Affordable Cremation & Burial - Obituaries

Troy A Fralich

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 22:15:05

Troy Allan Fralich 1/27/1973-11/2/2026 Troy “Tig” Fralich graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1991. Always a go-getter with an entrepreneurial spirit, Troy first started his own drywall business, Tigger’s Drywall, before pursuing his dream of becoming a police officer. He went on to serve as a Deputy Sheriff with the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office for 14 years. During his time in law enforcement, Troy discovered a passion for smoking meat and barbecue. What started as a hobby with his first pull-behind smoker, affectionately named Woody, quickly grew into something much bigger. He began serving his famous ribs, sandwiches, and beans at festivals, street dances, and local events. After retiring from law enforcement, he upgraded to a food truck, and Tig’s BBQ became a local favorite. More recently, Troy fulfilled another dream by opening his own restaurant, turning his passion into a business that brought people together. It is impossible to sum up Troy’s life by listing his accomplishments. He was a man who seemed to know everyone, and everywhere he went, he made connections and made people feel welcome. He had a wicked sense of humor, a quick wit, and an incredible ability to make people laugh. One of his favorite places to be was the shack with Uncle Bill, their special place to escape, relax, and enjoy each other's company. Troy was deeply committed to supporting the law enforcement community and their families, particularly through mental health awareness and officer wellness. As president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), he helped develop programs supporting officers and their families, many of which were eventually implemented statewide. He also believed in helping people in whatever way he could. From making sure officers working on Thanksgiving and Christmas had a good meal to hosting annual fundraisers for families impacted by cancer, Troy was always looking for ways to give back. His generosity extended into everyday life, too. Whether painting walls, hanging drywall, making repairs, or plowing driveways, he never hesitated to lend a hand and never expected anything in return. Above all else, Troy’s greatest love was his family. His wife, Jess, his sons, Logan and Lukas, and his faithful dog, Thor, were his pride and joy and the most important part of his life. Troy is survived by his wife, Jessica; his sons, Logan (Jeremy) and Lukas; his mother, Mary; his sister, Shelly Freese; his nephew, Jack Freese; his niece, Chloe Freese; his in-laws, Duane and Debby Kluender, and Julie Hundt and Alex Hundt; and countless friends he considered family. Troy’s life was about so much more than the jobs he held, the businesses he built, or the accomplishments he achieved. It was about the people he loved, the friendships he made, the laughter he shared, and the countless lives he touched along the way. His kindness and generosity created ripples that will continue through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to have known him. Troy will be missed more deeply than words can express, but his legacy will live on. The world was a better place because Troy was in it.

Arlyce Y Draeger

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 17:26:31

Arlyce Yvette (Causin) Draeger passed away on November 2, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born November 20, 1940, to Francis (Tee) and Nellie (Gagnon) Causin in Red Lake Falls, MN. She lived most of her life in Virginia, MN. She was an original resident of the Rotary Apartments in Virginia and was proud to have lived in the building for more than 45 years. Her last years were spent near her daughters in Duluth. Arlyce had a great love for her Catholic faith – she enjoyed singing in the choir for many years at Sacred Heart and Holy Spirit churches in Virginia. She was also known for her collection of Precious Moments figurines. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her sisters Donna Roy, Cyndi Bell, and Charlene Jensen. She is survived by her daughters Lori (Al) Moulliet and Kristie Draeger, and her brothers Gene Causin, Larry (Bonnie) Causin, and Keith (Jeanne) Causin as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her daughters wish to extend their thanks to the Heritage Haven and Essentia Health Hospice care teams for the wonderful care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heritage Haven, Essentia Health Hospice, or the American Epilepsy Society.

Services are pending.

Anna M Sundberg

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:00:25

Anna Maria Sundberg (64) passed away on October 31, 2026 after a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by close family and friends in a blessed death.

Ann was born on October 3, 1962 to Felix & Mary Kopman in Vancouver, Washington. At age 4 she moved with her family to Lake Norden, South Dakota where she grew up.

