Search Archived Marriage Records
Lee D. Kepler
Lee D. Kepler, 64, SERVICES: Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at First Lutheran Church in Hibbing. Visitation 6-8 p.m. today at the Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home Chapel in Hibbing, and will continue one hour Monday prior to service at the church. Private family interment will be at a later time in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing. To share a remembrance online, go to: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Lee D. Kepler, 64, of Bovey and formerly of Hibbing, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, in his home on Crooked Lake from lung cancer associated with exposure to asbestos — mesothelioma.
He was born July 13, 1940, in Hibbing, the son of Anthony F. and Selma M. (Lindgren) Kepler. He graduated from Hibbing High School, lettering in baseball, basketball, track and football. Lee later attended Hibbing Community College, then Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis and attained a degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. After graduation, he married Sharon Beasy. In 1975 he married Susan Caldwell. They celebrated their 29th year of marriage quietly at their home this Sept. 12.
Lee began his working career at Mammoth Industries in Plymouth, Minn. Upon returning to Hibbing, he became a pioneer employee at Eveleth Taconite. After 36 years, he retired as an electrical foreman. He completed his working career after five years as an electrician employed by Inland Steel in Virginia.
Lee was a member of First Lutheran Church in Hibbing and a past member of the Hibbing Elks Lodge 1022. His and Susan’s interests in preserving the environment led them to found the Upper Prairie River Lakes Association, where he was president until his death. He also was a member of the Itasca Coalition of Lakes Association. For almost 50 years, he was an avid winter trout fisherman in Canada. He also enjoyed duck, goose and deer hunting, as well as ricing and snowmobiling. Recently Lee and Sue sold their home in Hibbing and built a beautiful home at their Crooked Lake cabin site. Lee was a special individual who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Steven (Sharolyn) Kepler of Farmington and Kirsten “Kiki” Kepler of Minneapolis; stepson, Brian (fiancee Emily Vernon) Gaylord, of Bloomington; grandchildren, Justin, Joshua and Amanda Kepler of Farmington; brother, Del A. Kepler, of Hibbing; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.
Anna M. ‘Dolly’ Manley
Anna M. ‘Dolly’ Manley, 74, SERVICES: Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia, with the Rev. John O’Donnell and the Rev. John Doyle as concelebrants. Visitation will begin with a 9:30 a.m. parish rosary at the church. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are by Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Anna M. “Dolly’’ Manley, 74, of Virginia died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at her home.
She was born May 11, 1930, in Virginia to Joseph and Ruby (Fabich) Judnick and had been a lifelong resident. She graduated from the Roosevelt High School in 1948. On July 3, 1948, she married Thomas P. Manley in Virginia.
Dolly was a piano teacher for many years and had worked in retail sales. She was with the “Looney Tunes’’ for 27 years, where they volunteered their time in nursing homes and veterans homes.
She was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and its church choir; past president of Crellin-Tini Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1113 Auxiliary of Virginia; the “Sweet Adelines’’; Christians United for the Faith; and a Cub Scout leader for Pack 109 of Marquette School. She was instrumental in organizing the East Range Choral Society with Dr. Duane Person and Dallas Frandsen.
She is survived by three children, Patty Manley, David Jon Manley and Deborah (Larry) Okland, all of Virginia; five grandchildren, Heather, Kella, Corey, Brooke and Megan; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Selena and Alexis; two sisters, Judy Orr and Catherine “Chickie’’ Pedersen; two brothers, Robert (Barb) Judnick and Donald Judnick; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends and partners in the love of music — the “Looney Tunes.’’
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Thomas P. Manley Sr.; a son, Thomas P. Manley Jr.; a granddaughter, Dani Jo Okland; and two brothers, William Judnick and Joseph Judnick.
Andrew St. Clair
Andrew St. Clair, 79, SERVICES: Funeral 11 a.m. Monday at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm, with the Rev. Robert Ierien of Faith Lutheran Church in Chisholm officiating. Visitation 6-8 p.m. today and will continue one hour Monday prior to service, all at the funeral home. Burial will be in Chisholm Cemetery.
Andrew St. Clair, 79, of Chisholm, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at Providence Place Nursing Home in Minneapolis after a courageous batlte with cancer.
He was born July 17, 1925, at White Earth, Minn., to Alfred St. Clair and Margaret Fairbanks. Andrew was a longtime Chisholm resident who enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his loving and devoted sister, Dorothy Olson, and a brother, Lester Fairbanks, both Minneapolis; a sister, Margaret St. Clair, of St. Louis, Mo.; and many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed but will live on in our hearts forever. A special thanks to Richard and Alice Bussey and their family for their longtime love, devotion and care. You will always be a part of our family.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kenny; his parents; and a sister, Connie Nelson.
Deanne Yerich Sassani
Deanne Yerich Sassani, 63, SERVICES: Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Chino, Calif.
Deanne Yerich Sassani, 63, daughter of the late Frank and Sophie Yerich of Aurora, died Oct. 8, 2004, in Beaumont, Calif.
