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WILLIAM FREDRICK YAX II
William Fredrick Yax II, 63, of South Pike Lake Road, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, in his home.
He was born Oct. 31, 1938, in Duluth to William F. and Isabel (Perrault) Yax. He was a 1956 graduate of Hermantown High School. He married
Patricia Ann Johnson and has been married
for 41 years. In his early years, Bill worked part time as a police officer with Hermantown Police Department, along with working as a master electrician. He has been a master electrician for 44 years as a member of Local 242, and has been the owner-operator of Yax Electric for 32 years.
Bill was a charter member of Skyline Rotary, served on many boards and was the president in 1996-97, also Bill was a Paul Harris Fellow many times and he received "Rotarian of the Year" twice, one was with his wife Patty. He has been active in the Hermantown Community for many years, serving on various boards to help Hermantown gain city status. Bill served as president of the High Village Breezy Point for 13 years. He has been a part of the Hermantown Fire Department for 19 years the Canosia Fire Department for 15 years and an emergency medical technician for over 26 years. He was a hockey coach of Hermantown Youth Hockey. Bill was a member of Lake Superior Masonic Lodge 349 and Proctor Moose 1302.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson Paul Allen Rutka.
Survivors include his spouse of 41 years, Patricia (Johnson) Yax; daughter Patty (Paul) Rutka of Princeton, Minn.; sons William F. Yax III and Michael M. Yax, both of Duluth; grandchildren Ryan Yax, Nicole Gulbranson, Laura Gulbranson, Nathen Rutka and Rebecca Rutka; and mother in-law Dolly Johnson of Duluth.
VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. Friday in Dougherty Funeral Home and continues from 10 until the 11 a.m. service Saturday in Kenwood Lutheran Church. Memorials to Skyline Rotary Club, 4810 Miller Trunk Hwy., Hermantown, MN 55811. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 600 E. Second St.
HERBERT "HERB" ELTON SWANSON
Herbert "Herb" Elton Swanson, 71, formerly of Maple Grove Road in Hermantown, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, in Nopeming Nursing Home.
Herb was born in Birmingham, Mich., to George Axel and Clara Bertha Louise (Dzuck) and had lived in the Duluth area since childhood. Herb married
Yvonne "Dolly" Burcar on March 8, 1947. Herb was a retired iron worker and member of Local 563 Ironworker's Union. He went to Thule, Greenland, and along with his brothers helped build the defense system radar towers. Herb participated in the family-owned-and-operated Christmas tree lot. He also helped his wife, Dolly, with the operation of her antique and collectible shop for more than 20 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and bowling. He was known for having a good sense of humor. Slapstick was his best.
Herb was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dolly; brothers Maynard and George "Bud."
Surviving are daughters Charlotte (Dan R.) Swanson of Superior, Deborah (Roger) Anderson of Hermantown and Sharon Hennessy (Brad Bennett) of Duluth; sons Herbert "Jibber" (Donna) of Proctor, Daniel J. (Nancy) of Duluth and David of Trego, Wis.; a sister, Marene Rich of Duluth; a brother, William "Bill" (Marilyn) of Merrillville, Ind.; sisters-in-law Fran Swanson and Shirley Swanson; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.
GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 1 p.m. today in Bell Brothers Chapel, 601 N. 56th. Ave. Inurnment in the Hermantown cemetery.
ASHER THOMAS RUPEL WILKOWSKE
Asher Thomas Rupel Wilkowske, infant son of Jane Rupel and Tom Wilkowske of Duluth, died before his birth at 11: 55 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, in St. Luke's hospital.
Asher Thomas weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.
He was preceded in death by a maternal grandfather, John Walker Rupel; and an unborn sibling.
Asher Thomas is survived by his parents, of Duluth; a sister, Sophie; and a brother, Isaac, both at home; a great-grandmother, Doris Wilkowske of Willmar, Minn.; grandparents Roger and Marge Wilkowske of Faribault, Minn., and Florence Rupel of Tomahawk, Wis.; and aunts and uncles David and Cathy Wilkowske of Demopolis, Ala., Mark Wilkowske of Mankato, Minn., Marilyn Wilkowske of Faribault, Ann Rupel of New York, N.Y.; Bill and Joanne Rupel of DeForest, Wis., Paul Rupel of Wausau, Wis., Maren Rupel of San Ramon, Calif., Karen and Greg Heiman of Houston, Texas, Nancy and Steve Kelso of Madison, and Tom and Jeanne Rupel of Greenfield, Wis. He is also survived by his cousins, Benny Rupel, Brianna and Christopher Rupel, Sally and Becky Rupel, Molly and Ellen Heiman, Mariah Kelso, John Rupel and Kathie and Susie Anderson.
