Obituaries: March 1, 2024

Christina Premo
Christina Premo, 56, lost her strong fight on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. She took her last breaths in her sleep while surrounded by the ones she loved most. She was blessed to be able to stay home with her friends and family while she was in hospice. Christina and her family were very thankful for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester; she always recommended them to anyone needing cancer treatments. A special thanks to Linda Schmidt, Janice Jacka, Michelle Lyons and all who have sent their thoughts and prayers. Funeral services for close friends and family were held at Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia on Thursday, Feb. 29. A celebration of life followed at the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia.
Christina was born in Bemidji to Sandra Puttonen, but was raised by her grandparents, Joeseph and Patricia Premo. While in grade school Christina played basketball. She graduated from Tower-Soudan High School and later went to Bemidji State University. 
Christina met Todd Grotberg in Bemidji and together they had two sons, Justin and Mark. They moved to California where she worked for Ford Motor Company. After a few years, she moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Minnesota was her home. It was where she was meant to be. Christina met Bobby Hujanen and moved to Tower. Together they had two boys, Ryan and Logan. Her children were her pride and joy. The boys always had a great relationship with their mom. Christina was the definition of the cool mom.
Throughout the years, she sold houses and cars, but Christina found her love and passion in helping others, making sure everyone around her lived their best life. She helped organize trips to Valley Fair and sporting events. She established a rock concert that featured bands like Hairball and Skid Row. She kept the older generations on their toes by having monthly polkas and bingos at the Civic Center in Tower. When she wasn’t helping the community, she reached further and volunteered for the Red Cross, United Way, and Soroptimists, where she held a chair on the United Nations. She had a part and played a role in many lives. 
Christina was a fighter. She was diagnosed with multiple Stage 4 cancers including stomach, throat, liver, pancreatic and intestinal. With Stage 4 cancer she floated the river, went to WILD games with her boys, and even took a trip to Hawaii. There wasn’t much that could stop her. 
Christina leaves behind her sons, Justin Grotberg, Mark (Stephanie) Grotberg, Ryan Hujanen and Logan Hujanen; brothers, Cory Puttonen and Chad Puttonen; and the kids she took in over the years, Brit, Skylar, Rome, Tyler, Iaisa and many more. 
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joeseph and Patricia Premo; mother, Sandra Puttonen; and aunt, Patty Premo.

Jeanne E. Adams
Jeanne Elizabeth Wildman Adams, 98, of Zimmerman and Snowbank Lake-Ely, died at her home on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. Her mind was clear and her spirit was strong to the end. Memorial donations may be made to The Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls, Iowa, or the Ely Public Library.
She is survived by her children, Audrey, Julie, Fred IV and Sara; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and other extended family and friends.

Rodney L. Scherle
Rodney Lynn Scherle, 64, originally of Embarrass, passed on to his heavenly home on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 24 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aurora with Pastor Zachary Klumpp officiating. Private family burial was at Greenwood Cemetery in Virginia. His brother Ron would especially like to thank Scott Toratti and his staff at ESI Heritage Trail for the time, care and kindness they showed to Rodney.
He is survived by his sister, Linda (Bill) Saari; brothers, Roger Scherle and Ronald (Wendy) Scherle; niece, Miranda (Dan) Vogtman; nephew, Preston Saari; step-niece, Stacey (Richard) Hicks; step-nephew, Anthony Petric; several great- and step-great-nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

Yvonne M. Kush
Yvonne Marie Delage Kush, 86, of Aurora, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at Edgewood Vista in Virginia. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 1 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Aurora with Father Kristoffer McKusky celebrating. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 29 from 4-6 p.m. at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora. Visitation will continue for one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be Forest Hill Cemetery in Aurora.
She is survived by her children, Debra Ehrich of Aurora, Glen Kush of Duluth, Tracy (Paul) McDonald of Ely and Tim (Susan) Kush of Duluth; grandchildren, Sarah (Rusty) FitzGerald, Emily (Tony) House, Megan (Eli) Dotts, Natalie McDonald, Cannon and Kendra Kush; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane and Richard (Karen) Delage; sisters, Madonna (Bob) Polta, Mary (Gene) Christianson, Lucille (Bob) Weiss, Paulette (Larry) Johnson and Diane Westlake; sisters-in-law, Shirley Delage, Joanne Bradley and Rose Delage; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charles R. Walker
Charles “Buck” Robert Walker, 64, of Chisholm, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024. A 65th Birthday Celebration of Life will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at the Old Muni in Cook with food and entertainment. 
He is survived by his wife, Dawn Danyluk Walker; daughters, Angel Walker, Carole Walker, Melissa Rice and Kristina (Jason) Harding; sons, Charlie (Ashley) Walker and Jonathan (Lexi) Musakka; brothers, Robert “Joe” Walker and Irving Dutton; sister, Gloria Dutton; 21 grandchildren with Cindy, Charles and Ciara holding a special place in his heart; two great-grandchildren; very special friends, Scott Larson, Mike Vittori, Chester Nelson and Shane O’Neil; and many others.

Paul M. Gustafson
Paul Maurice Gustafson, 73, of White Iron Lake-Ely, passed away at his home on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, after a courageous seven-year battle with pancreatic cancer. A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, March 1 at Ledgerock Community Church in Ely. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Maynard. Memorial donations be made to the Ledgerock Community Church music fund or Kathy’s House near Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beth Mitlyng Gustafson; sons, Jeremy (Meg) Gustafson of Corcoran and Bryan (April) Gustafson of Hermantown; daughter, Sarah Gustafson of Duluth; seven grandchildren; siblings, Jean (Don) Houger of Colorado Springs, Colo., Bobby (Lesli) Gustafson and Kevin (Donna) Gustafson, both of Ely, and Karen (Wayne) Erickson of Montevideo.