Church and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and crafts.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a grandson Kevin Rodd. She is survived by four sons, Larry of Anchorage, Alaska; Keith of Anchorage, Alaska; Mickey of Las Vegas, NV, and Kurt of Forest Lake, MN; two daughters, Renee (Fred) Kinnunen of Cloquet and Marilyn (Charles) Standridge of Anchorage, Alaska; 7 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, February 8, 2003 from 12:00 noon until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service at the Cloquet Presbyterian Church. Inurnment services will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in the spring. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

Edward Russell Osborne
1928-2003
Edward Russell Osborne, 74, of Moose Lake, died Sunday, January 26, 2003 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born February 2, 1928 in Mahtowa to Edward A. and Hilma M. (Ronkainen) Osborne. Edward was an Army Veteran, serving from October 1946 to January 1948. Edward was united in marriage to Betty Warpula on March 7, 1953, in Moose Lake. Edward was employed with Capital Airlines (now United Airlines) from 1952 until he retired in 1984, working in Portland, OR, Denver and Minneapolis.
Edward is survived by his wife of 49 years, 11 months, Betty; son, Greg (Deborah) of Strasburg, CO; daughter, Jane M. (Douglas) Ceballos of Kansas City, KS; daughter Cathy A. (Mitchell) Nyland, Blaine; son, Anthony (Colleen) of Webster; sister, Eunice Olson of Moose Lake; brother, Ronald (Shirley) of Moose Lake; grandchildren, Nicholas and Stephen Osborne of Strasburg, CO; Rachel, Angela, Melissa, Christina, Pamela, Theresa, Manuel and Sean Ceballos of Olathe, KS; Barbara Jane of Taylorsville, UT, Florence Nyland of Blaine; Nathan and Ashlyn Osborne of Webster; 3 great grandchildren, Anthony and Benjamin Ryan and Kane Shaffer of Olathe, KS.
Edward is preceded in death by his parents; son, Bruce; sister, Betty Hoffman; brothers, John and Robert.
Visitation will be Wednesday, January 29th from 6-8:00 p.m. and Thursday, January 30 from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. services in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake with Reverend Laurie Kantonen officiating. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Clifford Wallace Rontti
1925-2003
Clifford W. Rontti, age 77, of Cloquet, died Thursday, January 23, 2003 at his home. He was born November 25, 1925 in Cloquet to Henry and Alma (Korby) Rontti. He graduated from Cloquet High School and attended the University of Minnesota. He served in the US Army during WWII as an Air Cadet. Cliff worked for the Potlatch Corp. in Cloquet as the pulp mill supervisor until 1979 when he moved to Oregon to work as pulp mill supervisor for Willamette Industries. He retired in 1990 and returned to Cloquet. Cliff was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved flying his own plane.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Christine. He is survived by two sons, Kirk and Bruce Rontti both living in Sheboygan, WI.
Visitation was Monday, January 27, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Military flag presentation was provided by the Cloquet Honor Guard. Inurnment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were with Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

Alvin Tollgaard
1933-2003
Alvin Tollgaard, 69, Floodwood, died Friday, January 24, 2003 in St. Luke's Hospice, Duluth, after a long illness. He was born September 24, 1933 in Flandreau, SD, to Frank and Evelyn May (Johnston) Tollgaard. Alvin was a 1951 graduate of Floodwood High School. He married Elsie Mattila on July 20, 1954 in Carlton. Alvin was an Army veteran and served in Japan.
Alvin and his brother, Jim, were partners in a dairy farm for 43 years and they received the St. Louis County Farmer of the Year Award and the Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. He worked as a smoke chaser for the DNR for a number of years. After his retirement, he and Elsie were the custodians at the Floodwood Rest Area. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church and served on the church council, served on the Floodwood School Board, the ASCS board for many years; was a longtime member of the Production Credit Association Board and a member of the Floodwood Senior Citizens. Alvin loved hunting, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Frances Moline and Helen Hutchinson and a brother, John Tollgaard.
