Edgar A. Jackson

Edgar A. Jackson, 91, of New Richmond, Wis., formerly of Cook, passed away on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, at the Gables Nursing Home in New Richmond. Memorial services were held on Thursday, Dec. 1 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook with Rev. Janeva Stromberg officiating. The honorary bearers were Brant and Benn Jackson, David Pfefferle, Forrest Murphy, Harry Holter and Charlie Scott. Military honors were accorded by the combined honor guards of Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1757 and Orr American Legion Post 480. Interment was in the Field Township Cemetery. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Edgar was born on May 16, 1920, in Clayton, Ind., the youngest of four sons of William and Lottie (Edwards) Jackson. He graduated from high school, assisted on the family farm, and then completed two years of technical school. He was united in marriage to Myrtle D. Holter on March 13, 1941, in Cook. Edgar was a decorated Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Rome-Arno, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns; he received the Purple Heart Award for being wounded in Germany. Upon returning from the war, he went into construction, and worked for several construction companies in Cook and Virginia. Edgar went to work for F. W. Woolworth as a construction foreman and later was transferred to the office as supervisor and buyer of equipment for the Woolworth stores in a five-state region, while living in New Brighton.

In 1964, he chose to go back to farming, moving back to Indiana to farm with his brother, and retiring in 1982. He returned to Cook, where he and Myrtle were faithful members of Trinity Lutheran Church; Edgar served on the church council and sang in its choir. He was a dedicated caregiver for others, especially tenderly taking care of his wife Myrtle throughout her progression of Alzheimer’s disease. He was a member of Cook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1757 of Cook and the American Legion of Danville, Ind. Edgar was a friendly, caring man, exceptionally devoted to his family. He approached life with enthusiasm and had a great sense of humor, even when things were difficult. He will be remembered as a man dedicated to family, church and country. “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Blessed be his memory.

Edgar is survived by one son, David (Marilee) Jackson of New Richmond, Wis.; a granddaughter, Marya (David) Pfefferle of Maplewood; two grandsons, Brant (Tammy) Jackson and Benn (Stacy) Jackson; and seven great-grandchildren, Forrest, Riley, Violette, Brooks, Brittan, Lily and Rex.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Myrtle on May 28, 2009; and three brothers, Roy, Paul and Harold Jackson.

Wade R. Erickson

Wade Richard Erickson, 52, of Eveleth and formerly of Tower, died on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, in St. Mary’s Medical Center, surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia with Rev. John O’Donnell officiating. Arrangements were with Bauman Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. To share personal condolences online, go to www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

He was born on Dec. 22, 1958, in Minneapolis, the son of Ronald and Patricia (Mattson) Erickson. He graduated from Grantsburg High School in Wisconsin, where he was a state champion in track, and attended the University of Minnesota. Wade married Bonnie Brantner on Oct. 17, 1987, in Columbia Heights. He was employed in the cabinet business in Plymouth and the nursery industry in Oregon prior to owning and operating Erickson’s Hardware Hank in Tower. He was currently employed by Wayne Transport in Virginia. Wade was a member of the Penguins Snowmobile Club where he volunteered as a groomer driver, and a former member of the Tower Lions Club. He cherished family time, spending time with his buddies and friends, and his collection of “big boy’s toys.” Wade will be remembered for his genuine smile, his gregarious nature, his charismatic personality, his great sense of humor, and the ever-present twinkle in his eye. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Wade is survived by his wife of 24 years, Bonnie; son, Josh of Minneapolis; daughter, McKenzie of Eveleth; mother, Patricia Erickson of Minneapolis; brother, Todd (Cheroyl) Erickson of Carlton, Ore.; father and mother-in-law, Vern and Angie Brantner; brothers- and sisters-in law, Patty and Tom Ely, Dennis Brantner, Cheryl and Rusty Rothfus and Brian Brantner; numerous other relatives and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald; and sister, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth A. Joki

Elizabeth Ann Joki, 73, of Virginia, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. A memorial service was held on Friday, Dec. 2 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Burial was in the Waasa Cemetery.

Elizabeth is survived by a sister, Nancy Menelli of Mountain Iron; brother, David (Gayle) Joki of Embarrass; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Edward W. Skube

Edward W. Skube, 77, of Babbitt, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at the Virginia Regional Medical Center. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 11 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with Rev. Fr. William Skarich as celebrant. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial with military rites accorded by Maki-Pinola American Legion Post 535 will be at the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.

Edward is survived by his wife of 55 years, Delores of Babbitt; one son, John (Susan) Skube of Virginia; three daughters, Mary (Patrick Cronan) Skube of Edina, Carol Skube of Minneapolis and Jane (Mark) Rein of Geneva, Ill.; 12 grandchildren, Steven, Alicia, Mark, Evan, Jackson, Travis, Julia, Lisa, Kelly, Patrick, Molly and Michael; and two brothers, Bernard Skube and Ronald (Marlene) Skube, both of Ely.

