Obituaries: October 24, 2025
Kenneth A. Strong Jr.
Kenneth Albert Strong Jr., “Niigaanigaaniimiikaang”, 56, of Tower, died on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, in the Cook Hospital. A wake was held on Thursday, Oct. 16 and Tribal Rites were held on Friday, Oct. 17, both at the Vermilion Wellness Center in Tower. Billy Blackwell was the Spiritual Advisor with Vern Adams as his assistant. Burial was in the Bois Forte Tower Reservation Cemetery. Family services were provided by Bauman Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
He is survived by his siblings, Kristal Strong of Tower and Donovan (Kari) Strong of Duluth; nephews and nieces, Dylan (Becca) Strong, Ryker (Paige) Strong, Kaitlin (Matthew) Strong and Jake (Kate) Riihiluoma; grandnieces and a grandnephew; aunts, Jan Martin and Wilma Andrews; best cousins, Bessie Medicine, Stacey Boshey, Sue Boshey, and Robert Moyer; and extended family and friends.
Donna M. Poaletti
Donna Mae Poaletti, 78, of Eveleth and formerly of Lake Vermilion and Mt. Iron, went home to be with the Lord she so dearly loved on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at Essentia Health - Virginia. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 25 at North Star Church in Virginia. Pastors Sean Scarbrough and Robert Stroup (Donna’s brother-in-law) will officiate. Interment will be in the Eveleth Cemetery. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Donna was born on March 9, 1947, in Ashland, Wis., the daughter of Walfred “Bud” and Lucille Hagstrom Becker. She was a graduate of Mt. Iron High School and went on to receive her associate’s degree from Mesabi Community College. Donna was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Angelo Frank “Za” Poaletti on March 7, 1966, in Mt. Iron.
Donna was an amazing wife and mother who loved her family dearly. She extended that love to anyone who entered her home. She worked as a mail carrier for the USPS. She was a wonderful seamstress, and she loved watching sports, be it Minnesota or whatever her children and grandchildren played.
Donna is survived by her children, Angelo Frank Poaletti IV of Eveleth, Michael Shawn (Michelle Lynn Groves) Poaletti of Eveleth, Gina Marie (Jack) Poaletti-Koski of Eveleth, and Paula Jeanne (Jeremy) Poaletti-Holden of Silver Bay; grandchildren, Anthony Poaletti, Casey Diwishek, Alexandra Schlotec (fiancée Jon Everson), Chloe (Garrett) Gibeau, Morgan (Mason) Isaacson, Lauren Colangelo (fiancée Brennan Nelson-Tally), Savannah (Jackson) Shauer, Tommy Scholtec III, and Angelina Poaletti; great-grandchildren, Tuula Schauer, Maverick Isaacson, and two more on-the-way; sisters, Diane (Rev. Robert) Stroup, Marilyn (Mark) Weber, and Penney Becker-Sullivan; and numerous extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her incredible parents; and loving husband, Angelo in 2014.
Ardell L. Thoreson
Ardell Lloyd “Art” Thoreson, 92, of Virginia, formerly of Embarrass, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at Essentia Medical Center in Virginia, with his wife and family by his side. Services will be held by Pastor Christina Forsythe at Hope Lutheran Church in Embarrass on Monday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Embarrass Cemetery, and lunch will be served at Embarrass Town Hall. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
He is survived by his wife, Lillie June Knutson Thoreson of Virginia; children, Peggy (Larry) Knapper of Gilbert, and Tony (Tina) Thoreson of Embarrass; grandchildren, Stephen, Melody, Angel (Erik), Danielle, and Jessie; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Leonard Thoreson of Virginia, Kenneth Thoreson of Roseau, Darlene Erickson of Annandale, and Arlyce Roisland of Waite Park; and sister-in-law, Carol Geiger of Sioux Falls, S.D.
Chesley R. Knott
Chesley Rose Knott, 45, of Nett Lake, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. A wake will be held on Friday, Oct. 24 starting at 5 p.m. at the Bois Forte Government and Services Center in Nett Lake. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 11 a.m., also at the center. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
Stephen J. Anderson
Stephen J. Anderson, 80, of Embarrass, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Essentia Health Hospital in Duluth. Per his wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
Charles A. Schlomka
Charles Anthony “Tony” Schlomka, 84, of Buyck, passed away at home on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. He wasn’t a party-wedding-funeral kind of guy, but…. we’re going to get together with friends and neighbors at the VRT on Sunday, Nov. 2 from 12 to 4 p.m. to share some memories and stories, snacks and drinks. All are welcome. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.
He is survived by his partner and soulmate of 52 years, Bev McEwen; daughter, Tammy Schlomka; son, Paul Schlomka (Nikki Johnson); stepdaughter, Christine Pokorny; granddaughter, Samantha Schlomka; brother, Denny Schlomka; and many nieces and nephews.
Daniel L. Seliga
Daniel Lee “Sleges” Seliga, 70, lifelong resident of Ely, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kwazy Wabbit in Ely. Funeral services have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Delby Fish Seliga; children, Rochelle (Sam) Hyppa, Krista Hoefer, and Daniel (Jacci) Seliga; grandchildren, Kyja (DJ Thom), Drake Hyppa, and Storm Seliga; sisters, June Borman and Louise O’Konek; brother, Steve Seliga; and close friends, Carlin Ryan, Mark Novosel, George Ewinski, Dave Marttila, Gerry and Gary Niskala.
