Obituaries: March 25, 2022

Agnes Mesojedec
Agnes “Ag” Mesojedec, 98, a lifelong resident of Soudan, died on Sunday, March 13, 2022, with family by her side, at Edgewood in Hermantown where she had lived since June 2021. A special thank you to the dedicated caregivers at Edgewood-Hermantown. We are so grateful for them. Also, thank you to “Ag’s Girls” Judy and Danielle for all the love, visits, calls and support – you meant so much to her. At Agnes’ request, a small family memorial service will be held at a later date. Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Tower. 
Ag was born on Dec. 11, 1923, to Helen (Verbon) and Victor Chiabotti. She attended the Tower-Soudan schools and married the love of her life, Herman Mesojedec, on April 20, 1939. They had two sons, Paul and Mitch. She was a forever member of St. Martin’s Catholic Church where she was active in the Ladies Guild and the Catholic Women’s Association and helped with many, many needs in the kitchen over the years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and The Red Hats. Ag worked for the Township of Breitung as a clerk for the water department in her younger years. 
Ag was a remarkable historian of the Tower-Soudan area, recalling minor and major milestones not many even knew of or recalled. She was a dedicated homemaker who took great pride in her family and her home. All who knew this strong, independent woman would describe her as feisty, but indeed incredibly caring and loving all the same. Her faith, incredible strength, and grace were unwavering right until the end as she was grateful for each day as it came.
Ag is survived by her son, Paul (Darlene) Mesojedec of Virginia and Mitch (Ginger) Mesojedec of Duluth; sister-in-law, Mary Lorraine Chiabotti of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Chad (Jen) Mesojedec of Moose Lake, Dave (Melanie) Mesojedec of Hermantown, Jodi (Todd) Molitor of Hugo and Jennifer (Jon) Esterbrooks of Hermantown; great-grandchildren, Maren, JP, Kaela, Dylan, Faith and Blake Mesojedec, Jacob, Ashley and Grace Molitor, and Andrew and Will Esterbrooks; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. All will miss this special lady dearly.
  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Herman; sister, Mary-Ann Hill; brother, Paul Chiabotti; and nephew, Steve Chiabotti.

Phyllis F. Burgess
Phyllis Ferne Driscoll Burgess, 96, of Tower, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, leaving family and friends to mourn. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at St. James Presbyterian Church in Tower, preceding the funeral service at 2 p.m. Phyllis was a dedicated member of St. James, where she accompanied the choir and congregational singing for over 50 years until the pandemic hit. Arrangements are with Anderson-Daniels Funeral Home of Tower.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter, Patricia “Pat” Krieg (Paul) of Duluth; brothers, Del Driscoll of Roy, Utah, and Terry Driscoll (Jeannie) of Tower; brother-in-law, Mike Michael of Soudan; grandchildren, Brian Krieg of Duluth and Stephanie Krieg of St. Paul; great-grandchild, Gabriel Krieg; cousin, MaryBeth Reller (Al); numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and her pet, Jasmine.
She was predeceased by her parents, Michael Driscoll and Ferne Driscoll (Williams); husband, Franklin James “Jim” Burgess; mother-in-law, Enice Burgess; siblings, Dean Clayton Driscoll, Michael Frederick Driscoll, Dennis “Kelly” Driscoll and Priscilla Joan Mickle; siblings-in-law, Georgianna Driscoll, Cheryl Driscoll, Eileen “Polly” Larson and Robert “Bob” Larson; nieces and nephews, Michael Frederick Driscoll Jr., Dean Driscoll, Shannon Lee Williams (Driscoll) and Judy Sterland; son-in-law Arthur Lamken; and Priscilla (Pam).

Peggy L. Salo
Peggy Lynn Pernu Salo, 67, of Eveleth, formerly of Lake Vermilion and Tower, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at Waterview Woods in Eveleth. Peggy’s family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the special friends she made at Waterview Woods, Essentia Health Duluth and Virginia, Miller-Dwan Medical Center, and the Eveleth Police and Ambulance. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, March 19. Arrangements were with Range Funeral Home in Virginia.
She is survived by her children, Jodi (Mike) Schefers, Michelle (Jared) Wagoner and Travis (Kaylyn) Salo; grandchildren, Madelyn, Davin, Cash, Eliana, Theodore, Hudson and Matthew; sister, Juanita Richard; special friend, Tony Sikora; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom Julian
Tom Julian, 83, of Babbitt, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his side after a long and valiant fight with cancer. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Babbitt at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 25, with visitation one-half hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment and a celebration of life will be held in the early summer. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Kathy Constant; sons, Tommy (Vali) and Danny (Jennifer); brother, Mike (Susan); sisters, MaryAnn (Tom) Foley, Barb (Gerry) Liebmann and Linda (Paul) Mataya; sister-in-law, Chris (Donny) Olson; brothers-in-law, Denny (Phyllis) Constant and Paul Constant; sister-in-law, Becky Constant; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Rexton R. Pineo
Rexton Reign Pineo, infant son of John and Carly (Stephens) Pineo, was born on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, and died on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Family services are provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.
He is survived by his parents; siblings, Blake, Kason and twin sister Renley Pineo; grandparents, Gordon Pineo of Tower, Sonya Pineo of Virginia and Theron (Kelli) Stephens of Onida, S.D.; and great-grandparents, Rita Pineo of Virginia and Carol Stephens of Onida, S.D.