Obituaries: July 31, 2020

John M. Morin
John Michael Morin, 63, of Tower, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Vermilion Senior Living surrounded by his family. A celebration of life for John was held at St. Martin’s Catholic Church in Tower on Thursday, July 30 with Rev. Fr. Brandon Moravitz as celebrant. An outdoor gathering of family and friends was held on the ramp of St. Martin’s church. Burial was in Lakeview Cemetery in Tower. Arrangements were with Landmark Funeral Home of Virginia.
John was born in the Soudan Hospital on Oct. 28, 1956, the son of John and Janice (Carlson) Morin. He grew up in Tower, graduating from Tower-Soudan High School in 1974. After graduation, John proudly served in the United States Air Force for 13 years. He also held other technical positions throughout his career. John adored his family; he saved and treasured every letter and memento from family and friends, showing his deep love for all of them.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Neal) McNabb of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; mother, Janice Morin (Tony Petrick) of Virginia; siblings, Mona Shanks of Virginia, Cathy (Doug) Anderson of Tower, Julie (Marty) Toole of Sartell, Joe Morin of Tower, Mary (Dan) Banks of Proctor and Mark (Patty) Morin of Eveleth; 20 nieces and nephews; 26 great-nieces and great-nephews; one great-great-niece; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; former wife, Vicki Witte; and his beloved dog, Buster, all of whom he loved dearly.
He was preceded in death by his father, John Morin, on Nov. 24, 1999; sister, Sheila Morin, on March 6, 1977; maternal and paternal grandparents; and in-laws, John and Ann Carlisle.

Bernard O. Lawrence
Bernard Owen Lawrence, 84, of Stewartville, died of natural causes on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at the Stewartville Care Center, where he had resided for the past four months. In keeping with Bernard’s wishes, no services or visitation are planned at this time. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville.
Bernard was born on April 22, 1936, in Duluth, to Walter and Elsie (Harder) Lawrence. He attended high school in Hermantown, where he received his GED. Bernard was married in Tower in 1958 to Beverly Desannoy. They lived in Tower, where they began their family and also lived in Virginia and Embarrass. They were later divorced. Bernie was employed at Erie Mining/LTV for many years as a production truck driver. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Tower and was a cook in the Minnesota Army National Guard for a number of years.
After retiring in 1989, Bernie moved to Yuma, Ariz., where he met Norma Mapes, his longtime and loving companion. Together they traveled cross-country, pulling their fifth-wheel camper; they lived in Washington state, Oregon, and spent their winters in Arizona. They moved for a short time to Kenai, Alaska, where Bernie was employed part-time on a commercial fishing boat. Following Norma’s death in 2013, he moved to Stewartville in 2016 due to declining health and to live near family.
Bernie was an avid golfer, followed NASCAR, enjoyed the occasional trip to the casino, and enjoyed time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed mowing the lawn at his son and daughter-in-law’s home.
Bernard is survived by his daughter, Kim (Randy) Waldron of Rochester; son, Bob (Linda) Lawrence of rural Stewartville; four grandchildren, Christopher (Sara) Waldron of Haugen, Wis., Daniel (Emily) Lawrence of Cornelius, N.C., Ashley (Ben) Roche of Rochester and Brittany Lawrence of Rollingstone; and six great-grandchildren, Mylee, Tahlia, Quinn, Theo, Samantha and Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Warren Lawrence, Rod Lawrence and Gary Lawrence; and loving companion, Norma Mapes.

Adrienne A. Fowler
Adrienne Ann Fowler, 81, of Embarrass, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2020, at Waterview Pines in Virginia. The family would like to thank the staff at Waterview Pines for the care and love they showed her. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1 at the Timber Hall in Embarrass. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
Adrienne was born on Jan. 11, 1939, in Grand Rapids, to Chester and Lucille (Lyons) Siltman. She graduated from Backus High School in 1958. On May 20, 1958, she was united in marriage to Roland Fowler in Grand Rapids. Adrienne attended beauty school in Grand Rapids in 1959. She also did a Blandin Leadership Course. Adrienne was very involved in the Embarrass community. She was an election judge, founder of the Sisu Tori Craft Shop, and served on the Embarrass Fair Board for 37 years.
Adrienne was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Embarrass. She loved to can, read, attend rummage sales and craft shows. She organized a yearly Christmas craft show. Adrienne loved to be a mother best of all.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roland of Embarrass; children, Michelle Fowler (Daryl Benson), Roland Fowler Jr. and Randy Fowler, all of Embarrass; grandson, Roland Fowler III of Eveleth; sisters, R’Milla (Daniel) Meyer of Embarrass and Lanaya Siltman of Pequot Lakes; nephew, Sean Meyer of Winnebago; niece, Cari Meyer of Embarrass; sister-in-law, Mary Brazinski of Chicago, Ill.; brother-in-law, Robert (Cathy) Fowler of La Crescent; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Kim Bennett of Embarrass.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and son-in-law, Tony Morsching.

Jim A. LaValley
Jim A. LaValley, 65, of Tower, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2020, at home surrounded by family. A celebration of life honoring Jim will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Timber Hall, 4855 Hwy. 21 in Embarrass.