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Michael Robert Lenz
Michael Robert Lenz, 25, died Saturday, March 3, 2001, as the victim of a homicide in his home in Boston.
Born in Paynesville, Minn., Michael attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and completed his undergraduate studies in English and humanities in 1998. He was a poet and teacher, and was in the process of seeking his master's degree or doctorate in American studies in Boston. Michael had just published his first collection of poetry, "Sympathetic Stone Age, " in collaboration with his aunt, Patricia Lenz, and had completed a manuscript for a second collection.
He is survived by his parents, Robert and Kathryn Lenz of Paynesville; a sister, Krystal (Mark) Maynard; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and friends around the country.
Funeral services are pending with Johnson Funeral Home, Paynesville, (218) 243-3618. A memorial scholarship, the Michael Lenz Creative Writing Scholarship, will be established at UMD in his memory.
Thomas Reid Hamilton
Thomas Reid Hamilton, 89, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 3, 2001, in Kansas City, Kan., following a lengthy illness.
Dr. Hamilton was a former faculty member at the University of Minnesota Duluth School of Medicine. Dr. Hamilton's family were pioneers in the medical community in Kansas City. The son of Dr. Hugh D. and Bertha Hamilton, Tom attended Southwest High School, where he served as president of the first graduating class. He attended the University of Missouri, Columbia, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was a graduate of the University of Kansas Medical School.
Retiring as a major from World War II, Dr. Hamilton served with the University of Kansas 77th Evacuation Hospital in England, Africa and Sicily, where he received the Meritorious Unit Award. Tom had an illustrious career in academic medicine. He founded and was the first chairman of the Microbiology and Immunology Department in the University of Kansas Medical Center, where his career spanned 30 years. He chaired the first Microbiology and Immunology Department in UMD School of Medicine. He returned to Kansas City as director of microbiology in Truman Medical Center.
For the past 19 years, he has been a member of the Pathology Department teaching clinical microbiology and immunology with his wife and teaching partner, Bette.
Among the many awards Dr. Hamilton received are the Elmer Pierson Good Teaching Award, Faculty Appreciation Award and Teacher of the Year Award. He was honored by Sigma Xi, Alpha Omega Alpha, presented with the American Heart Association's Silver Medallion award for meritorious service. He served as vice president of the science pioneers. Dr. Hamilton belonged to a number of professional organizations, authored numerous scientific articles and sections of medical textbooks.
Dr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his eldest son, Tom R. Hamilton Jr.; and a grandson, Stephen Reid Hamilton.
He is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Bette Wasson Hamilton; his daughter, Anne (Ray) Meyn of Houston, and their children, Bill and Kathy; his son, Tim Hamilton of Nashville, Tenn., and his daughters, Shaun Maxwell and Maurie Grace; a niece, Bette Anne (Mark) Mayberry of Morrison, Colo.; a nephew, Gerry (Katarina) Hamilton of New York; a niece, Sally Hamilton (Snowden) Day of Destin, Fla.; his faithful cousins, Simpson Hamilton and Dr. B.G. (Camille) Hamilton of Richmond, Mo.; granddaughters Debbi Anne Atteberry of Paola, Kan., and Kim (Ron) Temperia of Houston; a grandson, Tracy Nielson of Kansas City, Mo.; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were March 5 in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, the Rev. Robert Wood presided. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the University of Minnesota Duluth, School of Medicine.
Tony Huhta
Tony Huhta, 82, of East Seventh Street died Sunday, March 4, 2001, in St. Mary's Medical Center.
Tony was born in Cromwell July 8, 1918, to Edward and Saima (Markula) Huhta. He had lived in Duluth since 1946. Tony worked for the Soo Line Railroad, retiring in 1980. He and his wife, Ailie, also owned and operated Tony's Market until 1994. Tony was a master mason and a member of the Blackmer Lodge 442 in San Diego, member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Duluth, Aad Temple Shrine, White Shrine and Order of Eastern Star. Tony loved to hunt, fish and bowl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers John, Wayne and Kenneth.
