Affordable Cremation & Burial - Obituaries https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 Helen M. Bong Helen Bong M. Helen Wed, 26 Jul 1933 Sat, 11 Apr 2026 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Bong-obit-rm3tt74sweil25f40xi4ktx9sia52h6wquggvpv72w.webp https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/helen-m-bong/991/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 19:28:47 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/helen-m-bong/991/ Continue reading →]]> Linda M. Lind Linda Lind M. Linda Sat, 12 Jul 1947 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/LindaLind-rlzzpvfx3j5b2sjo2jqfrtspu3b3zqdkx2mnsuwdjs.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/linda-m-lind/988/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:40:13 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/linda-m-lind/988/ Continue reading →]]> Linda Marie (Heyn) Lind, 78, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Aftenro Nursing Home. Born on July 12, 1947, to Curtis and Virginia (Zech) Heyn, Linda was the second of five daughters. She was raised in a devout Catholic family in Duluth’s “Little Italy” neighborhood. Linda attended both parochial and public schools and graduated from Central High School in 1965. On March 18, 1967, she married her high school sweetheart, Paul Lind. The couple settled in Duluth Heights, where they welcomed three children: Bryan (1969), Barbara (1973), and Elizabeth (1975). In 1978, the family moved to the Woodland neighborhood of Duluth. Linda and Paul later divorced in 1983. Throughout her life, Linda held a wide variety of jobs in the service industry including management. Linda was known for her strong work ethic, adaptability, and steady, thoughtful nature—qualities that made her a valued employee wherever she worked. She retired in 2020 after nearly 20 years of employment at the Holiday Inn Laundry Department in Downtown Duluth. Linda had many interests, including fishing, amateur photography, gardening, sewing, and crafting, but she was especially passionate about reading. She explored a wide range of subjects and had a particular fascination with the human body and how it worked—an interest that led many to say she would have made an excellent doctor. She will be remembered for her quick wit, honesty, and her deep, unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Alexander Schlais. She is survived by her children: Bryan Lind (Sheryl Decal), Barbara Schlais (Ken), and Elizabeth Mayne; her grandchildren: Amanda and Abigail Schlais; Katelyn, Lukas, and Derek Mayne; her four sisters; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Linda’s family would like to acknowledge the outstanding service and care Linda received from the Essentia Hospice team and the staff at Aftenro Nursing Home. In accordance with Linda’s wishes, no funeral will be held. A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00-4:00 PM at the College of St. Scholastica Student Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Linda’s Memorial Tree Fund c/o Elizabeth Mayne, 1910 Standford Ave, Duluth, MN 55811 or Venmo @bethmayne (4070) to support the planting of trees in her memory by her family. ]]> Sandra Lee Hartshorn ((Latscher)) Sandra Hartshorn Lee (Latscher) Sandra Sun, 31 Mar 1946 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/hartshornobit-rlyjgyid8cbepgohaig3bgx4mu3j7x9xneqe5rr0k8.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/sandra-lee-hartshorn/987/ Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:38:06 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/sandra-lee-hartshorn/987/ Continue reading →]]> Sandy Lee Hartshorn (Latscher) March 31, 1946 – April 9, 2026 Sandy L. Hartshorn peacefully went home to her Heavenly Father while residing at Villa Marina in Superior, WI. Sandy is survived by her loving son, Joseph (Joe), and her cherished furry companions, Woody and Ellie. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband and best friend, Ernie Hartshorn; her parents, Floyd and Eldora (Nickerson) Latscher; and her special friend, Bob Day. She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Peter (Denise), Nancy (Mike Doolittle), Robert (Debbie), Tom (Tracie), Kathi (Patrick Moore), and Becky (Tim Carroll). Sandy also held a special place in her heart for the “children” she helped raise after the passing of her dear friend Fran: Katie Bates, Linda Coleman (Day), and Mary McGregor (Day). Those who affectionately called her “Granny Sandy” include Austin, Frances, Cadigan, McLaine, Annora, Eleanor, and Kylah. She is also survived by her cherished nieces and nephews: Amy (Mark Flatten), Kim Loftus, Greg Doolittle, Bob Latscher Jr., Matt Latscher (Angie), Kristen (Paul Swartz), and Katie (Paul Carland), along with many great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Sandy’s dear friends, Carol Wiggins and Maxine Luzaich, whose constant companionship and care always reflected Sandy’s best interests, and to Jon Papineau, Sandy and Joe’s close friend, who was always there to help with Sandy’s many “projects” that no one else could manage. Sandy’s deep love for Lake Superior