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Virginia Tofte
Virginia Tofte passed away Monday, Feb. 8, 2010, just two days before her 93rd birthday, at the Barross House in Two Harbors. Virginia Caroline Moren Tofte was born to Richard and Mable (Loranger) Moren Feb. 10, 1917, and grew up in Bovey.
She graduated from Greenway High School in 1935. On May 31, 1941, she married John Tofte, Jr. “Casey” and they lived in Tofte, where they raised three children. She was an excellent cook and had a successful restau-rant for many years. She was active in music and the arts, having sung in many productions and served on the State Music Board. She attended Art Colony classes, became known for her water color landscapes, and won a Rural Artist Award for an oil portrait.
Virginia received her Bachelor’s degree from UMD in 1970. After grad- uation she taught business classes at Cook County High School.
She and her husband shared a deep love of the North Shore and all it offered, especially the berry- picking, fishing, gardening, camping, and skiing. She loved sharing all of her interests and talents with her grandchildren, who have fond memories of many baking and art classes with Nana. You could always count on cookies in the cookie jar, jam and jelly on the shelf, and goodies in the freezer when you went to Nana’s and Boppa’s.
Much of her art hangs in the homes of those who loved her and serves as a constant reminder of just how talented she was.
In 1997 Virginia and Casey moved to Duluth, where she continued to reside after his death in 2003. In 2007, Virginia moved to Barross House in Two Harbors, where she resided until her death.
Virginia was preceded in death by her loving husband, John “Casey;” her parents; her four brothers; and grandson, Paul Lockwood. She is survived by her three children, John (Nancy) Tofte of Thief River Falls, Mary (David) Lockwood of Arden Hills, and Richard (Patty) Tofte of Two Harbors; nine grandchildren, Heidi (Todd) Bergland, Mark (Amy) Lockwood, Aaron Tofte, Maria Lockwood, Anne (Cory) Jackson, Beth Tofte, Kevin “Casey” Lockwood, Joe Tofte, and Peter Tofte; eleven great- grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
May her memory be blessed. A memorial Mass will begin at 11:30 a.m. today at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Two Harbors. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota.
Myrtle Scanlan
Myrtle A. Scanlan, 94, of Two Harbors, died Feb. 9, 2010 at Sunrise Home. She was born July 15, 1915, to Oscar and Marie (Hogquist) Falk in Two Harbors, where she grew up.
After living in Missouri from 1946-1960, Myrtle returned to Two Harbors. She was employed at Homekraft Bakery from 1961-1968, and from 1968-1978 she was employed by the Community Health Center as a dietary aide at the Board and Care Home.
Myrtle was a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Vasa Lodge, VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Women of the Moose.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Walter Falk, and a sister, Mabel Falk. Myrtle is survived by her son Richard Scanlan of Jefferson, Iowa; a brother Werner Falk of Two Harbors; sisters, Magdalene Bolen of Two Harbors, and Margaret McCoy of St. Joseph, Mo.; and three grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A service was held Saturday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Burial is at Lakeview Cemetery.
Jack Gumtow
Jack (John) Duane Gumtow, 60, of Cloquet, formerly of Silver Bay, passed away Feb. 10, 2010 at Solvay Hospice House surrounded by family. He was born July 30, 1949, in Wadena to Kenneth and Lucille Gumtow.
Jack graduated from William Kelley High School in Silver Bay. He was an accomplished pianist and was involved in Special Olympics with his son.
He was employed by various trucking companies over the years and he was able to enjoy traveling the country.
Jack is survived by “the lady of his life,” Pat Toland, her children and grandchildren; his children, Jesse, Miranda and Veronica; grandchildren, Janee’ and Kelly; parents; siblings, Jim (Diane) Gumtow, Mary Jane (Shovel) VanDenHeuvel, Bob (Natalie) Gumtow and Bill (Nancy) Gumtow; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Cremation Society of Minnesota at 4100 Grand Ave. in Duluth.
Austin Wittlief
Austin Lee Wittlief, 91, died Feb. 11, 2010 at Lake Vew Memorial Hospital in Two Harbors. Austin was born to Edward and Lilly Wittlief on a farm in Oronoco and was the eldest of five siblings.
He married Luella Mueller in 1943, spent a few years working as a farmer in Moose Lake, then moved to Silver Creek and worked as a well driller for seven years. In his mid-30s he moved to Lyle, where he owned and operated the Gambles-Skogmo’s Store and worked as a plumber while he finished raising his daughter and two sons.
