Obituaries: December 1, 2023

Reginald J. Childs
Reginald John “Reggie” Childs, 73, of Tower, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at New Journey Residence in Eveleth. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Pike Township on Hwy. 169. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church or the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Arrangements are with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.
Reggie was born on Jan. 1, 1950, in Virginia, to Richard and Josephine Alexander Childs. In the mid-1950s, he and his brother Don moved to Tower, into the home of Oliver and Gertrude Heikkila Huttula. He graduated from Embarrass High School in 1968. After attending tech school in Duluth, Reggie worked as a painter for the railroad for four years. During that time, he stayed with his cousin and his cousin’s wife, Dick and Bonnie Tuominen, in Saginaw and became a member of their family.
Reggie married Connie Harma on April 3, 1976, and they made their home in Vermilion Lake Township. Reggie was a logger and contractor, a volunteer with the Vermilion Lake Fire Department, and an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. He greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, helping others, and taking a good sauna.
He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Gina (Jerod Rauk) Childs, Sara (Brett) McNeal, Amber (Aaron) TerBest and Sommer (Lee Anderson) Pyne; grandchildren, Zoey, Travis, Sienna, Axel, Aili, Brooklyn, Reghan “Reggie” and Kynsie; Bonnie Tuominen and family; brothers, Roger Childs, Donald (Diane) Childs, Gerry Hanson, Gary Childs and Ronald Childs; sister, Carol (Allen) Mathwig; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Harma and Lois Childs; brother-in-law, Len Clough; and members of his large extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Josephine Childs and Oliver and Gertrude Huttula; daughter, Lori; Dick Tuominen; brothers, Edward, Dennis and Kenneth Childs; and sister, Joanne Huttula Clough.

Dennis Johnson
Dennis Johnson, 72, of Duluth, passed away at home on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, surrounded by his family after a difficult battle with lung cancer. The family would like to thank St. Luke’s Hospice for their incredible care of Dennis, and Dr. Patel and the wonderful nurses on 2W. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10 at The Buffalo House in Duluth.
Dennis was born on April 6, 1951, to Jean and Arthur Johnson. He was raised in Tower with his mother and stepfather George Zupanich.
Dennis served in the U.S. Army and studied electronics. He became the service manager at JayEn for many years and eventually opened his own business, DuluthRange Communications. He loved fishing on Lake Vermilion, building wooden models, and spending time with his family.
He was a wonderful husband, father and friend and will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
Dennis is survived by his wife of 44 years, Denise; son, Joseph (Stacy); daughter, Julie (Matt) Benfield; grandchildren, Carter, Riley, Jack and Henry; beloved brother, Roger (Dawn); and sister, Paulette Jallen.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Brian G. Pelletier
Brian Gene Pelletier, 36, of Tower, passed away on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023. A celebration of life will be held in conjunction with his father’s memorial pool tournament. Family services provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
He is survived by his mother, Margaret Jewell (Paul Forsman); sister, Jean Pelletier; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

Robert A. Martinson
Robert Arthur Martinson, 87, of Blaine, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Nov. 27 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.

Roger M. Billington
Roger Merrill Billington, 84, of Angora, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. A celebration of life was held at Kristen Billington Majeski’s residence on Sunday, Nov. 26. Burial with military honors will be held privately. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Geraldine Wilkinson
Geraldine June Wilkinson, 97, of Cook, passed away on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. There will be a private burial at a later date. Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.

Randall J. Fry
Randall John “Randy” Fry, 78, of Orr, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Orr. Arrangements were with Mlaker Funeral Home of Cook.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lou “Lulu” Vukelich Fry; sister, Suzanne Nelson (Cordell Hull); brother-in-law, Tony Vukelich; nephew, Jeff (Amy) Nelson; grandnephews, Sam and Theo; grandniece, Delaney; and cherished nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Gayle M. Carlson
Gayle M. Carlson, 70, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at Carefree Living in Ely. Funeral arrangements are pending with Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.