and Connors Point will forever bring smiles and laughter to her family, who fondly remember her floating happily and peacefully in the water. Sandy also loved birdwatching and enjoyed the abundance of feathered visitors at her home on Connors Point. Her compassion and lifelong dedication to helping others—especially those she proudly championed as the “underdog”—formed the cornerstone of her legacy. That same love carried into her work at local nursing care facilities, where she consistently brought kindness, warmth, and smiles to everyone’s day. Sandy will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her, loved her, and be touched by her generous spirit. A private ceremony will be held later this summer with family and friends. ]]> Marsha S Sather Marsha Sather S Marsha Tue, 21 Mar 1944 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Sather-Marsha-obit-pic-rm3j2wem6jpbncjeqg8sct8l0samokm5yujpmwmu8o.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/marsha-s-sather/990/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:22:11 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/marsha-s-sather/990/ Continue reading →]]> th, 2026. Marsha was born on March 21st, 1944, in Federal Dam, MN to Fern and Norman Miller. She grew up in Federal Dam as the youngest of 5 siblings and graduated from Cass Lake High School in 1962. She married her sweetheart Leroy Sather March 19th, 1966, just before he left to serve in the Vietnam War. When he returned, they adopted two boys, Micheal Lee, and Jason John. She enjoyed riding motorcycles as her and her husband were members of the Twin Ports Goldwing Club, she loved to go dancing, enjoyed listening to country music, loved animals, and loved spending time with family. In recent years she greatly enjoyed getting outdoors and taking side-by-side rides with her grandson. She lost her husband to cancer in 1990 and raised her sons alone working a variety of cooking and restaurant jobs until her retirement from The Bethel in 2005. She is preceded in death by her parents Fern and Norman Miller, Husband Leroy Sather, Brother Ronald Miller, Sisters Patricia Ware, Judith Monette, and Norma Wolske. She is survived by her sons Mike Sather, Jason (Addy) Sather, Grandson Austin (Savanna Gray) Sather, many nieces and nephews, and her fur babies Okie and Harley. Special recognition to her good friends Patty Palmer, Theresa Johnston, and her Wednesday night burger buddies.   ]]> Dee A. Miller Dee Miller A. Dee Fri, 25 Apr 1947 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/millerobit-rm5hl8mg38hyabgjm5ug8rrbgv563anamgmpw30haw.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/dee-a-miller/992/ Fri, 17 Apr 2026 14:22:26 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/dee-a-miller/992/ Continue reading →]]> Have you ever entered a room and immediately felt laughter and joy? If so, then Dee Miller was there commanding the audience with her wit, laughter, and that infectious smile. Dee was born on April 25th, 1947, on a plane above Newton City, Kansas to Olga Reimer and Harry Martens. She was raised Mennonite which created her keen sense of compassion, humanitarianism, and moral justice. Dee traveled frequently as a child. By age 10, she had visited over twenty-one countries. Dee attended Goshen College in Indiana along with The Juilliard School in New York City where she developed a strong musical background and the ability to play multiple instruments. Dee had a spirit that craved exploration and she especially enjoyed visiting her favorite place, Arizona. She and her best friend, Todd Vittorio, would have many adventures there. She enjoyed reading, collecting, and selling books. A Bibliophile in every sense of the word! She collected sewing buttons, loved to cook for others, and attended many theatrical productions. Hunting for antiques became a highlight in her and Todd’s lives. Collecting, buying, and selling (always for a profit!) treasures from around the world was their passion. Dee is preceded in death by her parents Olga and Harry Martens. She is survived by her true love, Todd Vittorio, who she shared a life of adventures, happiness, and joy. Also surviving are her two sons Brian and Scott Miller. Grandchildren: Hannah and Harrison. Great Grandchildren: Oaklynn, Easton, and Mabel. Dee was an active partner with her health care providers whose expertise extended her life beyond anyone’s expectations. Dee and her family are so grateful for the care she received from the Essentia Health team.     ]]> James D Benko James Benko D James Sun, 01 Oct 1950 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Benko-James-obit-pic-rlgztvusmo8lzygbif7sylght43jeuq9bfz6tb79g8.jpeg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/james-d-benko/986/ Fri, 03 Apr 2026 16:39:55 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/james-d-benko/986/ Continue reading →]]>
James D Benko
October 1, 1950 - April 2, 2026
James Dale Benko (Buff), 75 of Cloquet, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN. He was born on October 1, 1950 to Lewis and Rose Marie (Crotteau) Benko in Cloquet. Jim married Kathryn Marie Tobolaski on February 21, 1970.