Ursula A. Altobelli

Ursula Anne “Ursh” Altobelli, 91, of Virginia, died on Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at Edgewood Vista in Virginia. The family would like to express a special thanks to her wonderful caregivers. Funeral services were held on Thursday, Dec. 1 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Virginia, with Rev. John O’Donnell as celebrant. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

She is survived by two sons, James (Bonnie) Altobelli of Virginia and John (Cindy) Altobelli of Lake Vermilion-Tower; two daughters, Judy (Joe) Whalen of Sauk Rapids and Patti (Tom) Kallio of New Brighton; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Rose Okorn of Eveleth; one brother, Edward Mervich of Arcata, Calif.; and other relatives and friends.

Edward W. Lesar, 69

Edward “Skip” William Lesar, 69, of Ely, died at his home on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. To leave a personal condolence online, go to www.kerntzfuneral-home.com.

Ed is survived by his son, Michael (Bobbi) Lesar of Aurora; sister, Nancy (Bill) Horvat of Ely; grandson, Reid Lesar; brother-in-law, Phil Mattson of Britt; numerous nieces and nephews; and many great friends he held very close to his heart.

Julia M. Mavetz

Julia “Ticky” M. Mavetz, 84, of Ely, died on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, at her home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with a gathering of family and friends at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely. To share a personal remembrance online, go to www.kerntzfuneral-home.com.

Julia is survived by her children, Mike (Penny) Mavetz of St. Cloud and Jeannie (Steve) Winselman of Cambridge; five grandchildren, Jonathan, Andrew and Christopher Mavetz and Billy and Ashley Winselman; sister, Rose Kauchick of West Palm Beach, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.

Rolland L. Green

Rolland “Rollie” Lloyd Green, 86, of Ely, died at his home on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer. A celebration of Rollie’s life and a memorial service will take place in the summer of 2012. Memorials may be made to the Ely Area Golf Federation or the First Presbyterian Church of Ely. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Sign the online guest book at www.kerntzfuneralhome.com.

He is survived by his wife and soul mate of 57 years, Jean; his son, Jeff (Sharon) of Rosemount; his daughter, Lori (Steve) Temple of Rock Falls, Ill.; twin grandsons, Ben and Nick Green; three brothers in Ohio, Ralph (Norma), Dick (Ruth) and Jimmy (Ardith); and many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy M. Vito

Dorothy M. Vito, 91, of Eveleth, died on Monday, Nov. 21, 2011, at St. Raphael’s Health & Rehabilitation Center in Eveleth. A Memorial Mass was said on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth with Father Charles Flynn officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. Arrangements were with Cron-Sheehy Funeral Home in Eveleth. To sign the guest book online, go to www.cron-sheehy.com.

Survivors include a daughter, Barbara (Larry) Storbeck of Clearwater; a son, Brian (Jayne) Vito of Lake Vermilion-Tower; grandchildren, Kim (Ken) Villone, Kraig (Suzanne) Storbeck, Paul (AnnMarie Larson) Vito and Christine (Troy) Grunenwald; great-grandchildren, Lauren, Ross, Christopher, Kaylie, Ashley, Anthony, Tyler, Dylan and Ryley; brother, Stuart (Kathleen) Anderson; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Vito.

James D. Lustig

James D. Lustig, 79, of Virginia, died on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, surrounded by his family. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia with Rev. Nathan Sager officiating. Military rites were accorded by Yoki-Bergman American Legion Post 220 Color Guard. Burial was in Birch Grove Cemetery in Vermilion Dam, Buyck. Memorials are preferred to the Iron Range Veterans Memorial, PO Box 35, Virginia, MN 55792. Arrangements were with Landmark Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Janet; his children, Cindy Lustig of Embarrass, Dennis Lustig and Carolyn Lustig, both of Virginia; grandchildren, Rebecca Lustig, Sarah (Jason) Randall, Ryan Lustig (life partner Jeffery Bogart) and Christopher Lustig (fiancée Kelsey Johnson); great-grandchildren, Andre and Ashlyn; brother, Don Lustig of Glendale, Ariz.; numerous other relatives and many friends.

Joseph L. Prijatel

Joseph Louis Prijatel, 92, of Ely, died on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Sign the online guest book at www.kerntzfuneral-home.com.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children, Jerry (Carol) Prijatel of Melrose, Joseph (Alice) Prijatel of Ely, Michael (Toni) Prijatel of Owatonna and Peter (Cecelia) Prijatel of Virginia; sister, Rose Jiacik of Ely; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.