Alvin is survived by his wife, Elsie, of Floodwood; three sons, Jerry (Rose) of Swan River, Mark (Tina) of Kettle River, and Tim of Floodwood; two brothers, Clifford (Dorothy) Tollgaard of Grand Rapids and James (Elvi) Tollgaard of Floodwood; 9 grandchildren, Nicole (Wade) Phillips, Ryan Tollgaard, Jamie and Kristi Johnson, Danielle, Tabi and Ross Tollgaard, Jake and Chad Katzenberger; one great granddaughter, Samantha Rose Katzenberger; special friends, Roy and Grace Autio of Floodwood; a special niece, Betty Juola of Hazen, AK, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family received friends on Monday, January 27, 2003 from 11:30 until the 1:00 p.m. memorial service in Hope Lutheran Church, Floodwood. Arrangements entrusted to Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. 

Marvin L. Johnson
Marvin L. Johnson, 71, of Atkinson, died Friday, March 21, 20003, in St. Mary's Medical Center, Duluth from complications of a stroke with his family by his side. He was born May 19, 1931 in Arthyde, MN to John Alfred and Ellora (Speed) Johnson.
Marvin grew up in the Arthyde and Moose Lake areas. He married Lois Carlson on June 1, 1963 in Mahtowa.
Marv was an enthusiastic truck driver and an avid dairy farmer. He drove truck for Jeno's for 20 years and then was a self-employed truck driver for several other companies, most recently Koch Trucking in Superior until his retirement in February, 2001.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Hazel and Ethel.
Marvin is survived by his wife, Lois, of Atkinson; his children, Keith (Tiffany) and Kim (Dane) Hedquist, both of Atkinson and Beth Ann (David) Theiste of Grand Rapids, Ml; grandchildren, Bryce and Tarin Hedquist, Eric (Darci) Anders, and Peder Theiste; a great granddaughter, Taylor Theiste; a sister, Evelyn (Franklin) McLevis of Barnum; two brothers, Harold of Savannah, TN and Ervin (Eileen) of Wright, MN; his hound dog, Shiloh and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Tuesday, March 25, 2003 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street Cloquet. The memorial service was Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. in Salem Lutheran Church, Mahtowa. Interment will be in the spring in Atkinson Cemetery. 

Arthur Gustafson 
1913 - 2003
Arthur Gustafson, 89, of Cloquet, died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, at Community Memorial Hospital-Convalescent Care, Cloquet.
He was born on August 28, 1913 in Chicago, IL to Adolph and Anna (Bogenholm) Gustafson. Arthur was employed by Potlatch for 30 years.
Arthur enjoyed fishing and hunting.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Minnie, and one sister, Thelma Hartz.
Arthur is survived by his cousins and friends.
Visitation was Friday, March 21, 2003, from 1:00 p.m. until the 2 p.m. funeral service at Nelson Funeral Care Chapel, with Rev. Paul Birkeland officiating. Interment will take place in the spring at Maple Grove Cemetery, Cloquet. Arrangements are with Nelson Funeral Care, Cloquet.

Raymond Boyles 
1922 - 2003
Raymond Boyles, 80, of Carlton, died Wednesday, March 19, 2003, at Inter-Faith Care Center, Carlton.
Ray was born on July 10,1922 in Langley, WA to Raymond, Sr. and Grace (Shotwell) Boyles. He attended school in Washington. Ray entered the U.S. Navy on May 16,1942, serving in World War II where he earned the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged from the Navy on March 16,1948. Ray married Mabel Ives on March 21,1957. He owned and operated Boyles Highway Service for many years. Also, Ray and Mabel owned and operated Ray and Mabel's Bar, formerly Curtis Tavern. Ray was one of the first blackjack dealers employed with Black Bear Casino.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, cooking, and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren and family.
Ray is a member of the Dalles Masonic Lodge #181 A.F. & A.M., Carl Anderson American Legion Post 262, Hebert Kennedy VFW Post 3979, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1163.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mabel; a stepdaughter, Barb Bryant; stepdaughter-in-law, Barb Ives; a grandson, Richard Ives; and his other brothers and sisters.