Jim had many hobbies throughout his life. He looked forward to deer hunting every year in Sturgeon Lake. He loved hunting with his dogs, fishing, old cars, riding Harleys, watching NASCAR, and collecting die cast. Jim worked for Potlatch/Sappi Paper for 43 years.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathy, his parents Lewis and Rose Benko, his in-laws Chester and Joanne Tobolaski, his brother Harvey Benko, brothers in-law Phil Tobolaski and Chad Tobolaski, sister in-law Lori Geving, and his best dogs Sandy, Buddy, and Deuce. He leaves behind his daughter Sheila (Dane) LaRue, son James Benko, grandson Brett Port and granddaughter Emma Port, sisters Doreen (Tamara) Ritt, Mary Benko, sisters in-law Marinelda Benko, Beverly Nelson, Sharon Farrow, Barbara Motschenbacher, Lisa Neufeld, Jodi (Kelly) Larson and brothers in-law Steve (Patti) Tobolaski, Chester Tobolaski, Blaine (Sue) Tobolaski, David (Chandra) Tobolaski, and several nieces and nephews.
]]> Jeffery P Hymas Jeffery Hymas P Jeffery Sat, 10 Jan 1953 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Jeff-April-2024-obit-rlbvszh3x391o1hm9rue9d6sxddu8wc5t8htnm080o.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/jeffery-p-hymas/985/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:21:53 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/jeffery-p-hymas/985/ Continue reading →]]> Obituary Jeffery Paul Hymas, affectionately known as "Cousin Jeffy," passed away at home on March 29, 2026. Born on January 10, 1953, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Hazel Mason and Stan Hymas, Jeff grew up in Idaho and graduated from Rigby High School. He later earned his certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics fabricating and fitting artificial limbs and braces from Lakewood Community College in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Jeff dedicated over 20 years to his career in Orthotics and Prosthetics, a profession where he met his wife, Janice, a physical therapist. A kind and compassionate man, Jeff was known for treating everyone with the utmost respect. He and Janice shared 33 wonderful years of marriage, during which they worked side-by-side treating patients and later managing their rental properties. In both, they showed an attention to detail and a commitment to helping others. Jeff had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, having designed and built them in his youth. He found great joy in riding and took many memorable motorcycle trips across the country. An avid animal lover, Jeff particularly loved his dogs and fostered seven Cairn Terriers over the years. He also cherished his role as an uncle, watching plays, sports, and especially playing board games with his many nieces and nephews. A man of deep faith, Jeff had a profound love for Jesus Christ. His family takes comfort in knowing he is now at peace in Jesus’s arms. Jeff is survived by his wife, Janice Hymas; his brothers, Doug (Chris) Hymas, Kendall (Rena) Hymas, and Weston (Tracy) Hymas; and his sisters, Karla Soriea, Laura (Darrel) Dietz, Stana Chisum, Cecelia (Richard) Rupp, Gracie (Randy) Adams, and Kimberly Hymas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. A memorial service will be held: Tuesday April 7, 2026 at 11 am St. John’s Catholic Church 4320 St. John’s Avenue Duluth, MN A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, your donations would be greatly appreciated to:
  1. Cairns and Cousins Terrier Rescue
https://ccterrierrescue.org If you wish to donate by check, please make checks payable to Cairns and Cousins Terrier Rescue and mail to:           Cairns and Cousins Terrier Rescue           PO Box 401           Drexel Hill PA 19026
  1. Animal Allies