Asher Thomas, even as your ashes are scattered on a hillside prairie, your soul is lifted heavenward by the grace of God and hundreds of loving arms.
VISITATION: 4 until the 5 p.m. memorial service Saturday in Peace United Church of Christ, Duluth, the Rev. Kathy Nelson officiating. A potluck dinner follows. Memorials may be made to the Gabriel Project/Peace UCC or Samaritan's Purse. Arrangements by the Cremation Society of Minnesota, Duluth Chapel.
MARIAN J. (HARKINS) KEMP
Marian J. (Harkins) Kemp, 89, of East Ninth Street died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001, after a brief stay at Chris Jensen Nursing Home.
She was born Sept. 21, 1912, in Minneapolis to Frank and Emma (Perry) Harkins. She was raised in Minneapolis and had been a Duluth resident for 67 years. Marian was a graduate of Washburn High School, Minneapolis and St. Cloud State University, where she received a degree in elementary education.
She was a member of Chester Park United Methodist Church, taught Sunday school and was active in its Womens Society. She enjoyed her summer home at Lake Nebagamon, playing cribbage with her family and was an avid hockey fan.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Orval L., on July 5, 1999; and sisters, an infant, Harriet Harkins and Edythe Sorenson.
Survivors include daughters Katherine (Kent) Salo of Duluth and Joanne (George) Rauzi of Coleraine; sons Thomas (Sandra) Kemp of Duluth and Michael (Julie) Kemp of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren Mark, Pam, Chris, Robert, Brian, David, Andrea, Emily and Sarah; and six great-grandchildren.
VISITATION: noon until the 1 p.m. service Sunday in Chester Park United Methodist Church, 819 N. 18th Ave. E., the Rev. Linda Quanstrom officiating. Entombment in Forest Hill cemetery Mausoleum. Memorials to the Alzheimer's Association, 202B Ordean Building, Duluth, MN 55802, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Jarvi-Dowd Chapel, 925 E. Fourth St., 722-5131.
ETHELYN ALEXANDER
Ethelyn Alexander, 73, of Pine River, Minn., formerly of Duluth, died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001.
Survivors include sons Dean, James (Deborah) and Wade (Tammy); daughters Lucinda (John) Anderson and Melinda (Bruce) Linscheid; three sisters; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.
FRIENDS MAY CALL: 9:30 until the 11 a.m. service Saturday in Church of the Nazarene, Backus, Minn. Memorials to American Cancer Society.
ETHEL ESTELLE BEATTY SCHNAUFER
Ethel Estelle Schnaufer, 89, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2001, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
She was called to be with her Savior and her beloved husband, Arthur, in eternal rest.
Her fulfilled life began Jan. 20, 1912, when she was born in Ahmeek, Mich., to Charles Andrew and Emma Ella Schmidt Beatty. As the daughter of the first park ranger at Fort Wilkins State Park at the tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, she spent most of her early years living in the officer's quarters as the fort was being reconstructed by her father. She attended Calumet High School during the winter months, graduating in 1929. She graduated from Northern State Teacher's College in Marquette, Mich., in 1932, receiving her Michigan teacher's certificate. She then taught home economics in the Bessemer and Calumet, Mich., school systems for the next nine years. She received a bachelor of science degree in home economics from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1960 and taught at Washington Junior High School in Duluth from 1960-1969.
She was united in marriage with Arthur E. Schnaufer at St. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Hancock, Mich. A devoted Lutheran, she was involved in church activities all her life, spending 26 years as an active member of St. John's and First Lutheran churches in Duluth. Following her husband's retirement in Duluth in 1978, they moved back to rural Hancock. She continued her work in her church, helping to form a quilting group of ladies who make quilts to send to overseas church missions. In February 2001, following her husband's death, she moved to Colorado Springs to be near her daughter, Mary.