Ray is survived by a stepson, Bruce Ives; 6 grandchildren, Kathie Rogers, Patricia Johnson, Debbie Erickson, W. Scott Bryant, Carolyn Burke, and Bruce Bryant; 16 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; one brother, Richard (Marion) Boyles; and one sister, Donna Whitman.
Visitation was Saturday, March 22, 2003,10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. memorial service at Nelson Funeral Care Chapel, Cloquet, with Deacon Terry Twomey officiating. A luncheon was held following the service in the fellowship room at the funeral home. Inurnment will take place in the spring 2003 at Old Calvary Cemetery, Cloquet. Honorary pallbearers were Kathie Rogers, Patricia Johnson, Debbie Erickson, Scott Bryant, Carolyn Burke, and Bruce Bryant. Flag presentation was accorded by the Cloquet Honor Guard. Arrangements were with Nelson Funeral Care, Cloquet.

Arthur William Laubach 
1915 - 2003
Arthur William Laubach, 87, of Wrenshall, MN died Monday, March 17, 2003, at Community Memorial Hospital-Convalescent Care, Cloquet.
He was born June 23, 1915 in Thief River Falls, MN to Stephen and Rose (Winter) Laubach. Art attended school in the Cromwell School district. Arthur married Genevieve Rice on May 26,1947, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton. He was active in raising dairy and beef cattle, and farming for many years. Art was employed part-time for Wrenshall School District as a janitor, and drove bus for special needs children of the Wrenshall School District for many years. Art also was employed by Northern Pacific Railroad, working at the roundhouse in Carlton, and he was a contractor for the Minnesota State Highway Department for 29 years.
Art was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Rose Laubach; a son, Raymond; a daughter, Shirley; a brother, Ervin; sister, Dorothy; one nephew, Alex Laveau, Jr., and one great nephew, Tyler Laveau.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Genevieve; a son, Stephen (Lynnda) of Oakdale, MN; a daughter, Sandra (Robert Heid) Laubach of Seabrook, TX; four grandchildren, Matthew, Stephenie, Krista (Martin), and Bradley; two sisters, Ramona Laveau, of Wrenshall, MN and Margaret Traverse, of La Belle, FL; and a brother, Edwin Laubach, of Wrenshall, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation was Thursday, March 20, 2003, 5 -7:30 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Care, Cloquet, with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continued Friday, March 21, 2003 from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Francis Catholic Church, Carlton, MN, with Rev. Fr. David Forsman officiating. Music was provided by Cheryl Kramer. Pallbearers were Matthew Laubach, Stephenie Laubach, Krista Rodriguez, Bradley LeBlanc, Marjorie Browning, and Martin Rodriguez. Interment will take place in the spring, 2003, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, Carlton. Arrangements were with Nelson Funeral Care.

Eli Bottila
Memorial services for Eli Bottila, 83, of Moose Lake were held on Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Reverend Frank Farrand officiated. A private family inurnment will be held in Salo Twp. Cemetery.
Eli Emil Bottila was born on May 29, 1919 in Minneapolis to Matt and Hilda (Dixon) Bottila. He grew up and attended school in Rice River Twp. Eli worked in the CC Camps near Blackduck. He later moved to East Gary, IN. Eli was an Army Veteran of WWII. On November 23, 1946, Eli married Anne Thompson in Aitkin. They lived in the Lawler area, where Eli worked as a bus driver and custodian for the McGregor and Hoyt Lakes Schools. In 1980, they moved to Cloquet, where they managed Larson Commons until 1986, when they moved to Moose Lake and lived at Hillside Manor East. Eli also was the caretaker for the Boy Scout Camp in Hinckley. He was life member of the Carlton County VFW and DAV. Eli died Tuesday, March 18, 2003, in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake.
He was preceded in death by four brothers: Eino, Jack, Edward, and Eugene; and five sisters: Daisy Elo, Mae Morton, Jennie Riley, Lillian Lovering, and Dorothy Hietalati.