Ann worked as a nurse until 2005 when she married Jim Sundberg and then moved to Duluth, Minnesota. With Jim came a new chapter in her life with a much larger family. Ann lovingly embraced this change, happily leaving behind her single life to devote her time and love to her husband and new family.

She was a dear and loving Christian and a member of the Old Apostolic Lutheran Church of Duluth Minnesota.

Ann was preceded in death by her father Felix Kopman, brothers Clark, Galen Kopman and her mother and father in-law David and Irene Sundberg.

Ann is survived by her mother- Mary Kopman, Husband- Jim Sundberg, Children- Tanya, David (Nikki), Kyle (Emma), Tara, Matthew (Alexis), Brittany, Kayla (Wiley) Abernathy, Elizabeth, Corrin, Taylor (Caleb) Pedersen, Chad, and Jayna (Cody) Abernathy. 48 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren, Siblings- John (Karen) Kopman of Bryant SD, Matthew (Sharon) of Kalama WA, Valerie (Michael) Halling of Lake Norden SD, Leonard (Stephanie) Kopman of Bryant SD, Samuel (Kristiina) Kopman of Woodland WA, Felicia (Will) Ek of Woodland WA, Sister in-law Tina (Matthew) Townley of Bryant SD and a multitude of Christian friends.

23 Psalms:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Kermit D Schleicher

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:07:15

Born October 20, 1952 in Carlton, MN; passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on his favorite holiday; October 31,2026 following complications after brain surgery. Kermit was born to parents Kermit G. and Gertrude E.(Norman) Schleicher in Carlton where he grew up with his 4 brothers and graduated from Carlton High School in 1970. Kerm, as he was lovingly known as by so many people, met and married his devoted wife, Sharon (Casey) Schleicher August 15, 1992 in Hibbing, MN. Together they loved and raised 4 children- Lisa (Eric)Colbert, Stevens Point, WI; Sheila Colbert, Holladay, TN; Kevin Schleicher, Stratford, WI and Kyle (Alysha) Schleicher, Hibbing, MN. He was blessed with 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Before retiring, Kerm worked for Shubat Transportation in Hibbing as a bus driver. Where he drove several hundreds of people on tours from all over Minnesota, Canada, Arizona, New York and Florida to name a few; transported hundreds of kids safely to and from school, the elderly to casinos, hundreds of college athletes to and from sporting events for Itasca Community College and Bemidgi State University. Before that he held positions in the transportation and service industry. Kerm was a fighter and survivor. He survived 4 bouts of cancers - skin, kidney, colon and most recently esophageal cancer, he had survived 2 heart attacks 1 with an aortic dissection while managing diabetes. In the early morning of October 24, 2026, he fell at home, was transported to Fairview Hospital in Hibbing, MN, where a CT was done. Kerm was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and was swiftly taken to St Mary’s Hospital in Duluth MN where he underwent brain surgery. Although the surgery was successful, Kerm experienced multiple set-backs during post-op, and remained in the ICU. For all that he had survived and fought through, his family never lost hope that he would pull through once again. Kerm and Sharon spent many years running the BMX track in Hibbing. He helped coach his son’s ball team, prepared meals at the Salvation Army, and delivered Meals on Wheels to individuals who were homebound. He was always willing to give his time, share what he had, and help someone who needed it. He was also an avid reader, enjoying everything from suspenseful thrillers to how-to manuals. There was always something new to learn, something to fix, or something to try. His kitchen was often filled with homemade soups, sauces, baked goods, and new recipes he wanted to experiment with and share. Feeding people was one of the many ways he showed he cared.

If you knew Kerm, you probably also knew about his love for Minnesota sports. He was a PROUD and LOUD Minnesota Vikings fan, and Vikings-Packers games in the Schleicher household were never quiet! He loved his Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild, and could often be found watching football, baseball, or hockey, whether it was professional or college, cheering on the Bemidji State Beavers, UMD Bulldogs, and Minnesota Gophers. He enjoyed spending time at the Hibbing Raceway, watching and supporting his favorite racers, including the Esteys, Harry Hanson, and the LaBarges. Music was another love of his, especially Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Who, and Stevie Nicks. His favorite song being “Cats in the Cradle”.

