Obituaries: March 20, 2026
Patricia Helmberger
Patricia Lavonne Helmberger, age 90, died peacefully on March 12, 2026, in Tower, Minn. having suffered for several years with a series of health complications.
Patricia, who went by Pat, was born on July 22, 1935, in Lengby, Minn., the youngest of six children born to William and Eva Stave (Hilliard). Both her father and mother worked hard to provide for the family during the tough times of the Great Depression. Her parents operated a small general store in Lengby for several years and did many other things to make ends meet.
Pat left home as a teenager, lived off and on with relatives in Brainerd, before attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She later moved back to Minnesota, where she worked as a secretary in the Twin Cities area before marrying Richard A. Helmberger on May 27,1960. The couple had three children, Marshall, Zachrey, and Clair and settled in Bloomington.
Pat cared deeply about people and the natural world and those concerns motivated her throughout her life. She became politically aware and active after meeting Richard and the couple became intensely involved in opposing the Vietnam war and in supporting like-minded political candidates throughout the 1960s and 70s.
While living in Bloomington, Pat earned an AA degree from Normandale Community College and eventually earned a BA in journalism from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Along the way, she also earned a 2nd degree black belt in karate. She may have been petite, but you didn’t want to mess with her.
In the late 1980s, Pat became the full-time assistant to the mayor of Bloomington, a job that she loved. She also served as the chair of the Bloomington Human Rights Commission for several years during that time. She went on to serve as a legislative aide for state Rep. Phil Riveness and later to state Sen. Keith Langseth. She loved working at the Capitol in St. Paul and found her work with constituents especially rewarding. While working at the Legislature, she gained notoriety for her greeting card business, which she ran with a friend. During the term of then-Gov. Jesse Ventura, she produced greeting cards that gently poked fun at the governor. The cards were instantly popular at the Capitol, but Ventura didn’t see the fun. Despite a cease-and-desist letter from Ventura’s attorney, she continued to find ways to inject political humor into her creations and her little tiff with the governor was a brief media sensation in the Twin Cities.
Pat’s writing wasn’t limited to greeting cards. She had three books published on topics as wide-ranging as heart transplants to the Indian mascot issue and was a community columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for a time. She also wrote poetry and was published in several anthologies. Her best-known poem was later set to music by a Nashville producer.
Pat was also an active gardener and wherever she lived she converted most of her lawn to flower gardens, with plantings specifically for bees and other pollinators. In her retirement, she moved from Bloomington to Duluth, and later to Grand Rapids to live with her new committed partner, Jack Mooty, years after her divorce from Richard. While in Grand Rapids, she helped found a local group, called Earth Circle, that worked on various environmental causes, particularly focused on the environmental dangers of single-use plastics, a cause she continued to wage even as her health declined.
When Jack’s declining health forced him into an assisted living facility, Pat’s children moved her to Tower to enable them to care for her in a home they renovated to fit her unique tastes. In her final year, thanks to daily care from her son Zachrey, she was able to remain in her home until her final few weeks, which she spent at Vermilion Senior Living in Tower.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, James, Darrell, Ardelle (Danks), Marilyn (Ablegaard), and Marion (Boisjolie), her ex-husband Richard, her partner Jack, and her honorary son, Jerome Renville. She is survived by her three children, her daughter-in-law Jodi Summit, grandson Maxwell Helmberger, numerous nieces and nephews, and her longtime furry companion Sylvester.
A small memorial service will be held this summer when her ashes are interred at her family’s plot in Lengby.
Nancy M. Riihiluoma
Nancy M. Riihiluoma, 83, of Virginia, passed away in her home on Sunday, March 8, 2026, of natural causes. A private family service will be held at a later date to honor her life.
Nancy was born to Paul and Eleanor Sireen on Jan. 8, 1943, in Cloquet. She married her high school sweetheart, Norman Riihiluoma, in 1960. They enjoyed nearly 61 years together until Norman’s passing in 2021. Nancy was gentle, tender-hearted and caring, living out her Christian faith with humility and a quiet self-assurance. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV) reads: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” She was a longtime resident of Lake Vermilion and Kugler Township.