Eli will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Anne; a son, Duane (Judy) of Brooklyn Park; three grandchildren: Dawn (Tom) Gorche of Champlin; Matthew Bottila of Minneapolis; and Melissa Bottila of Anoka; and a great granddaughter, Kalie.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Martha Pouti
Martha Pouti, 87, of McGregor, died Monday, March 17, 2003 at Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. She was born June 12, 1915 in Rice River Township, Aitkin County to William and Heili (Mulumaki) Lounas. She attended Green Valley School in Rice River Township. On November 1, 1935, Martha was united in marriage to Charles B. Pouti in Golden Valley. She was a member of the McGregor VFW Auxiliary, Rice River Senior Citizens and enjoyed writing articles for the Arrowhead Leader and the Star Gazette newspapers.
Martha is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law: Jon (Beverly) and James (Shirley) all of McGregor. Seven grandchildren: Jon C. Gary, Eugene and Steven Pouti, Diane Nyberg, Carmen Bock, and Julie Dike. Nine great grandsons, 3 great granddaughters, and 1 great grandson. Three sisters: Julia Yetzer of McGregor, Vivian Swedberg of McGregor, Marlene Berglin of Fridley, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, on June 15, 1991; one brother, Alfred; two sisters: Hazel Isaacs and Ailie Lake, and her parents William and Heili (Mulumaki) Lounas.
Visitation was one hour prior to the 1:00 p.m. Saturday funeral service in Holy Family Catholic Church, McGregor. Reverend Frank Farrand officiated. Burial was in the Rice River Cemetery. Arrangements were by McGregor Funeral Home, McGregor.

What I Learned from Martha Pouti 
By Patricia Norquist Alexander, Camarillo, CA
My dear sweet friend, Martha Pouti, died March 17th from complications of pneumonia. It was a blessing, of course, but not because she was 87 years old. She was just starting to battle a painful form of cancer, a fight the doctors said she would have been destined to lose.
And Martha didn't lose battles easily. This admirable lady had such a strong will to live that throughout her life she fought - and won - her own war against cancer six times. Although she was philosophical about the indignities of aging and illness, it would never even occur to her to give up. She was nothing short of amazing.
Ours was a unique friendship. We met in 1993 shortly after my family and I moved to a charming little house on a dirt road in McGregor, right around the corner from Martha. We became friends instantly. Although I called Martha my "Minnesota Mom," and she thought of me as a late life daughter, the truth is we were just two women who were friends, who happened to have, well, a bit of an age difference. What's 37 years between friends?
Oddly, we felt an instant ease with each other that made no particular sense at all. She was a Finnish widow from Minnesota with two grown sons and a parcel of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I was an uprooted Southern California journalist with a husband and one teenage boy. What bridged all these barriers was the simple fact that we admired each other's spirits - and we made each other laugh.
We had wonderful adventures together. Martha, who didn't drive but kept a car for others to take her on necessary outings, was always mindful not to be a burden to her loving family. So about once a month, she would ask me to drive her car and take her to a medical appointment. Soon I learned these outings included a meal she insisted on paying for, a little stop at Ben Franklin's for "a this and a that" and a social call with the delightful and required "coffee and a little something."
As we would drive through the back roads of McGregor and Moose Lake, Martha would regale me with detailed stories of who lived in all the houses - and who lived there before them. I felt quite lucky, especially as a newcomer, to have my very own tour guide/historian. We also enjoyed comparing our childhoods, our schooling, and the challenges of marriage and family
One special memory I have is when I took her to Crosby for a new pair of glasses and she told me, rather wistfully, that she had lived in Crosby with her husband Charlie when she was just a young wife. She wondered if the house they'd lived in was still there. Knowing Martha, and beginning to understand about the Finlander's natural reticence to ask for favors, I was happy to suggest we drive around and look for the house.
Not only did we find it, we made so bold as to knock on the door. And a wonderful thing happened...the lady who lived there turned out to be an old friend of Martha's! Naturally, we were invited in for "coffee and a little something," and Martha got a nostalgic look-around, for old time's sake.