Tony is survived by his wife, Ailie; sons Milton T. (Jacquelyn) of Duluth and Delano S. (Robbin) of Chisholm; a daughter, Peggy F. (Lane) Barton of Minneapolis; brothers Charles (Evelyn) of Cromwell and Eugene (Shirley) of Cloquet; sisters Bernice Makila of Duluth, Dorothy (Howard) Saari of Esko and Signe (Jim) Hill of San Diego; and grandchildren Tony Jr., Jason, Laurie, Lisa, Trisha, Joshua, Katie and Tara.
Visitation: 10 until the 11 a.m. service Thursday under the Auspices of Ionic Lodge 186 in the Jarvi-Dowd Chapel. Burial in Eagle Lake cemetery, Cromwell. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Jarvi-Dowd Chapel, 925 E. Fourth St.
Fred D. House
Fred D. House, 86, of Duluth, formerly of Two Harbors, died peacefully Monday, March 5, 2001, in his home surrounded by his family.
Fred was born Sept. 14, 1914, in Two Harbors. He was active in sports as a young man playing hockey, baseball and football. He was delighted to be recently named to the Two Harbors High School Century hockey team. He played trumpet in the Two Harbors Band as first chair for many years. He was on the Duluth Missabe and Iron Range hockey team from 1932 to 1941. From 1932 to 1937, he served in President Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps. He worked for the Great Northern Railroad from 1937 to 1947. He joined U.S. Steel Corp. in 1947 and worked for them until retiring at age 57 in 1971 as traffic manager.
Early in his retirement, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, antique buying and restorations. In addition to his many talents and accomplishments, he took the most pride in the dedication to his family. The joy brought to him by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren sustained him through his long and gallant battle with severe health problems in later years. His courage and good spirit in the face of illness and death were inspirational. He will be profoundly missed by family and friends and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Ethyl House; brothers Joseph, John and Glen House; and sisters Vi Nauha, Bernice Erickson and Ruth Parenteau.
Fred was a cherished father, devoted grandfather and beloved great-grandfather and is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Dorothy (nee McMains); his son, Thomas (Elizabeth); grandchildren Thomas (Melinda), Scott (Alicia) and Christopher House; great-grandchildren Cory, Brendan, Kareina and Parker House; many nieces and nephews; and special friends.
Visitation: 11 a.m. until the noon service Thursday in the United Church, Two Harbors. Interment in Lakeview cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association. Arrangements by Cavallin Funeral Home, Two Harbors.
Theresa Pauline Forsman
Theresa Pauline Forsman, 89, of Proctor left her family for the arms of her Lord Monday, March 5, 2001.
Theresa was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A woman of faith and devotion, Theresa was a lifelong member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Proctor, former Legion of Mary member and a former member of St. Joseph's Circle. She will be forever remembered by all who loved her.
Theresa was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Timothy and Alexina Gagnon; her husband of 61 years, Arthur; sisters Claire, Bernadette, Celina and Elizabeth; and a brother, Timothy.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Dennis (Kathryn) Forsman of Proctor, Janice (Tracy) Gran of Winterport, Maine, and Julie (Fred) Turbin of Fridley, Minn.; grandchildren Tracy Jr., Jennifer, Christine, David, Eric, Mary, Lee, Matthew, Sarah, Ann, Lana and Elizabeth; great-grandchildren Kaylie, Kortney, Makayla and Jacob; sisters Antoinette Paulson, Rosanna Bealdchane and Irene Jensen, all of the Twin Cities; and brothers Marcel (Rose) Gagnon of Milwaukee, Wis., and Tom (Marie) Gagnon of Mesa, Ariz.
Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Friday with a 7 p.m. wake prayer in Foley Chapel and 9 until the 10 a.m. Mass of Christian burial Saturday in St. Rose Catholic Church, Proctor. Burial in Oneota cemetery. Arrangements by Hegstrom Family Funerals, Foley Chapel, 5405 Ramsey St., Duluth, (218) 624-4838.