https://www.animalallies.net Animal Allies Humane Society 4006 Airport Road Duluth, MN 55811 Or donate to a charity of your choice. ]]> Timothy J Bushnell Timothy Bushnell J Timothy Thu, 23 Apr 1953 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 Mon, 30 Nov -0001 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Untitled-rm0eyf37hw2cihr3y5rhdwjpy5lh0t2dc4en73kcd4.png https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/timothy-j-bushnell/989/ Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:35:49 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/timothy-j-bushnell/989/ Continue reading →]]> th Street, in Duluth on Thursday, April 23rd (Tim’s birthday) with visitation at 2 pm and service at 3 pm. A “pizza party” gathering of friends and family will follow at the Country Inn and Suites, 4257 Haines Road, Duluth. In addition, an outdoor salute and send-off will be held around sunset on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the family property in Aitkin County following the annual Fourth of July picnic (check with a family member for details if interested). ]]> Danielle L Durovec Danielle Durovec L Danielle Fri, 10 Mar 1972 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Danielle-Durovec-obit-pic-rksqg3n1ukt2lrecg1e4nbjl9qncai0zh29sog8xaw.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/danielle-l-durovec/982/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:09:23 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/danielle-l-durovec/982/ Continue reading →]]> Danielle Durovec was born on March 10, 1972, in Baltimore, Maryland, to Janet Zganjar and David Evans. From an early age, she showed kindness, strength, humor, and love, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Throughout her life, Danielle found great joy in her work at Schneiderman’s Furniture and later at the Floodwood School. She was known for her loving spirit, her generosity, and the warmth she brought to everyone around her. Her laughter and resilience touched countless lives, and she had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply cared for. Danielle also found happiness in the simple things—she loved fishing and took special pride in baking sweet treats, as well as in her beloved sea turtle and gnome collection. Danielle truly carried a light within her—one that brightened every room she entered.
Above all, Danielle cherished her family. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Daniel Durovec; her daughter, Jessica (Kenny) Aho; her sons, Darren (Breanna) Durovec and Dakoda (Greta) Durovec; her grandchildren, Oliver, Hazel, and Hansen; her mother, Janet Zganjar; her sister, Darletta (John) Durovec; and her brother, David (Ruby) Evans. She will also be deeply missed by her brothers- and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, and her great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom she loved dearly. They will carry forward her memory with deep love and gratitude.
She was preceded in death by her father, David Evans, and her brother, Darrin Evans.
A special thank you to the Essentia Health Oncology, Radiology, and Infusion Centers.
Though Danielle is no longer with us, her love, laughter, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered. As Danielle often said, “May your day be as wonderful as you are.”
]]> Ronald W Olson Ronald Olson W Ronald Mon, 15 Jun 1959 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 Fri, 01 May 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/Olson-Ronald-Obit-pic-rl4sfavrxzsinttrx94bwuywy9vmd51wsq9ao3kl20.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/ronald-w-olson/984/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 12:22:29 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/ronald-w-olson/984/ Continue reading →]]> Lon N Jones Lon Jones N Lon Sun, 25 Mar 1934 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/imageobit-rkncdhz592ocnptsajhxyv5f78pw5ipaklf2clco7s.png https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/lon-n-jones/981/ Tue, 17 Mar 2026 11:53:22 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/lon-n-jones/981/ Continue reading →]]> Mark P Carlson Mark Carlson P Mark Sat, 17 Dec 1949 Sat, 07 Mar 2026 Sat, 25 Apr 2026 https://affordableduluth.com/wp-content/uploads/bfi_thumb/uploads/wpfuneralpress-cache/obit-2-rkzfldhq60teild3wket8mqfa1r72a2yddmcgofq8o.jpg https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/mark-p-carlson/983/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:33:28 https://affordableduluth.com/obituaries/mark-p-carlson/983/ Continue reading →]]>