Kerm is survived by his loving wife, Sharon, his children and by brothers Lloyd (Flo), Bruce, Terry (Patty) and John “Butch”(Lynel); and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Kerm is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts, uncles and cousins. He is also preceded by a granddaughter- Jacie Koprowski, a great granddaughter- Sutton Samuels-Hartenstein and his beloved dogs, Coco and Jack.

We love you, Kerm. Your kindness, caring, love and laughter, your cooking, stubborn Vikings loyalty, and the countless ways you showed your love will live on through all of us.

Gerhard N Erdahl

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 11:55:29

Gerhard (Gary) Nels Erdahl died peacefully from heart failure, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at home. Gary was born in Duluth, MN on June 1, 1931. He graduated from Denfeld High School in 1959. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Military Conflict. He was given an Honorable Discharge and returned to the states to care for his widowed mother. He married Dorothy June Roring on February 8, 1958. Upon his marriage to Dorothy, he was an instant father. Dorothy brought two children with her from a previous marriage. They then went on to have four additional children. Gary worked hard all his life to support his wife and family. All the homes they lived in, Gary remodeled and liked to plant flowers in the yard. Upon retirement Gary spent many years volunteering at Our Savior’s Lutheran church. Between janitorial work, painting, and other odd jobs Gary took coffee breaks with other volunteers and staff and kept abreast of the working of the church. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, and sisters. He is survived by; his wife Dorothy, son Steven McCabe and wife Sandra, daughter Sharon Ekland and husband Carl, son John Erdahl, daughter Jan Ingersoll, son Dean Erdahl, and son Daniel Erdahl and wife Lynn. 12 grandchildren and their spouses, and 8 great grandchildren with more on the way. There will be a private family memorial service held at Our Saviour’s Lutheran, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 presided by the Reverend Nancy Hong. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Cards will be appreciated by Dorothy and can be sent to her at 4195 Westberg Rd Apt.125, Hermantown, MN 55811

Carol J Markus

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:08:16

Carol Jean Markus arrived in this world on Aug. 21, 1934 to Charles and Lula Winter in Onamia MN. The family later moved to Duluth MN where she married first husband, Tom Miller and raised a family of 6 children. In 1981 she met her late husband, Charlie Markus. They spent many loving years together and were famous for going on road trips together, often showing up on your doorstep unexpectedly. They were together until 2022 when Charlie passed. Carol was a stay-at-home mom for many years and then later worked at Cook Home and Chris Jensen in the kitchen until she retired. She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings – Ruth (aka Elaine), Meryl, Aaron, Lyle and an infant brother. She is survived by her children Cindy (Bob) Evans, Mary Jo (Randy) Dulinski, Brad (Carrie) Miller, Julie (Brian) Dasher, Mike Miller and Tami (Peter) Fauver. She was also the proud grandma to 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Viewcrest NH and Essentia Hospice.

Margaret Y Pearson

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:28:44

Margaret Y. (Peggy) Pearson died peacefully among loving family in her home after a lengthy battle with gastric cancer.
She was born July 13, 1943 to Signe and Pete Peterson. She graduated from East HS in 1961 and married Dale Kirsh in 1963. She graduated from the college of St. Scholastica in 1977 with a Bachelors degree in Nursing. She met her soul mate and married Wayne Pearson in 1982. She helped open the Benedictine Health Center and worked as the head of the Department of Nursing for 10 years. She then became a charter member of the Infusion Therapy team working for 30 years and ending with snow bird casual status at Essentia Health. She and Wayne loved to travel spending time in Texas and Arizona. They also enjoyed sailing Lake Superior and the Virgin Islands. Peggy loved singing soprano in four church choirs as she traveled over the years. She loved photography, quilting, playing bridge, and pinochle with friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Richard Peterson. She is survived by her best friend and husband Wayne Pearson, sisters Betty Lou (Jack) Barlass and Mary Lee (Ken) Carlson, son Daniel Kirsh, daughter Sandy (James) Sandomierski, daughter Laurie (Dave) Linder, daughter Lisa (Mike) Kerttula, step daughter Kelly (Randy) Brooks, step son Kerry (Pat) Pearson, 8 Grandchildren, and 3 Great Grandchildren.
In lieu of a funeral service Peggy planned and arranged her celebration of life event held October 24th which was attended by many who loved her. To know her was to love her, TYFCIML!