Nancy was a loving, supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who will be greatly missed. In memory of Nancy, please consider a donation to your local congregation, food shelf, or a charity that is meaningful to you and your family. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) reads: “But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Tiina (Lyle) Eidelbes and Lizana Riihiluoma; sons, Paul (Lisa) Riihiluoma and Charles (Kirstie) Riihiluoma; 12 grandchildren, Zach and Erinn Eibelbes, Derik Bjorgo, Bret Lunsford, Brittany Hochstetler, Jayden Riihiluoma, Ellie Meader, Isaac Riihiluoma, Seth, Ashley and Jake Riihiluoma and Dylan Strong; and many great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; parents; sister-in-law, Marilyn; brother-in-law, Ray; granddaughter, Amanda Riihiluoma; grandson, Robb Eidelbes; and numerous aunts and uncles.
James Anderson
James “Jim” Anderson, 86, of Tower, died on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Vermilion Senior Living in Tower. The family gives thanks to special friends Mike Kline and Chas Lilya, who often stopped to see him and helped him in so many ways. He really appreciated them, as did his family. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 23 at Bauman Vermilion Funeral Home in Tower. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. with a memorial service at 11 a.m., and lunch will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Tower after lunch. Bonnie Puglesa will preside over the service and the interment. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Born and raised in Tower, Minn., Jim moved with his family to West Virginia, Minn. in 1951, before returning to Tower in 1957, which was his lifelong home. He started his career as a delivery driver for Lamppa’s Dairy, then joined Zup’s grocery store in Tower, where he started as a meat cutter but handled all tasks before he ultimately became the store’s manager. Jim retired at age 62, after spending more than 40 years at Zup’s, and then turned his full attention to the things he loved the most.
His greatest refuge was the “shack” on Long Lake, north of Orr, which he co-owned with Rodney Politano; it was a beautiful spot he called home away from home. Jim fished every way he could - open water, on the ice, fly rods in creeks and rivers. He chased trout from palm-sized brookies to trophy lake trout, and every October he’d brave a 20-mile boat ride across Lake Superior to fish Isle Royale - waves high, nerves steady, and certainly not for the faint of heart.
In the 1960s, Jim snared one of Minnesota’s biggest timberwolves on record, over 165 pounds. He’d always grin telling that story. Another favorite memory was helping Dorothy the Root Beer Lady, along with Johnny B. Trucano, hauling supplies, chopping wood, and making ice. Hard and simple work with a big meaning.
On the basketball court, Jim was a standout. He started for Mt. Iron and Tower High Schools, then played college ball at Ely Junior College - quick, short, but fearless. Jim was very good. If you would have asked him, he would have proudly told you.
Outside, he hunted, trapped and snowmobiled; he was always happiest outdoors and often had a chainsaw in his hand, cutting wood. However, the “shack” was where he belonged and where he was the happiest. A true treasure of a spot where he sat on the deck, a Coors Light in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of nature, the night often capped off with a blistering hot sauna.
Jim has now dipped his paddle in the cool water for the last time. Now he’s just…….gone fishing.
Jim is survived by his children, Michael (Patti) Anderson of Hisega, S.D., and Sherry Anderson of Tower; sister, Bonnie (Bob) Puglesa of Biwabik; grandchildren, Bradley Anderson and Gari Shae (Logan) Olszewski, both of Prairie Grove, Ark., Hailey (Travis) Anderson of Duluth, Rachel (Dawson) Horacek of Clarksville, Tenn., Whitney Anderson of Champlin and Madeline (Drew) Zupancich of Virginia; great-grandchildren, Maci, Reed and Parker; and former wife, Judi Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry “Bud” and Madeline “Dolly” Chiabotti Anderson; sister, Patricia Paciotti; and son, Gary Anderson.
Molly Ann Korpi
Molly Ann “Toots” Korpi, 94 of Soudan, passed away with her son Michael by her side on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Vermilion Senior Living in Tower. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 20 at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. Visitation will begin one hour prior. Father Beau Braun will be the celebrant. Spring inurnment will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Memorials are preferred to St. Martin’s Catholic Church. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
Molly was born on Nov. 6, 1931, in Ely, the daughter of Louis and Anna German Fink Sr. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School and was a lifelong resident of Soudan. Molly was united in marriage to Stafford Korpi on Jan. 8, 1954, at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower. She was a homemaker and mother first. She worked at various businesses in the Tower-Soudan area.