Upon retirement, he built a home in Silver Creek, where his sons then resided and carried on with his first love of hobby farming and especially gardening.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, Ralph, Randall, Cub, and grandson, Jake Austin Jantzen.
He is survived by his sister, Ruth Horn; daughter and son-in-law, Ken and Sandy Johnson, sons and daughter-in-laws, Norbert “Butch” Wittlief and Cathy Butler, Milt and JoAnne Wittlief; grandchildren; Krista Ice, Kendra Jantzen, Ryan Johnson, Kecia Winter, Miles and Carley Wittlief, and several great-grandchildren.
Services were at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Castle Danger Tuesday. Austin will be laid to rest next to Luella, at the Silver Creek Cemetery in the spring.
Lois Ann Thompson Geist
Lois Ann Thompson Geist passed away with her husband by her side Feb. 16, 2010, at her home in Millstream Commons in Northfield. She was 84.
Geist was born Sept. 11, 1925, in Laurel, Neb., to Rev. Leonard A. and Florence (Lindgren) Thompson. The daughter of a Christian Missionary Alliance pastor, she lived in various communities in the Midwest.
Lois graduated from Harding High School in St. Paul in 1943. She received a degree in English at the University of Minnesota and did graduate work. She taught high school and junior high English.
She married John W. Geist June 15, 1950, in St. Paul. After marriage, they lived in Menominee, Wis., until 1954, when they moved to Traverse City, Mich. During those years, Lois continued teach- ing English. In 1958 they moved to Rochester. Lois taught in several Rochester schools and served as Guidance Counselor at Lourdes High School from 1966 to1985.
Following retirement, she and John moved to their home on Lake Superior in Knife River, where they were warmly welcomed into the community. In March 2009, they moved to Northfield to be near their sons.
Lois was involved with the American Association of University Women, the League of Women Voters, the Minnesota DFL party, the churches in the commu- nities in which they lived, book groups, and was co-founder of the Family Consultation Services in Rochester.
She enjoyed gardening, reading, was an avid walker, and an excellent cook and baker.
She will be missed by her husband of 59 years, John; two sons, Peter of West St. Paul, David and wife Adrienne of Northfield; five grandchildren, Robyn, Danielle, Hattie, Celine and Clara; two sisters, Eunice Goodin of Rockville, Md., and Mary Anderson of Morristown, N.J.; her former daughter-in-laws Judy Linman of Donnelly, Idaho, and Brenda Ingli of St. Paul; and other relatives and friends.
A services was held Saturday at the First United Church of Christ in Northfield with Rev. Sandy Johnson officiating. She will be buried in Isanti Union Cemetery.
A separate memorial service will be held in Knife River in the spring. Memorials are preferred to CHUM - Churches United in Ministry, 102 W. 2nd St., Duluth, MN 55802. Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.
Alberta Paquette
Alberta Paquette, 80, of Silver Bay, died peacefully in the loving presence of her family Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, after a brief illness at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.
She was born Sept. 27, 1929, in Minneapolis, the daughter of the late Frank and Ida (Vaughn) Jepson.
Alberta was a devoted wife and mother, an excellent seamstress, avid rose garden er, and a fine cook. She was also an active member of the Silver Bay Garden Club and the Red Hat Society.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her youngest son, Mark, and stepfather, Ernest Martin.
Alberta is survived by her beloved husband Vernon, with whom she was married for nearly 60 years, and her sons, Gordy, Tim (Marina), and Tom (Laurie), all of the Twin Cities area. She is also sur-vived by her grandchildren, Amie, Christopher, Carrie (Joe Speltz), Nicole, Justin, and Joshua.
A Mass of Christian Burial was performed Monday, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Silver Bay. Interment will be private at Calvary Ceme- tery in Anoka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred, inquire at Cavallin Funeral Home.
Edna Virginia Wujcik
Edna Virginia Wujcik, 71, SERVICES: Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Peters Catholic Church in Forest Lake, Minn. Father Thomas Wilsom and Father Bernard Reiser will officiate. Burial will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Friends may call at the Mattson Funeral Home, 343 N. Shore Dr., Forest Lake. Visitation will be from 5-8 and one hour prior to the service.
Edna Virginia Wujcik, 71, died Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2000, at Regions Hospital. She was born Edna Jylha on July 12, 1929, in Virginia. She was married to Donald Wujcik.
Survivors include, her husband, Donald of Forest Lake; two daughters, Rebecca of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Suzanne (Charles) Nichols of Blaine, Minn.; one son, William of Forest Lake; grandchildren, Andrea and Andrew Nichols; brother, William Jylha of Dubuque, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edna Jylha.