Darrill L Wood

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 18:43:39

Darrill Lee Wood, age 66, of Keewatin, MN, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on October 24th, with his wife Mary Bergson-Wood (aka Pattie) and their son Preston Bergson-Wood at his bedside. Born in Cabool, MO, Darrill was preceded in death or survived by his mother Verla Coultis, his father Clyde Wood, his sister Patty Coultis, his brother Jeff Coultis, his children DJ Wood, Megan, and Mallory, as well as his grandchildren and additional family in Arkansas and Missouri. Darrill and Mary met as sweethearts in Kansas, have been together since 1998, and were married in October 2010. Darrill took immense pride in his lifelong hard work in the aircraft industry, working at Boeing in Wichita and Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth, where he contributed to building 747s and planes for the President. He also dedicated his time to helping many people while driving for Fairview in Minnesota. Together, Darrill and Mary shared a great adventure in life and love. In his later years, he cherished spending time outdoors playing Pokémon GO, watching movies, TV, and WWE with his son, playing video games with his son, and enjoying nature movies with his wife. He will be missed by his dear cat, Pumpkin.

Joyce Shelton

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 17:46:25

Joyce Carol Shelton, 81, of Duluth went peacefully with the Lord on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Solvay House with her husband by her side. She was born February 7, 1945 in Grand Rapids, MN to Frank and Mayme Peters. She attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, graduating in 1963. She married John Shelton on August 19, 1964 and remained married until her death in 2026. Together, they built their home and raised their two children in Rice Lake Township. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Parish. In high school, she was involved in 4H Club and Pep Club. After high school, she worked as a waitress in a Board of Trade coffee shop where she met John. She was an aide at the Duluth Clinic then was a stay at home mom for several years, returning to the workforce in 1977 where she worked at the College of St. Scholastica as a housekeeper. During this time, she obtained her BA in social work. She found her passion and worked as a chemical dependency counselor for the Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment and Miller Dwan for 24 years. Joyce loved being outdoors. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, mowing, camping and fishing. During her retirement years, she spent many summers in Voyageur's National Park on their home-made houseboat. Joyce loved traveling, reading and attending the various activities that her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in and often stated how proud she was of them. Joyce battled multiple conditions, but despite her pain, she was very active and didn't let that stop her from living her life. She was very thankful for the help she received during her time in hospice and for those who visited her. She will be deeply missed by her family & friends. She is survived by her husband, John Shelton; son Brian (Peggy) Shelton; daughter Kelly Hovland; grandchildren Stephen (Jenna) Shelton and Nevada Shelton; great-grandchildren Eliza, Charlotte, Finn and Lorelei; sister Sharon Robertson, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brothers Edward and John.

Harriet Meagher

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 15:36:43

Harriet Meagher Age 89 of Duluth Mn, passed away on October 18,2026 at Essentia Health Duluth. She was a longtime resident of Park Point and a Master Gardener. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jerry and four children. Carrie (Tim) Jacobson, Connie Sinna, Gordy (Shani) Meagher, and Greg Meagher. 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, and her sister Kathy Owen. Friends and Family are invited to a celebration of life scheduled for 1:00pm Monday October 26,2026 at the Veteran's Cemetery of Duluth. 4777 Highway 53. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to the Park Point Garden Club. Harriet will be remembered for her love to her Grandchildren, Greatgrandchildren and her beautiful gardens.

