Obituaries: March 5, 2021

Robert C. Simpson
Robert C. Simpson, 88, of Cook, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021. A memorial visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 7 at Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook. The family requests that those attending wear masks and be mindful of social distancing. 
Robert was born to Robert R. and Lura (Houston) Simpson on Nov. 4, 1932, in Graceville. He grew up in Bear River and attended school at Grand Rapids Ag School. In his high school years, he was a member of the Glee Club and played basketball. Robert married Hope Keister on Aug. 25, 1956, in Hibbing. He entered the U.S. Army in 1953 and served honorably for two years.
Robert was a hard-working man and wore many hats over the years to provide a living for his family. He worked in the logging business, was a carpenter, and managed the City of Cook Liquor Store for 15 years. He was a talented mechanic and carpenter, building many houses over the years for himself and his family.
Robert and Hope traveled most of the United States, Alaska, Mexico and Canada. He was a member of the Masons, the American Legion, the Voyageurs ATV Club and a founding member of the Cook Timberwolves Snowmobile Club. Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, building, and especially snowmobiling. The annual “Littlefork Splash” was anticipated every year. His pride and joy was a 50 ft. houseboat that he built along with family members, especially grandson Zachary. His favorite times were spent with family and friends. He was a straightforward person with a steel-grip handshake, yet was gentle and tender when holding his grandchildren.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Hope Simpson; children, Loann Trygg, Brad (Connie) Simpson, Lynn (Steve) Polich and Troy (Dawn) Simpson; grandchildren, Scott (Michelle) Trygg, Tracy (Greg) LaPatka, Josh Polich, Zachary (Paige) Polich, Bo (Carissa) Simpson, Brenna (John) Simpson and Brynn Simpson; great-grandchildren, Jasmine Trygg, Logan Luecken, Lexiss Trygg, Jalen Miskowitz and Teagan Simpson; brothers, Donald (Becky) Simpson and Evan (Carol) Simpson; sisters, Tarsia Nichols, Karen (Al) Bober, Linda (Mike) Miakke and Marsha Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert (1991) and Lura (1994); son, Doyle Graham (1969); granddaughter, Brooke Ann Simpson (2001); sisters, Arlys Jensen and Lura Marie Metsa; and brothers-in-law, John Metsa and Joseph Brown.

Tracy R. Podpeskar
Tracy Rae Podpeskar, 43, a lifelong resident of Virginia, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020. A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 6 at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home in Virginia. Tracy’s family will hold a private family funeral service. Bill Bauman will officiate the funeral service at Bauman-Cron Funeral Home and interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Virginia.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to the Tracy Podpeskar Memorial Fund at Frandsen Bank, 501 Chestnut St., Virginia, MN 55792.
Tracy is survived by her mother, Mary (“Papa Richie”) Podpeskar of Virginia; daughters, Jordan Skalko and Hayden Skalko, both of Virginia; brother, Jay Podpeskar of Britt; uncle and aunt, James and Polly Podpeskar of Lake Vermilion - Tower; the father of her children, Justin Skalko of Minneapolis; extended family and many dear friends.