Eugene L. “Uno” Maki
Eugene L. “Uno” Maki, 68, SERVICES: Funeral service 11 a.m. today at United in Christ Lutheran Church in Eveleth. The Rev. Daniel L. Johns will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Burial will be in Eveleth Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home in Eveleth.
Eugene L. “Uno” Maki, 68, of Eveleth, died Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2000, at his home.
He was born Dec. 30, 1931, in Leonidas to Uno and Sanna Lisa (Vihriala) Maki. He graduated from Eveleth High School and attended Eveleth Junior College. He married Donna Tomassoni on July 23, 1955, in Eveleth. He was a lifelong resident of Eveleth and retired from U.S. Steel as an instrument repair man after 40 years of service. He was a member of United in Christ Lutheran Church and the Range Recreation Civic Center. He was an Army veteran.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; a son, Tom (Cathy) Maki, of Eagan, Minn.; daughters, Carey (John “Mike”) Skrbec of Grand Rapids and Cheryl (Dave) Sell of Minocqua, Wis.; grandchildren, Kate, Rachel, Mark, Sara, Erin, Leah, John, Deanna and Natalie; three sisters, Elsie Maki, Elvie Malenius, Eva (Eugene) Malenius, all of Eveleth; sisters-in-law, Harriet Maki of La Grange, Ill., Cindy Maki of Shoreview, Minn.; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fred (Barbara) Tomassoni and Richie (Jackie) Tomassoni, both of Eveleth; numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Einar, Elmer and Elroy; a sister, Eleanor Eckman; nephews, Allen Eckman, Walter Maki and Rock Tomassoni; and his parents.
Lars A. Ruud
Lars A. Ruud, 87, SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm, with the Rev. Lilette E. Johnston of Faith Lutheran Church in Chisholm officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
Lars A. Ruud, 87, of Mountain Iron, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at Virginia Regional Medical Center.
He was born on July 1, 1913, in Belview, Minn., to Jorgen M. and Marie (Anderson) Ruud. He was united in marriage on Jan. 15, 1937, in Hannibal, Mo., to Twila N. Nesbitt. He was a retired Lt. Col. from the Army Air Corps., having served in Africa during World War II. Lars retired in 1977, as a mine clerk from Rhude-Fryburger Mining Co. after 30 years of service. He retired to Denver, Colo., returning to Minnesota in 1990. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and will be deeply missed by all.
Survivors include his wife, Twila N.; sons, James M. (Brenda) of Anchorage, Ala. and John T. (Patricia) of Chisholm; grandchildren, Steven and Stacey Ruud and Lara and Erik Ruud; and several nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
Rudolph “Rudy” J. Zgaynor
Rudolph “Rudy” J. Zgaynor, 89, SERVICES: Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Greaney. The Rev. Larry Antus, O.M.I., will be the officiant. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary led at 7:30 p.m. from the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. The casket bearers will be Ken Zgaynor, Ronnie Seinola, Wal Carlson, Dave Pocrnich, and Bud Holmstrom. Burial will be in St. Bridget’s Cemetery in Greaney.
Rudolph “Rudy” J. Zgaynor, 89, of Greaney, died Friday, Oct. 13, 2000, at the Cook Nursing Home.
He was born on April 19, 1911, at Greaney, the son of Joseph and Mary Zgaynor. He grew up and lived in Greaney most of his life. He was a World War II Army Veteran, having served in Normany, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes, and Central Europe battles and campaigns. He worked as a self-employed logger most of his life. He was a member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Cook V.F.W. Post 1757, and the former Greaney American Legion 605.
Survivors include one brother, Victor Zgaynor of Celina, Minn.; two sisters, Ann Pocrnich of Hibbing and Angela Statesman of Grand Rapids; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis and Joseph Zgaynor, and one sister, Mary Pocrnich.
William P. Wilde
William P. Wilde, 80, SERVICES: Per Mr. Wilde’s request, there will be no service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Arrangements are by the Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.
William P. Wilde, 80, of Virginia, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 2000, at his home.
He was born in Virginia on Feb. 6, 1920, to J. George and Mary Wilde, and was a lifelong resident. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, and retired in 1982, after 30 years of service as a lineman for Northern Electric Co-op in Virginia. He was a member of Crellin-Tini V.F.W. Post 1113 of Virginia, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
Survivors include one sister, Mary Jane Kumsha of Duluth, sister-in-law Harriet Wilde of Britt, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Frances Gunderson, and two brothers, George and James Wilde.