Clayton N Koss

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 20:54:18

Early on the morning of October 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, Clayton Nassau Koss sailed away to meet his Heavenly Father, beloved daughters and many other loved ones. Clayton was born on May 26, 1939, in Duluth, Mn to Nassau and Grace (Linnell) Koss. He lived in Cook County most of his life, attending most of the different grade schools in the county, before graduating from Cook County High School in 1958. On March 28, 1961, he married Nancy Clevette, his beloved wife of 65 years. They lived and raised their family at Egro Bay, near his dad. They often took the children to visit family on the ranches in Montana, and also family in Arizona, California and Virginia. After buying a tent camper, they enjoyed trips through the western states and up into the Canadian provinces. One of his greatest joys with the camper was taking his two older aunts from Montana on a trip reaching from North Carolina, north through the eastern states, and into the Maritime Provinces and back home through Canada. They built a home near Pike Lake after he left fishing. They enjoyed 14 wonderful years there until Nancy’s retirement. They then moved to Washburn, WI near her cousins, where he enjoyed his large garage and learned to do wood working. He also helped with a large vegetable garden, mowed several acres, traveled the back roads and fed the birds. In 2016 they moved to GramercyPark Cooperative in Duluth, where he served on the Board of Directors and built large scale model boats, laying the keel like he had learned to do building wooden fishing skiffs with his dad. He began his beloved commercial fishing career with his father at Egro Bay while still in school, and continued it for 39 years. While doing that, he began working for Erie Mining Company (later LTV Steel) in 1960. He spent his 31 years there loading taconite ships, unloading coal boats and operating heavy equipment on the coal pile. After he retired from LTV he continued working. He did soil percolation testing for Cook County Planning and Zoning, drove truck for Stan Bautch and Hoover Construction, groomed snowmobile trails for the Cook County Snowmobile Club and did General Maintenance for US Forest Service at the Grand Marais office. Clayton loved to learn new things, and he always said that he never held a job that he didn’t enjoy. He was truly a “jack of all trades” and could figure out how to do and fix most things. He served on the Sea Grant Board, Arrowhead Electric Cooperative Board of Directors, Cook County Zoning Board, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council, worked with the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon checkpoint at Pike Lake and helped lead eight Marriage Encounter weekends with Nancy. He had a strength that could carry him through the hardest of days, a passion for the things and people he loved, and a spirit that was entirely his own. He brought so much personality, joy and color into this world. And we hope that a little bit of that lives on in every one of us lucky enough to have loved him. He was preceded in death by his father Nassau, mother Grace, stepmother Carrie Savage, sisters Orlaine “Jo” Zimmerman and Ellen Janice Powers, beloved daughters Kathleen “Kathy” Koss Ehlers and Colleen Grace Koss. He is survived by his wife Nancy, son Jerry, grandchildren Joelle Schmid (Justin), Clayton James Koss, Sam Koss (Erica), great grandchildren Dylan Schmid, Cooper Schmid, Archer Koss, Amelia Koss, and his beloved cat Buddy. Services will be held in the late spring.