I don't know why I was surprised Martha knew this lady - she knew everyone. Teasingly, I used to call her "the Queen of Rice River," because her phone rang all the time, and she received constant visits from family and friends. And, of course, her police scanner kept her up on anything exciting worth talking about tomorrow.
Whenever Martha had a medical emergency, it saddened her to leave her little house. She liked to keep her independence, such as it was, even if it was dependent on an intricate network of people helping her. That was the strength of her convictions and spirit - to continue on, to get back to her life.
Remarkably, although she had trouble walking, seeing and hearing, she hand wrote her Rice River column for two Moose Lake newspapers through every hospitalization and right through her last convalescence. When I spoke to her a few weeks ago from California, where I've lived for the last five years, she asked if I was still getting the Star Gazette and reading her column. When I said I didn't get the paper, she said she'd get me a subscription - and the week before she died, she did just that.
My unusual friendship with Martha helped me understand a community, a culture and a generation that wasn't my own. And a woman named Martha Pouti. She was a blessing in my life and an inspiration. I hope to face the inevitability of increasing age with Martha's own special recipe: indomitable will, flavored with grace and peppered with humor.
I know I will not be alone in missing her sorely.
(Patricia Norquist Alexander is a journalist, who had a column in the Aitkin Age from 1994-1997.)

Lloyd J. Andree
Lloyd J. Andree, 84, of Duluth, died Sunday, March 23, 2003, in his residence.
He was born December 29, 1918, in Duluth to William and Julia (Kolodziej) Andree. He was a graduate of Central High School. From 1941 to 1945 he served in the Army, stationed in France and Germany. He worked at U.S. Steel in the engineering department for 33 years until the plant closed. From 1973 to 1984 he worked in the engineering section of the Duluth Water and Gas Department. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. Fishing was his favorite hobby, and he also enjoyed tinkering on anything mechanical.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John.
Lloyd is survived by his wife, Dorothy; son, Richard (Cathy) of Duluth; daughter, Sandy (Tony) Wentkiewicz of Barnum; grandchildren, Lori Wentkiewicz of Minneapolis, Alan Wentkiewicz of Inver Grove Heights, and Heidi (Mark) Sims of Des Moines, IA; great granddaughter, Tatianna Sims of Des Moines; sister, Violet Warner of Duluth; brothers, Leo (DcLome) of Waseca, MN, and William (Sarah) of Mukiteo, WA.

Rolland Andrew Hanson
Rolland Andrew Hanson, son of John and Mabel (Anderson) Hanson, was born on January 11, 1919 at Linton, North Dakota. He was raised, attended school and graduated from high school in Linton. He later served in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC). On April 29, 1939, he married Melba Becker in North Dakota. They continued to reside and farm in the Linton area. They moved to Finlayson in 1948 where they continued to farm. In 1991, he retired from farming and moved to the Finlayson Manor. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Finlayson. Rolland passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2003 at the Pine Health Care Center in Sandstone at the age of 84 years. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Melba in 1999; two sons, Karl and Neal; his parents; a brother, Robert; a sister, Mabel Mildred and a daughter-in-law, Deborah. He is survived by three sons, David of Newberg, Oregon, Marvin (Gloria) of St. Paul and Terrance of Finlayson; three daughters, Darlene (Clarence) Heinz, Sr. of St. Paul, Carol (Gene) Robinson of St. Paul and Beverly (Robert) Oetterer of Boise, ID; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; his special friend, Bonnie Olson and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Rolland A. Hanson will be held on Friday, June 13, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Finlayson with Rev. Jan Barker officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Soloist is Cyndy Skaff, accompanied by Astrid Serfin. Casketbearers are Clarence Heinz, Jr., Douglas Robinson, John Robinson, Curtis Hanson, Vance Hanson and Carey Steeg. Honorary casketbearers are Tony Oetterer, Cliff Hanson, Casey Hanson and Robert Hanson. Interment at Spring Park Cemetery, Sandstone, MN. Arrangements by Methven Funeral Home, Sandstone, MN.

