Obituaries: July 22, 2022

Lon E. Lamppa
Lon Ernest Lamppa, 73, of Virginia, and formerly of Tower, Lake Vermilion and Embarrass, left this life after ‘the long goodbye’ on Saturday, July 16, 2022. A celebration of Lon’s legendary life was held on Thursday, July 21 at the Herbert Lamppa Tower Civic Center. Family services were provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
Lon was the second born to Ernest and Lyna (Niemi) Lamppa, on April 19, 1949. He was a graduate of Embarrass High School, Bemidji State University and the University of Minnesota. Shortly after he graduated, he began a lifelong career as a physical therapist at the Ely Bloomenson Hospital. Lon married the love of his life, Ann Bee, on June 19, 1971, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.
Lon not only helped countless patients but mentored hundreds of kids throughout his lifetime. When Lon was not working to provide for his family, he tirelessly gave everything he had to mentoring and coaching kids. “Leave something better than you found it” are words he often spoke. He had a way of creating such a safe atmosphere for his mentees that they often came to him when they needed help the most. Whether it was fixing a baseball swing or seeking life advice, countless people have sought out the care and genuine advice that just seemed to exude out of Lon.
Lon also had a crazy passion for hunting and fishing. He definitely passed on his love of the outdoors to his three sons. There are many stories and tall tales about Lon at the shack with his family and close friends.
Already we miss you, Lon. You have left behind wife, Ann Lamppa; three sons, Justin (Amanda), Josh (Stacie) and Davis (Laura); and 10 grandkids, Ella, Emma, Ero, Ari, Lexi, Maija, Jaxson, Joey, Jace and Elliot. Lon’s brother and sister-in-law, Jim (Janice) Lamppa, also now have a void in their hearts. We know the late Ernie and Lyna will keep you in great company until we meet again.
We are so grateful for the personalized and fabulous care Lon received at New Journey Residence. Memorials are preferred in honor of Lon. Please send donations in his name to one of three different areas that we want to honor in Lon’s memory. They are: New Journey Residence, 303 Hat Trick Ave., Eveleth, MN 55734; Rock Ridge Youth Baseball, PO Box 282, Virginia, MN 55792; Tower/Soudan Little League, 5424 Hwy. 169, Tower, MN 55790.

Russell M. Michalek
Russell M. Michalek, 87, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, died on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Essentia Health Virginia Care Center. There will be no formal services. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower.
He is survived by his sons, Carl Michalek of Lake Vermilion-Tower and Ken Michalek of Gilbert.

Leona Perushek
Leona “Lee” Perushek, 96, of Ely, passed away on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Ely Bloomenson Hospital. Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 21 at Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

Janice L. Nylander
Janice L. Nylander, 83, of Cook, passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022.
She is survived by her daughters, Connie (Brian) Kaufman and Debbie Nylander; sons, Dale (Debra) Ableman and Evert (Sue) Ableman; sister, Jane (Jack) Nelson; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.