Obituaries - Feb. 23, 2018

Lewis E. Bystrom

Lewis “Bud” Everett Bystrom, 81, of Crane Lake, passed away on Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth in the loving presence of his wife Charlotte, family, and beloved dog Jet. A Celebration of Life event is being planned for June. The family would like to express thanks and sincere gratitude to those who work on the hospice ward (2 West) at St. Luke’s Hospital. Their excellent care, compassion, and professionalism were greatly appreciated.

Bud was born on Feb. 26, 1936, in Cook. In first grade, Bud wrote Charlotte a letter stating that he would marry her one day. They were married right after high school. In their early years together, Bud worked for Minntac and later as a construction contractor for the military, traveling to Greenland and Vietnam. For most of his career, Bud was a carpentry instructor at Moorhead Technical College where he taught the trade to many of the area contractors. He was a man of many talents and was always willing to share. He was a lifelong member of the Masons, becoming Potentate at El Zagal Shrine Temple in 1991. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, something he instilled upon his children. In 2000, Bud and Charlotte retired to Crane Lake, on the Canadian border, a place where they had spent nearly every summer of their lives together. He enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their lake home.

Bud is survived by his wife of 63 years, Charlotte; children, Brian (Ronda) Bystrom, Brad (Tonja Rolfson) Bystrom, Brent (Laurie) Bystrom, Brenda (Jerry) Pohlman and Beth (Sheldon) Sokoloski, eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents, Everette and Helen; brother, Byron Bystrom; and daughter, Cindy Bystrom.

I See You’ve Traveled Some

Wherever you may chance to be

Wherever you may roam,

Far away in foreign lands

Or just at Home, Sweet Home,

It always gives you pleasure,

It makes your heart strings hum

Just to hear the words of cheer,

“I see you’ve traveled some.”

And when your final summons comes

To take a last long trip,

Adorned with Lambskin Apron white

And gems of fellowship,

The Tiler at the Golden Gate

With square and rule and plumb

Will size up your deeds and say, “Walk in,

I see you’ve traveled some.”

Gregory Laakkonen

Gregory Laakkonen, 58, of Orr, passed away on Monday, Feb. 19, 2018. There will be no service per Greg’s desire.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1960, in Virginia. Greg loved the Minnesota Vikings, the Wild and the Twins. He was a great fan.

He is survived by his parents, Jesse and Judy of Ranier; brother, Curt (Wendy) of Orr; niece, Cassie of St. Paul; and great-niece, Fae of St. Paul.

Stephan R. Schally

Stephan Raymond “Ray” Schally, 80, of Ely, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. No formal services will be held. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Janet; daughter, Stephanie Marie (David); son, Christopher Lee (Michelle); brother; David O. (Sheila) Schally; nephew and niece, Daniel and Jennifer Schally; and the loves of his life, grandchildren Maximillian, Jacob and Nathan.

Sally Davidson

Sally Davidson, 102, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at the Boundary Waters Care Center. She will be buried in the Fort Snelling Memorial Cemetery in Minneapolis alongside her late husband Quinn Davidson. Memorial service to be determined. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

She is survived by her son, Tom Morris of San Diego, Calif.; grandsons, Thomas and Erik Morris of Arizona; and five great-grandchildren.

Marvin Jonas Sr.

Marvin Jonas Sr., of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at the Virginia Care Center. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 17 at First Lutheran Church in Ely with Military Honors provided by the Ely Honor Guard. Family arrangements were entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

He is survived by three sons, Peter (Faith), Marvin Jr. (Paula) and Charlie (Patsy); seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.