Mabel E. Davidson
Funeral Services for Mabel E. Davidson, 80, Kettle River, were held on Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. in the Apostolic Lutheran Church, Kettle River. Reverend Don Bisila and Reverend Carl Lamppa officiated. Edith Basila was the organist. Casket Bearers were Dan Davidson, Tim Davidson, Barry Davidson, Michael Heaser III, Dennis Heaser, and Benn Luther. Burial was held in Leonard Cemetery, Kalevala Twp., Carlton County.
Mabel E. Davidson was born on November 19, 1922, in Richwood, MN to August and Hilda (Ronkainen) Illikainen. On May 4, 1946, Mabel married Ralph Davidson in Sandstone. Mabel lived most of her life in the Kettle River area where she was a homemaker and farmed with her husband. She truly loved taking care of her grandchildren, of whom were very special to her. Mabel also loved gardening, canning, and serving many wonderful meals to guests throughout the years of Ralph's ministry. She was a very devoted member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Kettle River.
Mabel entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 7, 2003 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake.
Mabel was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 57 years, Rev. Ralph Davidson; two sons: Roger (Carol Agurkis) of Moose Lake and Paul (Lola) of Moose Lake; three daughters: Annie (Mickey) Heaser of Wright; Marie Luther of Moose Lake; and Grace (Joe) Olsen of Mahtowa; and brother, Walter Illikainen of Kettle River; three sisters: Edna Peterson of Moose Lake; Lydia (Henry) Davidson of Kettle River; and Alice (Reino) Laine of Two Harbors; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Cara Lynn Kolosky
Cara Lynn Kolosky, 35, Cloquet, formerly of Moose Lake, died suddenly on Friday, June 6, 2003 in Cloquet.
She was born on October 23, 1967 to Robert F. and Carol (Meyers) Kolosky as the youngest of nine children. Cara Lynn grew up in Moose Lake, where she attended Moose Lake High School, graduating in 1986. She was active in both volleyball and basketball during high school. Cara Lynn was also active in Holy Family Catholic Church, Moose Lake. She later graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and then attained her Masters Degree from University of Wisconsin-Superior in Psychology. She lived in the Cloquet area and helped establish four assisted living homes in the Cloquet and Duluth areas. Cara Lynn also did consulting for Carlton County Human Services. She was a member of the Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cloquet. Cara Lynn also enjoyed her family and friends, and also her dog, Freedom.
Survivors include her father, Robert F. Kolosky, of Moose Lake; six brothers: Kevin (Linda) Kolosky of Minneapolis; Kerry Kolosky of Moose Lake; Nathan Kolosky of Eagle Lake, MN; Joeffre Kolosky of Brooklyn Park; Robert A. Kolosky of Reno, NV; John Kolosky of Moose Lake; two sisters: Mary Kolosky of Burnsville, MN, and Tamy Kolosky of Minneapolis; niece, Erin Kolosky of Minneapolis; and nephews: Travess Kolosky of Reno; Jeremy Kolosky of Cloquet; and Joshua Kolosky of Cloquet; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2003 with prayers and rosary at 7:30 p.m., in Holy Angels Catholic Church, Moose Lake, and continue from one hour prior to the 11:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, June 14, 2003 in Holy Angels Catholic Church. Father Michael Hayes will be the celebrant. Cara Lynn's brothers will be the casket bearers. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Moose Lake. To sign the register book online, or share a memory of Cara Lynn, go to www.legacy.com. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Swante F. Saari
1921-2003
Swante "Swanie" Saari passed away April 11, 2003 in a nursing home. He resided in Butte, MT. Swante was born September 25, 1921 on a farm in Beaver Twp., Aitkin County, Minnesota to Emil and Hilja (Sirro) Saari. He attended grade school through the eighth grade in a one-room country schoolhouse and worked his way through high school. He then helped on the family farm, raising turkeys and logging.