Capt. Robert R. Simmonds
Capt. Robert R. Simmonds, 72, of Springvale Road died Monday, March 5, 2001, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 9, 1928, to Richard and Phoebe Simmonds. An Army veteran and a lifelong resident of Duluth, he retired after 44 years of sailing for Interlake Steamship Co. He was an active member of Shipmasters and Harbor Club and was an avid sports fan.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Shirley; a daughter, Lynn (Rodney) Anderson and her children, Keith, Daryl and Joy, all of Hermantown; a son, Jay (Patrice) and his children, Michelle, Matthew and Greta, all of Duluth; a son, Lee (Sarah) and Anthony Pierce, all of Lago Vista, Texas; a son, Mark (Wanda) and his son, Jonathan, all of Saginaw; a sister, Grace (Russell) Lonsway of Florida; and brothers Bruce (Barbara) and Glen (Bonnie), both of Duluth.
Visitation: 1 until the 2 p.m. memorial service Thursday in Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Highway (Highway 53), Hermantown. Should friends desire, memorials can be directed to the Twin Ports Ministry of Seafarers.
Dorothy Dane Hay
Dorothy Dane Hay, 85, formerly of Merrifield and Breezy Point, Minn., died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, in Bethany Good Samaritan Village in Brainerd.
She was born June 22, 1915, to Edmund and Pearl (Fjerstad) Berg in Claybank, Minn. She lived many years in Duluth. She was a member of Peace Church in Duluth and was past worthy matron of Eastern Star.
Dorothy was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by her family. She had many friends and she valued the long friendships she maintained throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Joseph Z. Dane; and a brother, Curtis.
Survivors include her husband, Frank Hay of Racine, Wis.; daughters Doreen Dane (Dennis) Marciniak of Duluth and Kathy Dane (David) Trees of Pequot Lakes, Minn.; grandchildren Joseph (Dana) Marciniak of Duluth, Steven Marciniak of Minneapolis, Dana Dallum of Duluth, Bryan (Missy) Trees of Nisswa, Minn., and Lauri Jo Trees of Pequot Lakes; a great-grandson, Derek Dallum of Duluth; a brother, Byron Berg; and sisters Ardis Lindberg and Bernadine Bartel.
Service: 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Bethany Good Samaritan Chapel, Brainerd, the Rev. Lilja Behr officiating. Burial at a later date in Park Hill cemetery, Duluth.
Arrangements by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home, Brainerd.
Agnes K. Swanson
Agnes K. Swanson, 96, formerly of Midtown Manor, gently went to meet her Lord Tuesday, March 6, 2001, in Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born April 6, 1904, to Oscar and Esther (Hagloff) Runnell in Duluth. Agnes married
Arnold G. Swanson Sept. 14, 1929. She was employed by Wahl's Department Store as a manager in the millinery department. Agnes was a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church, where she was also a member and director of the choir. She loved music and loved to sing.
Agnes was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold in 1963; sisters Alma Olson, Alice Runnell and Lillian Taklo, all of Duluth; and a brother, Evald Runnell.
She is survived by sisters Julia Carlson and Virginia Plets, and a brother, Alfred Runnell, all of Duluth; many nieces and nephews; as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Visitation: noon until the 1 p.m. service Friday in Christ Lutheran Church. Burial in Bethany cemetery. Arrangements by Johnson Mortuary.
Adeline Constance Billie
Adeline Constance Billie, formerly of East Eighth Street died Tuesday, March 6, 2001, in Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born Nov. 14, 1911, to John and Mary (Szmanowsky) Lubansky in Duluth. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1929, where she played the violin and was in the school orchestra.
Adeline led an active life. She was fond of ice skating and an accomplished speed skater on the local scene during the 1930s on tubular blades. Adeline skated for pleasure at the old amphitheater and at the original Duluth Curling Club on London Road. She enjoyed recreational skating for most of her life. During the 1950s and 1960s, Adeline owned and operated her own greeting card business. She also worked for the Barklow Brothers Lobby Concessions in the Hotel Duluth and Hotel Spalding, and most recently worked in St. Luke's Hospital, retiring in the early 1980s. Adeline was a real "go-getter, " very independent, loved her pet dogs, senior bus trips, knitting and sewing, and was also a math wizard.