Jesse A Porter

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 10:16:33

Jesse Aaron Porter passed into legend at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth on October 13, 2026, a casualty of a two-year war with esophageal cancer. He was born March 21, 1980 in Aurora, Minnesota, the second son to James and Susan (née Kontio) Porter. Jesse grew up in Markham, Minnesota. The most precious and blondest boy, he had the kind of childhood only afforded to those who grow up in the middle of nowhere. He liked playing outside, riding minibikes, kicking butt at video games, and watching professional wrestling. As a child, Jesse could often be found at the library where he could surround himself with books, a lifelong love of his. He threw himself into music playing trumpet in school band, then French horn. On his own time, he taught himself how to play guitar. Eventually, Speech called his name and though he was a born and bred introvert, he loved competing with and against his other speech nerds. He never lost his pride in being part of this special group and eventually carried those skills and talents into his adult life. Jesse graduated from Mesabi East high school in 1998. He attended UMD’s theater program for a year but decided school wasn’t for him. That didn’t stop him from enjoying creative pursuits, however. He was part of several bands including Cave of Roses and I am the Slow Dancing Umbrella. He stuck with theater too, acting in local Renegade Theater shows which he truly loved but was not able to sustain, especially after having his daughter Belle with then wife Amanda (née Ronning). After attending Lake Superior College he went to work at WDIO, a local TV station. He worked as a director and he was a natural. Calm, unrattled, and unfazed, he proudly delivered error-free shows almost every single night. Eventually, Jesse would go on to work for every TV station in the Northland. After WDIO he helped start True North TV, a short-lived but very promising TV station in Ashland, Wisconsin that gave Northern Wisconsin the first station of its own. When that station closed Jesse’s talents were tapped once again to be on the ground floor of FOX 21, which is still thriving today. Over his career in TV he was nominated for awards several times, eventually winning two Upper Midwest Regional Emmys - and come on, how can you not be proud of that one! Through his connections with TV, Jesse was called upon to direct coverage of UMD hockey games both for WDIO in his early 20s and then at the Amsoil Arena in his later years of TV. When his talent for running A/V equipment became evident to the installers at the Amsoil he was offered a job to travel around the country installing and training people on entertainment systems. It was hard work with long days and he had to leave his family for weeks at a time but he was good at it. Really good at it. Plus he enjoyed being with his coworkers, seeing new places, and trying new foods. Everywhere he went he made connections, some turning into lifelong friendships. Eventually being on the road became too much so he used his extensive electronic skills to get a job at Cirrus Aircraft in Duluth where he worked on new projects like the Vision Jet as part of the Experimental Department. He was the ultimate problem solver and consummate teacher. He could explain anything to anyone and had the patience of a saint. After more than a decade at Cirrus, Jesse followed his heart for something new again. He left Cirrus for Moline Machinery where he built machines that made donuts all over the world. If you’ve ever eaten a Hostess Donette, you’ve experienced some of Jesse’s handiwork. Eventually he left Moline Machinery for Arctic Compressor in Superior where he got to make portable air compressors for breathing air for firefighters and first responders. It was a job he really connected with and truly seemed to enjoy — the work itself and his coworkers. He had only worked there about a year when he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on September 6, 2024. Though he tried to keep working it was too much with the various treatments he endured. Cancer robbed so much from Jesse even before it robbed him of his life. Surgery, radiation, chemo, chemo, chemo, feeding tubes, nutrition through a hole in his arm and eventually a stroke and countless other hardships. It was so brutal at times but he never really complained. Even when he was in pain so severe he couldn’t sleep he would so casually give it a mere four on the pain scale. He was just cool, calm, and kind Jesse through it all. If you knew Jesse, you knew he was one of the nicest people you’d ever meet. He was quiet, but not weak. Kind but not lacking convictions. He’d most often give people a very generous benefit of the doubt. He was super generous and a great tipper. He had the most wicked smart dry sense of humor and loved crappy sci-fi movies. Jesse thoroughly enjoyed a round of mini golf and disc golf but never actual golf. He was a life-long learner and deep thinker. Jesse was magic. Jesse was a vibe. Ultimately he was just a really really good friend and the best partner. For all his adventuring, Jesse’s favorite place to be was at home surrounded by his cats, two giant dogs, and his partner of 18 years, Amber Beck. Jesse and Amber actually knew each other since they were both 12 but only reconnected at age 29 after many a life experience for them both. Jesse and Amber were complete opposites. If Jesse was the steady rock that held everything together (and he was), Amber was the roll that kept things moving and shaking. But it worked. They would fight like any couple but they always made a point to say “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you“ never leaving the distance between them too far for too long. They also made it a point to never stop laughing together, especially during the hard times. Given the chance they would have happily enjoyed another 100 years together. Jesse is preceded in death by his dad Jim Porter, grandparents Sigrid (Ojanen) and Arthur Kontio, Lela (Stewart) and Glenn Porter. He is survived by his partner Amber Beck, his beautiful daughter Belle (Nathan Leon) Porter, his mom Sue Porter, brother Jace (Mary Kay) Porter, Amber’s parents Martin and Natalie Beck and brother Ted (Lisa) Beck, nieces Amelia Porter, Eleanor and Winnifred Beck, many aunts and uncles, and several cousins. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday October 31st from noon to 3 at The Proctor Area Community Center. In lieu of flowers the family is grateful for monetary support in this difficult time.