Ethel was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Charles; a sister, Gertrude; and her devoted husband of 59 years, Arthur E. Schnaufer.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughters Mary Stoll of Colorado Springs, Elizabeth (Robert) Krasche of Williamsburg, Va.; a son Robert (Karen) Schnaufer of Sparks, Nev.; a brother, Frank (Alice) Beatty of Calumet; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many other loving relatives and friends.
REMAINS WILL BE INTERRED at a later date in the family plot at Lake View cemetery, near Calumet.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, 527 Hancock St., Hancock, MI 49930.
RHODA B. CARLSON
Rhoda B. Carlson, 80, of Duluth passed away Monday, Dec. 3, 2001, in Viewcrest Health & Rehabilitation Center.
She was born Dec. 2, 1921, in Cook to Nels and Lillian Larson. She graduated from Cook High School. She married
Roy Carlson in Duluth. She was a member of Lakeview Covenant Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; parents; and a sister, Eileen.
She is survived by her son, Paul (Cori) Carlson of Duluth; a daughter, Carol Carlson of Duluth; a brother, Alan (Lois) Larson of Cook; a sister, Irene Popovich of Duluth; grandchildren Stephanie (Brent) Gould, Chace and Shane; and very special friends, Jerry Sellars, Matt, Chrissie, Trisha, Cory and Eva.
VISITATION: 10 until the 11 a.m. service Thursday in Lakeview Covenant Church, the Rev. Kevin Melin officiating. Interment in Markham cemetery. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier Funeral Home.
MARGARET MARIE BERG
Margaret Marie Berg, 87, of Duluth passed away Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, in Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. Margaret put up a very courageous battle over the years with cancer.
She was born on March 16, 1914, in Duluth to John and Anna Peters. She taught Christian Release Time Education from various elementary schools for more than 30 years and was an advocate for protecting children. She had a gift of life and was dedicated to her faith, close family and friends. Margaret was also a member of Bethany Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Mary Jane Huttunen and Elizabeth MacIver; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Kay Berg.
Margaret is survived by her husband of 53 years, Clayton D. Berg of Duluth; sons Arthur J. of Two Harbors, Roger A. of Superior and Dennis M. (Vickie) Berg of Carlton; daughters Carol A. (Charlie) Oling of Two Harbors, Patricia J. Frykman of Duluth and Linda D. (Donald) McDonald of Arlington, Texas; 16 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mildred (Donald) Jeronimus of Oceanside, Calif.; and a brother, John Peters of Largo, Fla.
VISITATION: 1 until the 2 p.m. service Wednesday in Bethany Baptist Church, 6700 Grand Ave., the Rev. Mark Watkins officiating. Burial in Oneota cemetery, Duluth. Memorials to Bethany Baptist Church. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Bell Brothers Chapel, 624-5745.
ROBERT "BOB" ARTHUR AMUNDSON
Robert "Bob" Arthur Amundson, 78, of North 85th Avenue West died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2001, in St. Mary's Medical Center.
Bob was born in Duluth on Aug. 23, 1923, to Arthur and Gennie (Norlund). He attended Denfeld High School and served in the Navy during World War II. Bob was a Teamster and drove trucks for Whitney Cement, DelZotto Manufacturing, Custom Step, Zenith Concrete and Unit Step. He also worked at Diamond Tool and was a brakeman for the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway. Bob married
Jane Gennett on May 14, 1949, and they raised four children. He enjoyed fishing, yard work and sheet metal fabricating. Bob also loved to watch baseball, football and hockey, and he excelled at keeping statistics.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jane, in 1993; and a son, John, in 1998.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Linda (Otis "Andy) Anderson of Duluth and Gloria (Tom) Fish of Edgewater, Fla.; a son, David, with the Army in St. Louis, Mo.; a brother, Donald "Don" (Lillian) of Clarkston, Wash.; sisters Carol (Jim) Peterson of Mahtowa and Lois (Ole) Elo of Buffalo, Minn.; grandchildren Patrick (Trista) Anderson, Melissa Anderson, Susan and Theresa Fish, and Mary Ann and Roseann Amundson; great-grandchildren Kaylee Anderson and Lillian Fish; his very best friend, Dave (Evelyn) Frear; and several nieces and nephews.
VISITATION: 5-7 p.m. today and service at noon Wednesday in Bell Brothers Chapel. Interment in Oneota cemetery with military honors accorded by the Duluth VFW Honor Guard. Arrangements by Bell Brothers Funeral Directors, Bell Brothers Chapel, 601 N. 56th Ave. W.