Molly was an avid cook and baker and loved to clean. She always doted on her visitors with her home baked goodies, and nobody ever walked away hungry. If they did, it was their own fault. She loved her family dearly and always called to make sure they returned home safely after visiting her. She made friends easily and enjoyed chatting with friends over the phone. Molly enjoyed sports and was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. She enjoyed and loved her faithful springer, Rosie.
Family was the most important to her and they will greatly miss her. She was a member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church and St. Theresa’s Circle. Molly voiced many praises to her friends about her son Mike who was her primary caregiver for many years.
Molly is survived by her children, Mike Korpi of Soudan, Lynn Benson of Duluth and David Korpi of Lino Lakes; twin granddaughters, Claire and Grace of Lino Lakes; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Stafford; son-In-law, John Benson; brothers, Louis, Fred and Victor; and sisters, Ann, Marion, Rose, Amelia, Betty and Dorothy.
Joseph O. Sherman
Joseph Owen Sherman, 76, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt with visitation starting at 10 a.m. Lunch will be provided in the church hall immediately following the service. Burial will take place at Argo Cemetery in Babbitt at a later date. Funeral arrangements are made with Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.
He is survived by his wife, Debra Ann Solberg Sherman; daughter, Danette (Brent) Sherman of Finland; son, Eric (Holly) Sherman of Ely; grandchildren, Ashley (Robert) Carpenter of Babbitt, Jalani (Hailey) Brown of Eveleth, Natalie Sundvick of Duluth, Madison Sundvick of Finland, Zachariah Smith of Ely and Brooklyn Sherman of Ely; five great-grandchildren; siblings, David Sherman of Babbitt and Patricia Sherman of Elk River; mother-in-law, Elaine Solberg; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Marie E. Thompson
Marie Eleanore Nelson Thompson, 97, of Ely, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The family would like to thank Shanna Fenske and Ann Spangler for the wonderful help and care they provided, allowing her to remain in her home until her passing. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 20 at Salem Lutheran Church in Mahtowa, with visitation from 10-11 a.m., the service at 11 a.m., and lunch to follow.
She is survived by her children, Thomas (Julie) Thompson of Stillwater, Todd (Renee) Thompson of Wyoming and Tanya Thompson of Ely; grandchildren, Matthew (Calyani), Joshua (Beth), Christian, Hunter (Elli) and Emily (Tyler); and step-grandchildren, Mills and Beron.
Lars E. Gabrielson
Lars Eugene Gabrielson, 55, of Orr, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Cook Hospital in Cook. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 22 with visitation starting at 11 a.m. and service to follow at 12 p.m. at the Orr Community Center (Old Legion) in Orr. Luncheon will be served following the service. Interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
Lars is survived by his love, Violet; children, Sandra (Garth) Wilson of Balkan, Patricia (Tyler) Drieman of Orr and Bruce (Natasha) McCarthy of Hibbing; grandchildren, Cecilia, Donald and Roseanna; siblings, Serena (Alex) Andersen, Eric Gabrielson, Nels (Mary) Gabrielson of Orr and Brad Deibler; his Barto in-laws; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Victoria A. Villebrun
Victoria Ann “Wick-o” Holmes Villebrun, 67, of Nett Lake, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Essentia Health-Virginia. A wake was held on Tuesday, March 17, and a funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 18, both at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center in Nett Lake with Gilbert Smith officiating. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
She is survived by her sons, Raymond E. Villebrun Jr., Aaron “Supe” Villebrun and Ryne Villebrun; daughters, Marjorie Jane Villebrun and Nicole Fairbanks; sisters, Mildred “Millie” Holmes, Marian Holmes and Vera Holmes Branstrom; brothers, Axel Holmes Jr. and Charles Holmes Sr.; grandchildren, Branson and Christopher, whom she doted on as many grandmas do; and many nieces and nephews who were the recipients of her annual Christmas and birthday presents.
William D. Chavers
William David “Duze” Chavers, 68, a lifelong resident of the Bois Forte Reservation in Nett Lake, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, March 9, 2026. A wake was held on Sunday, March 15, and a funeral service was held on Monday, March 16, both at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center in Nett Lake. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his siblings, Jeanne Ann Day, Jewel Day Walker, Jim Chavers and Edward Chavers; children, Greg Drift, Daniel Adams, Mitchell Chavers, Benjamin Sharp, Dave Chavers, Billie Jean Drift and Jen Head; grandchildren; a great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.