Sergeant Saari served in the Far Pacific during World War II. After the war, he again helped on the family farm for a short period of time. While riding the troop trains during the war, Swante fell in love with the Rocky Mountains. After the war, he spent one summer logging in Idaho. Then, he and four friends spent several weeks picking apples in Oregon, almost at the foot of Mt. Hood. Swante really enjoyed that trip. The sunrise and sunsets were so beautiful shining on snow-capped Mt. Hood.
As Swante had some friends in Butte, MT, he moved here in the fall of 1947 working as a contract underground miner for thirty-five years. Proud of his Finnish heritage, he could speak the language and loved living in Finn Town on the east side for eleven years. Swanie also like carpenter work, so he took a challenge and built the family home on the flats. 
Swante liked the mountains, hunting, fishing and having a garden. The family canned many vegetables and he canned deer, elk and rainbow trout. He gave many a jar of canned elk meat to others to enjoy.
In the 50's, Swanie enjoyed trapping mink on the rivers and streams close to Butte and used the extra money for Christmas.
Swante belonged to the U.S. Steelworkers Union, was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was a long time member of the ARCO Retiree's Club, as well as Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He loved to play cribbage at the ARCO Retiree's Club and had fond memories of playing cribbage with Army nurses on Okinawa shortly after World War II. 
He is preceded in death by is parents; his brother, Marlin, and his baby sister, Nancy. He is survived by his daughter, Sharon; son, Gregory; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Wesley; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held April 17, 2003 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Phil Wold officiated. Organist was Donna George and the vocalist was John George. Pallbearers were: Chad Monroe, Shane Connolly, Dennis Marjamaa, Jon McCullar, Joe Hodge, Mike Hiltunen. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery in Butte, MT.
Memorials may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

Leslie A. Nelson
Leslie A. Nelson, formerly of Minnesota and Tucson, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2003, at his daughter's home in Graham, WA.
Leslie was born March 1, 1921, to Lester and Amy (Switzer) Nelson.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; five sons: Leland (Karen), Napa, CA; William (Judy), Gresham, OR; Doug (Teri), Barnum, MN; Richard, CA; Terry (Karen), Estacada, OR. Four daughters: Marilyn (Leroy) Fultz, Graham, WA; Sandy, Bend, OR; Joyce, (Ken) Olsen, Barnum, MN; Debbie (Rod) Lynchard, Libby, MT. He also had 26 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Evelyn Ballard, Duluth; brother, Cliff (Virginia), Duluth; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Merlyn.
A family gathering was held at Marilyn's home in Graham, WA, on June 2, 2003.

Doris M. Hultberg
Funeral services for Doris M. Hultberg, 89, Moose Lake, were held on Tuesday, June 10, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. in Evangelical Covenant Church, Moose Lake. Reverend Todd Van Zee officiated. Pam Carlson and Heidi Carlson provided the music. Casket Bearers were Kelly Peters, David Zych, Palmer Hultberg, Curt Frohrip, Dennis Meyer, and Galen Kennedy. Burial was held in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Moose Lake.
She was born on May 24, 1914 in Moose Lake to Henry and Johanna (Johnson) Stone. At the age of 8, her father was killed in a lumber yard accident and Doris lived with relatives in the Moose Lake and later Rockford, IL. She graduated from high school in Rockford and worked there for a few years before returning to Moose Lake. On September 12, 1941, Doris married Carl Hultberg in Moose Lake. Doris worked at the Moose Lake State Hospital for over 25 years, retiring in 1976.
Doris died Thursday, June 5, 2003 in Unity Hospital, Fridley, after having suffered a heart attack one week prior.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, on January 7, 1988.
Doris will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Marie Heskowitz of Minneapolis; two brothers: Ivar Stone of Rockford and Archie (LaVerne) Anderson of Cloquet; granddaughter, Holly (Kelly) Peters of Minneapolis; and a grandson, David (Kathy) Zych of Crystal, MN.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Blanche Margie Kingsley
Funeral services for Blanche Margie Kingsley, 89, Cromwell, were held Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in Bethany Lutheran Church, Cromwell. Pastor Walter Berg officiated. Julie Ann Hansen and Sue Jobe provided the music. Casket Bearers were Walter Collman, Eric Collman, Roger Collman, Dean Hill, Gregg Huhta, Michael Huhta, Mark Huhta, and Jeremy Huhta. Burial was held in Forest Hill Cemetery, Cromwell.
