Obituaries: July 11, 2025

Brenna M. Simpson
Brenna Marie Simpson, 29, of Cook, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 4, 2025, at St. Mary’s Essentia Hospital in Duluth. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cook. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. All are welcome to gather, share memories, and honor Brenna’s beautiful life. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Brenna was born in 1996 and graduated from North Woods High School in 2015. During her high school years, she volunteered at the Cook Nursing Home, bringing joy to residents by painting nails, reading, crafting, playing cards, and sharing her bright, comforting presence.
Brenna began her career working at Disability Specialists in Cook, later working for Quality Disability Services, where she provided care and support for individuals with disabilities. Most recently, Brenna was employed at North Star Credit Union as a loan clerk and notary, a job she deeply enjoyed. She was proud of the work she did and cherished the great friendships she built with her coworkers.
Brenna was a joyful and generous soul who lit up every room she entered. She loved spending time outdoors, attending concerts, shopping (she kept the UPS man busy), listening to country music, and playing cards. She also loved getting her nails done and adding to her collection of meaningful tattoos, each one a reflection of her personality and journey. Her style was always top-notch and up-to-date, and she never passed up an excuse to buy a new outfit and dress up.
Above all, Brenna loved her family, especially her two nieces, who meant the world to her. She was a meticulous planner and found happiness in organizing events. Whether it was a birthday, baby shower, reunion, or holiday gathering, Brenna always made sure every detail was thoughtful and beautifully done. Her love language was giving; her gifts were often prepared months in advance, always personal and from the heart.
Brenna faced a lifelong medical journey with strength and grace. In 2000, her brother Bo became her bone marrow donor, giving her the gift of 25 more beautiful years. She lived those years fully, spreading kindness, laughter, and love. Now, she is free; walking, running, dancing, and watching over all who loved her.
Brenna is survived by her loving parents, Dawn and Troy Simpson; brother, Bo (Carissa) Simpson; sister, Brynn Simpson; nieces, Teagan and Taeley Simpson; paternal grandmother, Hope Simpson; aunts and uncles, Loann Trygg, Brad (Connie) Simpson, Lynn (Steve) Polich, Dale (Karla) Arvila, Brad (Michelle) Arvila, and Scott (Becky) Arvila; along with many cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Brooke Simpson; paternal grandfather, Robert Simpson; maternal grandparents, Leslie and Mary Ann Arvila; cousin, Josh Polich; paternal great-grandparents, Robert and Lura Simpson and Sam and Alice Keister; and maternal great-grandparents, Axel and Hulda Arvila and Gust and Mary Peterson.

Harlan S. Gorecki
Harlan Stanley “Buck” Gorecki, 70, of Babbitt, passed away of health complications, at home in hospice care, on Dec. 16, 2024, with his daughter and wife by his side. A celebration of life will be held at the Hideaway in Babbitt on Saturday, July 12 from 3-5 p.m.
He is survived by his wife, Melanie; children, Ronnie, Laura, and Dylan; brothers, Loren and Ben; brother-in-law, Bobby Pinckney; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Roland E. Fowler Sr.
Roland Eugene “Charlie” Fowler Sr., 92, of Embarrass, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Saturday, June 21, 2025. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 12 at the Timber Hall, 4855 Hwy 21 in Embarrass, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service at 11 a.m. Military honors and fellowship will follow. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
Born on Nov. 30, 1932, in Whittemore, Charlie was a man of steadfast character and an enduring pillar of his community in Embarrass until his final days. Charlie’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his loved ones and his community.
Charlie served proudly as a Korean War Veteran. Throughout his life, Charlie was deeply involved in his community, working diligently for the Reserve Mining Company and serving as the Embarrass Township Maintenance Supervisor. His commitment to his fellow workers was evident in his role as a Union Representative for Reserve, where he advocated for fair and safe working conditions. Charlie’s passion for serving his community extended beyond his professional life. He was a respected member of the Embarrass Volunteer Fire Department, a dedicated member of the Babbitt-Embarrass School Board, a diligent Embarrass Township Supervisor, an active participant on the Embarrass Fair Board, and an esteemed member of the board for the Embarrass-Vermillion Credit Union.
Charlie’s faith was central to his life. As a devout Christian, he lived his beliefs through his actions, embodying the principles of kindness, charity, and fellowship. His faith was his guiding light, and it provided comfort and inspiration to those who knew him.
Known for his meticulous nature and attention to detail, Charlie became the official National Weather Service weather observer for Embarrass, a role that he was very proud of; he contributed significantly to the community’s understanding of their local climate. His observations and records were invaluable, and he became a trusted source of information for many.
Charlie’s interests and involvements paint a picture of a man who was not only active and engaged in his community, but also deeply passionate about his contributions. His life was a testament to the idea that one person’s dedication can indeed make a difference. Charlie’s impact on his town and the lives he touched will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love and strength through his daughter, Michelle Fowler, married to Daryl Benson; son, Randy; grandson, Roland Fowler III; brother, Robert (Cathy) Fowler; sister-in-law, R’Milla (Daniel) Meyer; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Stella.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Adrienne Fowler; son, Roland Fowler Jr.; and sisters, Florence Brennan, Mary Basiniski, and Ruth Jefferson.
As we bid farewell to Roland Eugene Fowler Sr., we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with purpose, service, and love. His memory will be cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire. Charlie’s life was a beacon of community service and personal integrity, and his memory will be held in the highest regard by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him.

Vincent O’Connor
Vincent O’Connor, 69, of Ely, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 30 at Grace Lutheran Church in Ely, with a small reception following. Inurnment of his ashes will be held at a later date.