Adeline was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Patrick Billie in 1972; a son, Daniel Patrick Billie in 1992; a grandson, Joseph Michael Ranua; a great-grandson, Christopher Neal Morford; and a brother, John W. Lubansky.
She is survived by daughters Patti (Ron) Schmitt and Connie (Mike) Murphy, both of Duluth; grandchildren George R. Ranua of Superior, Susan Ranua (Scott) Stevens, Jeanne Ranua (Scott) Kallberg, Shawn C. Murphy and Sheri Murphy (Dave) Johnson, all of Duluth, Valerie Billie (Neal) Morford of Irving, Texas, and Vicky Billie (Chris) McCright of Arlington, Texas; and great-grandchildren Eric Ranua, KayLee Ranua, Christopher Stevens, Mary Stevens, Samantha Kallberg, Stephanie Kallberg, Nicole Murphy, Jesse Murphy, Ronni Murphy, Rachael Morford, Paul Morford and Meagan McCright.
Visitation: 1:30 until the 2 p.m. service Thursday in Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center Chapel. Burial in Calvary cemetery. Arrangements by Johnson Mortuary.
Frederick G. Senee
Frederick G. Senee, 73, of Chandler, Ariz., passed away Sunday, Feb. 18, 2001, at home with his family.
He was born in Leominster, Mass. He joined the military at age 17 and traveled from Japan to Lebanon to Australia, finally calling Arizona home. During his military career, he served two years in the Navy, a year in the Air National Guard, 22 years in the Air Force and four years in the Air Force Reserve. He proudly served his country in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. To those who served with him and to his children, he was a shining example of honor, selflessness and dedication.
He relished life and enjoyed a good cigar, fine food and an occasional glass of drambouie. In retirement, he remained generous, loving, faithful, willful and always first to extend a helping hand to anyone in need. Mr. Senee was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Masons, Scottish Rites and Shriners.
He was a friend, husband, confidante, father and teacher and his legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren whose lives he so positively influenced. Through his quiet actions and always by example, he taught honesty, empathy, hard work, charity, modesty and perseverance.
Although he struggled with his health over the past few years, he stubbornly lived to celebrate his 50th wedding anniversary, not leaving us until the following day.
He is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Gypsy; his sister, Nancy Kechum; his children, Kimberly Hawthorne, William Senee and Launy Senee; his granddaughters, Keller Hawthorne and Simone Peironnet; and several relatives throughout the country.
Memorial service: 3 p.m. March 17 in Masonic Temple 34, 88 W. Erie Drive, Chandler. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations or contributions to the Shriners Hospital for Children.
Tony Huhta
Tony Huhta, 82, of East Seventh Street died Sunday, March 4, 2001, in St. Mary's Medical Center.
Tony was born in Cromwell July 8, 1918, to Edward and Saima (Markula) Huhta. He has lived in Duluth since 1946. Tony worked for the Soo Line Railroad, retiring in 1980. He and his wife, Ailie, also owned and operated Tony's Market until 1994. Tony was a master mason and a member of the Blackmer Lodge 442 in San Diego, member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Duluth, Aad Shrine Temple, White Shrine and Order of Eastern Star. Tony loved to hunt, fish and bowl.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers John, Wayne and Kenneth.
Tony is survived by his wife, Ailie; sons Milton T. (Jacquelyn) of Duluth and Delano S. (Robbin) of Chisholm; a daughter, Peggy F. (Lane) Barton of Minneapolis; brothers Charles (Evelyn) of Cromwell and Eugene (Shirley) of Cloquet; sisters Bernice Makila of Duluth, Dorothy (Howard) Saari of Esko and Signe (Jim) Hill of San Diego; grandchildren Tony Jr., Jason, Laurie, Lisa, Trisha, Joshua, Katie and Tara.
Visitation: 10 until the 11 a.m. service Thursday under the Auspices of Ionic Lodge 186 in the Jarvi-Dowd Chapel. Burial in Eagle Lake cemetery, Cromwell. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Jarvi-Dowd Chapel, 925 E. Fourth St.