She was born March 8, 1941, in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1959. When she was a senior, she was Taconite Queen. She attended Virginia Junior College, and in 1961 she moved to Hollywood to join her sister, actress Francine York. While working as a secretary, she was studying singing and wrote a song called “Georgy Boy,’’ which she performed in many showcases. While performing in a musical play, she met her future husband, Salvatore Sassani. Sal had to give her a big kiss in the scene, and he said later that he knew then she was the girl for him. They were married in 1962 and had four children. While raising them, she wrote a Southern gothic novel called “The Taxidermist, ‘’ which was turned into a screenplay to be made into a movie.
Deanne never forgot her Iron Range roots, for her love of the polka was something she really enjoyed. She got to meet Frankie Yankovic and his wife, Ida, in California. This was a real thrill for her as she was brought up with his music. She was a fabulous cook and her Thanksgiving dinners were especially outstanding.
Upon her death she was living in Calimesa, Calif. Her sweet personality and kindness was felt by her friends and family. She was a giving, loving person and will be greatly missed by all.
She is survived by her sister, Francine York; four children, Gina Nieman, Ava Mikkelson, Dominic Sassani and Delinda Greenwood; four grandchildren, Franklin, Asley and Candice Nieman and Holly Greenwood; her aunts, Angela Milanovich of Gilbert and Emma Ferkul of Coon Rapids, Minn.; and her uncles, Albert Yerich of Aurora and Matt Yerich of Coon Rapids.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Salvatore Sassani; her father, Frank Yerich, in 1991; and her mother, Sophie Yerich, in 1998.
Taimi Julia Hernlem
Taimi Julia Hernlem, 88, SERVICES: A funeral will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. John’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. Loren Lucht will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Burnside Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Jim Hernlem Jr., Erica Pritchard, Nicholas Hernlem, Marc Gerken, Jennifer Gerken and Gretta Wittman. Honorary pallbearers will be Christian Hernlem, Anthony Gerken, Philip Gerken, Haley Pritchard, Anna Pritchard, Tori Pritchard and Rachael Hernlem. Memorials are preferred to the church.
Taimi Julia Hernlem, 88, of Red Wing, died Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at Fairview Seminary Home in Red Wing, Minn.
She was born April 12, 1916, in Virginia, to Victor and Hilda (Jukkola) Maki. She attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Virginia Roosevelt High School in 1935. After one year of junior college, she moved to Ann Arbor, Mich., where she worked at the local hospital and at the Ford Bomber Plant before enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp in April of 1945.
While serving in the Marines, she met Fredrick Hernlem Jr., and they were married on Sept. 16, 1945, in Virginia. They lived in Michigan for a time and, in 1949, they moved to Red Wing. She worked at St. John’s Hospital in admissions and as a switchboard operator. In 1952, they moved to Virginia, where she also worked at the local hospital and helped keep books for her husband’s business.
They returned to Red Wing in 1959. She worked as an office clerk for Marigold and then became a secretary for her husband’s business, Hernlem Cartage, until 1980, when they sold the business and retired. Fredrick died May 21, 1993.
She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was active in the ladies guild and choir. She enjoyed fishing and taking her family with on fishing trips, as well as watching football and any high school event that her children or grandchildren were participating in.
Taimi is survived by three children, Fredrick J. (Robin) Hernlem of Aventura, Fla., Barbara (Myrlin “Skeeter”) Mason of Mora, Minn., and James R. (Margaret) Hernlem Sr. or Red Wing; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; three sisters; and one brother.
Willard 'Bill' 'Curly' Hubert
Willard 'Bill' 'Curly' Hubert, 75, SERVICES: A memorial get-together will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Tank’s Bar in Babbitt. Family services are provided by Kerntz Brothers, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Ely. To leave a personal remembrance of Curly online, see ww.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Willard ‘Bill’ “Curly” Hubert, 75, of Babbitt, died Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at his home on Birch Lake.
He was born Aug. 31, 1929, in Highwater Township, Cottonwood County, to Emil and Nona (Moody) Hubert. He attended country school and graduated from Lamberton High School in 1948. Following graduation, he worked for Interstate Power Company in South St. Paul and Lamberton before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1950 and serving in Korea. After his honorable discharge in 1952, Curly worked in the Cloquet and Silver Bay, Minn., area before going to work for Reserve Mining in 1957 as a railroad worker. He served as a lineman, fireman and engineer before retiring in 1986. Curly purchased his Northwoods home on Birch Lake in Babbitt, where he enjoyed visiting with friends and family, writing his own special, wonderful letters (another visit from Bill!), hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He also enjoyed watching and feeding the birds and quilting.
Curly is survived by his brothers and sisters, Lawrence (Collen) Hubert of Lamberton, Minn., Norma (Harold) Miller of Hemet, Calif., Marjorie (Bernett) Nickel of Sanborn, Minn., Carol (Darrell) Werner of Lake George, Minn., Janice (Rodney) Gertner of Walnut Grove, Minn., Dennis (Loretta) Hubert of Anoka, Minn., and Fredrick Hubert of Redwood Falls, Minn.; 11 nieces; and 12 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Dale.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, as he added a sparkle and warmth to any gathering.