Blanche Margie Kingsley was born in Crosby, MN, on October 31, 1913 to Jaster and Blanche (Phelps) Line. She attended and graduated from Cromwell High School in 1931. Blanche married Kenneth N. Kingsley on June 1, 1931, in Cromwell. They moved to Rogers Lake, north of Cromwell, where they farmed. In 1941, they moved west of Cromwell where they continued their farming operation. Blanche participated in girl's basketball in high school, and was the team captain. She was honored by the State of Minnesota in March 1999 as a pioneer in girl's basketball. 
Blanche was a homemaker, and was well known in the area for her landscaping abilities and flower gardens. She loved to read and write poetry, and in 1994 completed a book "My East Window". She was a member of the Methodist Church where she served as Sunday School Superintendent and Church Treasurer. She attended the Evangelical Free Church in Wright, where she served as Church Treasurer. She was active in the Women's Society of Christian Service. Blanche loved to crochet and made afghans for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed her family and lived life to its fullest.
Blanche entered eternal rest on June 6, 2003, in Community Memorial Hospital, Cloquet, Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; a son, Kenneth, Jr.; a grandson, Kenneth III; and a great grandson, Ricky Larson; brothers: Rodney Line, James Line, Rufus Line, and Jack Line; and a sister, Amy Kingsley.
Blanche will be lovingly remembered by her children: Jean (George) Westerlund; June (Arnold) Collman; Carole (Art) Hill; and Kathleen (Kenneth) Entner, all of Cromwell; a daughter-in-law, June Kingsley; 13 grandchildren: Valerie (Mark) Dynneson of Cloquet; Holly (John) Larson of Deer River; Dawn (Brad) Grover of Carlton; Melanie Kingsley of Cromwell; Walter (Laura) Collman of Cromwell; Eric (Kathy) Collman of Floodwood; April Collman of Bemidji; Julie Collman of Cromwell; Roger (Paula) Collman of Cromwell; Dean Hill of Forsyth, Montana; Tamara (Philip) McManis of Sydney NSW, Australia; Lisa Hill of Fairbanks, Alaska; and Nicole (Myles) Rowe of Ironwood, Michigan; 19 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren; brothers: Hugh Line and Leon Line of Wrenshall; and sisters Dorothy Richards of Cromwell, and Jessie Houck of St. Paul. Blanche is expecting her 20th great-grandchild in July.
Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Justin Michael Rosa
Justin Michael Rosa was born on July 17, 1989 to Randy and Lavonda Rosa in South St. Paul. He attended Willow River High School as was involved in the track team. Justin enjoyed: hunting, fishing, playing football, and loved Corvettes. He also enjoyed tinkering and fixing things with his mechanical skills; he wanted to become a mechanic and someday restore his 1966 Corvette, which was his favorite car. 
He is survived by his parents, Randy and Lavonda of Sturgeon Lake; three brothers: Cory, Jesse, and Joshua, all of Sturgeon Lake. Two sisters: Billie Jo of Sturgeon Lake and Crystal of Willow River; Maternal grandfather, Richard Grabau of Willow River; and Paternal grandmother, Esther Rosa of Sandstone; 4 aunts and 6 uncles; many other relatives and friends. 
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Wanda Grabau, Glenda Daulton, and Lawrence Rosa. Blessed be his memory.
Services were held June 6, 2003 at 3:00 p.m. at Hansen-Mankie Funeral Home, Sandstone, MN. Rev. Tom Aubrey officiated. Soloist was John Peters. Pallbearers were: Tony Rosa, Cory Rosa, Steven Bierkandt, Jesse Rosa, Jim Rosa and Jim Noski.
Interment was at Sunnyside Cemetery, Willow River, MN. Arrangements were by Hansen-Mankie Funeral Home, Sandstone, MN.


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