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Katherine Aune
Katherine “Katie” Picek Aune, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at Carefree Living in Cook. The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Carefree Assisted Living and Essentia Hospice for their compassionate love and care. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Katie was born on October 7, 1931, to Steve and Pearl Picek. She grew up in Field Township and graduated from Cook High School in 1949. She was united in marriage to Earl Aune on February 17, 1951, in Cook, where they shared a beautiful life together.
A lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook, Katie’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. Her dedication extended to her work at Cook School, where she served as Head Cook for over 25 years. A hardworking and devoted school employee, Katie formed many lifelong friendships with her colleagues.
Katie was a caretaker in every sense of the word. Those close to her knew her as a loving and giving soul who always went above and beyond for her family and friends. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, where visitors were met with open arms, heartfelt conversations, and an abundance of delicious food. No one ever left Katie’s home hungry as she made it her mission to ensure everyone was well-fed and cared for, her generous hospitality will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Katie’s family cherishes memories of her quick wit, lively card games at the Blackduck cabin, and her unparalleled lefse-making skills. When word got out that she was making lefse, friends and family would gather for a taste and some friendly banter, creating fond memories.
Her legacy lives on through the love and laughter she shared with others. Katie will be deeply missed, and her family will forever remember her unwavering love and dedication to them.
Katie was preceded in death by her parents; husband Earl; brothers: John, William, Peter, Harry, Steve, and Mike Picek; sisters: Mary Rudduck, Ann Picek, Julia Lind, and Helen Arola; and son-in-law Ed Vaughn.
Katie is survived by her children, Judy Vaughn, Steven Aune, Donald (Cynthia) Aune, Roger (Sheryl) Aune; grandchildren, Crystal (Jesse) Scofield, Jennifer (Garrett) Corrow, Carrie (Rod) Wilson, Kyle Aune, Tara (Todd) Dietman, Trisha Aune, Tawnya Aune, Chuck (Stephanie) Tomlin, Bill (Ashley) Aune, Eric (Rachelle) Aune, Jake (Rachel) Aune; great-grandchildren, Blake, Karah, Emilee, Owen, Kaius, Joby, Tessa, Jaxin, Bryce, Nathan, Cole, Brendin, Gage, Austin, Maverick, Ashton, Bayleigh, Jared; sisters-in-law, Margaret Picek, Donna Picek, Carol McCue; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
James F. Saatela
James Floyd Saatela, 76, of Orr, died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at University Medical Center Mesabi after being under the care of hospice for cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Heritage Trail Bible Church, officiated by Pastor Gus Layman. Visitation will
begin one hour prior to the service. Private burial will be at a later date at Leiding Cemetery in Orr. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
He is survived by his sisters, Kathy Ebel and Patti Corchoran; brother, Bruce (Rhoda) Saatela; children, Dan (Amy Dishneau) Saatela, Angela Mitchell, Nancy (Todd) Fisher, Mike (Renee) Saatela and Sherri (Ben) Johnson; seven grandchildren; a nephew, nieces, cousins and
friends.
Donald W. Anderson
Donald Wallace Anderson, 81, of Lake Vermilion-Cook, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Per his wishes, there will be no funeral service. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his sisters, Alice LeMoine and Patricia Lund; nieces, Lisa Tamte, Jennifer Kukielka and Jodi Bergh; and nephew, Jim LeMoine.
Margaret I. Oberg
Margaret I. Oberg, 84, of Tower. passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at her home. Arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Marjorie Hible
Marjorie “Margie” Hible, 80, of Ely, passed away on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth surrounded by her loving family. Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with Mass beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a gathering at her daughter Kim’s house following the service. The family would like to express a sincere and special thank you to the amazing individuals who loved and cared for her at Boundary Waters Care and Carefree Living. Also, a heartfelt thank you to the men and women who were involved as First Responders, EMS, EPD, EFD and the staff members of St. Mary’s Medical Center. Family services are entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
She is survived by her children, Eugene Jr. (Mary) Kowarsch, Kim (Christopher) Puzel, Kevin (Tonya) Kowarsch, Kerry (Amanda) Kowarsch, Krissy (Dave) Kishel and Korry (Jessie) Kowarsch; brothers, George (Barb) Hible and Jim Hible; 40 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Lawrence Thompson
Lawrence “Larry” Thompson, 78, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the HideAway Supper Club in Babbitt. Family services have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Thompson; son, Corey Thompson; grandson, Michael Frost; sister, Norma Heikkila; and many nieces and nephews.
Jack E. Erkkila
Jack Edward Erkkila, 69, of Babbitt, died on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth with his sisters by his side. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. with a memorial service to follow at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with Deacon Greg Hutar officiating. Burial will be in the Argo Cemetery in Babbitt. Arrangements are with Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert.
He is survived by his siblings, Kathy (Gary) Dale of Warroad, Monica (Rob) Curtiss and James Erkkila, both of Babbitt; nephews and nieces, Gerald (Katie) Dale, Chad (Janel) Dale, James (Kristen) Lesemann, Pamela Lesemann and Emily (Craig) Seliskar; great-nieces and great-nephews.
Michael W. Randolph
Michael W. “Steel” Randolph, 69, of Cook, passed away peacefully at the Cook Care Center on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at Dougherty Funeral Home in Hibbing with Pastor John Dietz officiating. Interment was at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.
He is survived by his companion, June Randall; children, Carrie (James) Armstrong of Altoona, Iowa, and Ashlee (Jake) Kaim of Pengilly; bonus children, Angela (John) Schweiberger and Jamie (Kristen) Bayliss, both of Hibbing; brother, Greg (Robbin) Randolph of Mason, Ohio; four grandchildren; and seven bonus grandchildren.
Pat Schmid
Pat “Patti Lou” Akins Schmid, 77, of Embarrass, died on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth surrounded by her loving family. The family would like to thank Dr. Friday, Dr. Rich and Katti for all their support during her courageous battle. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 17 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Zachary Klump will officiate. A gathering time for family and friends will begin at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her husband, Dave of Embarrass; children, Trina Townsend (fiancé Richard Holtz) of Milton, Wis., Susan (Don) Kline of Pine City and Tom (Darcie) Schmid of Embarrass; six loving granddaughters; a special great-grandson; siblings, John (Leslie) Akins, Stella Soraparu and Fred (Terri) Akins, all of Washington, and Kathy (Gary) Salmela of Soudan; brother-in-law, Jim (Mary) Maki of Winton; sisters-in-law, Jean Loushin, Becky (Steve) Coy, Barb (Jon) Christofferson and Lizbeth (Steve) Smith; many nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.