Thomas J. Skarba
Thomas J. Skarba, 46, SERVICES: Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. The Rev. Reuben Rosnau will officiate. Burial will be in the Morcom Township Cemetery in Bear River.
Thomas J. Skraba, 46, of Bear River, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 21, 1958, in Chisholm, to Joseph and Doreen (Arnebeck) Skraba. He had lived in Duluth, Grand Rapids and Angora, and had graduated from Cook High School in 1977. He has resided in Bear River since 1997.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Joseph and Bernadette Skraba of Duluth; and one brother, Steve (Cheryl) Skraba of Elephant Lake-Orr.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Doreen Skraba, on Feb. 4, 1997.
Donald Franklyn Ritacco
Donald Franklyn Ritacco, 75, SERVICES: A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Virginia. The Rev. Al Bedard will officiate. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the West Pike Cemetery in Pike Township. Arrangements are by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.
Donald Franklyn Ritacco, 75, of Virginia, died Sunday, Oct. 17, 2004, in the Virginia Regional Medical Center.
He was born Nov. 10, 1928, in Virginia, to Frank and Marguerite (Pue) Ritacco. He attended school in Orr and, a short time later, began working for the Duluth Winnipeg Pacific Railroad. He served our country as a U.S. veteran during the Korean War. On June 25, 1955, he married Elizabeth Walters in Virginia. Following the military, he returned to the railroad and worked there as a roadmasters clerk with 42 years of service.
Donald is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; children, Donald Ritacco of Pike Township, Russell Ritacco of Virginia, Gary Ritacco of Babbitt, and Lisa Yourczek of Virginia; two grandchildren, Alysia and Joseph; sisters, Lorayne Kunelius of Saginaw, Minn., and Marilyn Greiner of Britt; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Shadow.
He was preceded in death by his parent; brother, James; and sisters, Kathlyn and Patricia.
Delores Margaret High
Delores Margaret High, 71, SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely at 11 a.m. Friday. Visitation will take place one hour before the service at church. Inurnment will be in the Ely Cemetery. Family services provided by Kerntz Brothers, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Ely. To leave an online remembrance to Delores go to www.baumanfuneralhome.com.
Delores Margaret High, 71, of Ely died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2004.
She was born Jan. 12, 1933, in Ely to Simon and Agatha (Carr) Marolt. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1950 and on Nov. 8, 1952, married Van High in Ely.
Delores spent most of her life in the Ely area. She worked for many years for Trygg Land Office before owning and operating the Ely Speedwash in partnership with her husband, Van, and Ed and Faye Smuk for over 30 years. Her greatest enjoyment was attending all the kids and grandkids sporting events. She was an avid bowler. Delores was a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Slovenian Women’s Union, the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW and American Legion, Mothers Auxiliary for Youth Activities, and Ely Business Women. Delores was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She served as treasurer of the Ely Blue Line Club and was instrumental in getting an ice arena built. Delores was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed by many!
She is survived by her husband, Van; children, Rick (Chen) High of Eveleth, Jerry High and Donna (Jim) Richards of Ely; grandchildren, Ricky, Erica, Alecia, Matt, Jimmy, Jeff and Jordan; great-granddaughter, Caitlyn; sister, Rosemarie Buchner of Ely; brothers, Simon (Fran) Marolt of Ely and Albert (Marydel) Marolt of Babbitt; sister-in-law, Nile Blakesley; numerous nieces, nephews; and friends.
Preceding her in death were her parents and brothers, Louis and Edward.
Clifton R. Kanian
Clifton R. Kanian, 56, SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service Chapel in Chisholm with the Rev. Katrina Hanson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Inurnment will be in Chisholm Cemetery.
Clifton R. Kanian, 56, of Buhl, died Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at the Fairview University Medical Center-Mesabi in Hibbing.
He was born Nov. 21, 1947, in Gilbert, to Leonard and Julie (Johnson) Kanian. Clifton had lived at Hearthside Home in Tower before moving to Northern Habilitative Services Forest Home-Buhl in 1981.
He enjoyed working for East Range Development Achievement Center in Eveleth with 25 years of service. He was a member of Pike Epistolic Lutheran Church in Big Sandy and the Northwoods Word of Life Church in Virginia. Clifton was also proud of his bolt collection and very fond of the movie the Wizard of Oz. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at the Forest House.
He is survived by his family at N.H.S. Forest House in Buhl and his friends at the East Range D.A.C. in Eveleth.
He was preceded in death by his good friend, Jim.
Gary W. Smith
Gary W. Smith, 50, SERVICES: Tribal Rites will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Nett Lake Community Center. Gilbert Smith will be the spiritual advisor. Visitation will be after 4 p.m. at the Community Center. Interment will be in the Nett Lake Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook.
Gary W. Smith, 50, of Minneapolis, formerly of the Iron Range area, died Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, in Minneapolis.
He is survived by one son, Gary Smith Jr.; two daughters, Sharlean Laitinen of St. Cloud and Cary HisGun of South Dakota; two brothers, William “Bill” Smith Jr. and Ray Wilson, both of Minneapolis; two sisters, Elaine Villebrun of Orr and Clarice Geshick of Cook; and three grandchildren.
