Affordable Cremation & Burial - Obituaries

Patricia A Stewart

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:40:39

Patricia Ann Stewart, 72, of Hermantown, MN passed away peacefully, Wednesday September 9th, 2026 at the Diamond Willow Memory Care, Proctor, MN surrounded by her family. She was born on June 20. 1954, in Minneapolis, MN to Florence (Preston) and Robert Merritt Sr. Her family ran a resort in the McGregor, MN area when she was growing up. They moved to the McGregor area when she was a freshman in high school. She graduated from McGregor High School in 1972. Later in life, she attended college. She earned a certificate in Secretarial which she put to immediate use. Patricia was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Lutheran Church. Patricia met her husband David L. Stewart in high school. They celebrated 54 years of marriage this past August. They resided mostly in the McGregor area for much of their first 20 years of marriage. They moved to Duluth in 1992 and have been in the Duluth area since. Patricia and David raised 3 children together. They have 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. There was nothing more important to her than her family. She attended the children's sporting events when she was able to. She could always be heard above everyone else cheering the children and their team on. She loved going to the zoo with her family. She looked forward to the trip to the cities with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren to see the animals with them. Patricia worked different jobs throughout her life. She was a waitress, worked at a cabinet making wood shop, a secretary, and a customer service representative, to name a few. The last job she had before she had to retire due to a brain injury was with ProPrint in Duluth, MN as a customer service representative. She worked there for several years. She loved her job, her co-workers, boss, and was proud of the work she did. She was saddened when she could no longer work there. Patricia is survived by her husband, David L. Stewart of Hermantown. Children: Angela (Ray) DeWitt of Palisade, Chrissy (Jim) MacDonald of Duluth, MN, and Tyke (Toni) Stewart of Duluth. Grandchildren: Samantha (Jon) Marczak of Esko, Bryan DeWitt of Palisade, Angel Kutasevich of Orono, Kevin (Sidney) Kutasevich of Duluth, Cordell Kylven of Hermantown, David K. Stewart of Duluth, and Madux (Rainee) Stewart of Wrenshall. Great-Grandchildren: Hunter Marczak and Troy Marczak. She is also survived by her sisters Barb Erdahl, Samantha (Ed) Philips, and Susan (Ted) Ferguson, as well as many special friends, nieces, and nephews. Patricia is proceeded in death by her parents, her in-laws Gert and Kenneth Stewart, her brother Robert Merritt Jr., her brother in-law Frederick Stewart, and her great-granddaughter Paisley Marczak.

Lorene Dammer

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 10:16:49

Lorene Dammer, age 76, passed away on August 31st, 2026, surrounded by the family who meant everything to her. She was born in Duluth, MN on July 31st, 1950, to Marion and Edward Schubitzke.

She shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Harvey. Together they built a life centered around family which was her greatest joy. She loved fiercely and showed that love by simply being there—through every season, celebration, sporting event, concert, play, and ordinary days in between.

For more than 30 years, she worked as a bookkeeper for Hermantown Hockey Charitable Gambling.

She found joy in the simple things: eating out, sitting in the sunshine, driveway happy hours with neighbors, cousin lunches, coffee and dessert, cards and games, puzzles, and time spent with the people she loved. She was the family’s Wordle Queen, personal travel agent and online shopper, and always appreciated a good coupon.

She will be deeply missed by her husband, Harvey; children, Corie (Chris) Cloutier, Carly (David) Beckwith, and Kyle (Ashley) Dammer; grandchildren, Jacob (Autumn), Madisen, Asher, Cassidy, Jolene, Derrick, Chad (Mary), Chloe (Rhett), and CeCi; great-grandchildren, Sylvia and Samuel; her sister, Linda (the late Dick) Grayson, and brother, Ed (Cindy) Schubitzke; along with many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 4th, 2026 at 11AM with a visitation starting at 10AM at the AAD Shrine Event Center at 5152 Miller Trunk Highway, Hermantown, MN.

Robert W. Barneson

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:45:09

Robert "Bob" W. Barneson, passed away peacefully at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, MN on August 24, 2026 with his family by his side.

Born in 1938 in Eleva, WI. Bob was a lifelong proud Badger State native. He was well known for his skills in basketball. He was captain of Eau Claire’s High School team, winning EC’s last State Championship in 1955. He continued at UW Madison where he was captain. He met his wife Mary Lou (Beckwith) at this time. Bob spent most of his professional career teaching at Eau Claire North High School where he was also athletic director for many years. Bob impacted generations of students as a social studies teacher and coach.

Upon retirement in 1993, Bob and Mary Lou moved to her family cabin in Minong, WI. He was a member of Spooner Golf Club and a competitive force on the course well into his 80s. Some of his family’s fondest memories were spent together at their Minong lake house, where Bob anchored decades of summer traditions. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph “Ben” and Lillian (Stuber) Barneson and his brothers Jim and Gary. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Lou Barneson; his children, Julie Meyer (Tom) of Seeley, WI, and John Barneson (Annie Klessig) and grandson, Jack Barneson of St Paul, MN; his sister, Barbara Knutson; his sister-in-law, Diane Barneson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth, especially the ICU nurses.

Todd C Olson

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:41:26

Duluth lost a kind soul to cancer and radiation complications on Friday, August 14, 2026 at Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital, Duluth. Todd was born June 15, 1979 at Spooner, WI. His formal education began at Ondossagon School. When the Ondossagon School District closed, Todd transferred to Drummond School District where he graduated high school. He continued his education at UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI; receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Rehabilitation in May 2003. His concentration in Independent Living - was a skill set he would come to rely on as his years passed. Todd found health adversity early, when diagnosed with brain cancer at age 10. The cancer proved life altering as it took away most of his vision, before being stopped by radiation treatments. A Japanese foreign exchange student sent Todd 1000 paper cranes, as a get-well gift — becoming Todd’s inspiration to learn origami. This origami learning process (mostly by feel) became a healing experience for Todd. Origami carried him through many more medical treatments throughout his life. In Todd’s own words: “How do you feel about life as a whole? Do you cherish each and every moment in life? Most people don’t ever think that they could lose it all. Events in my life took my eyesight but opened my eyes and makes me cherish each moment of my life”. Todd viewed his life’s origami journey in this way:

More than a piece of paper,

The Origami Crane is the coming together

Of small folds to create a beautiful end result

A simple act that yields great impact

The same can be said for the act of giving

The end result is powerful

A symbol of hope

A celebration of life

A wish for grace and peace

A chance for dreams to take flight

Hopes to rise

Communities to soar more than ever

Todd posessed the rare talent of bringing out the better side of all he met. Todd’s origami folding, his secret weapon, was the ice breaker which elicited a quick smile. His friends knew this well. Todd pushed beyond friends, focusing on disadvantaged folks, who could gain a much needed boost to a place where hope and a chance for dreams could begin. Duluth, Todd’s adopted home, needs more Todds. Connecting with Todd was a pause to reflect that we can do better; we can be better — it was Todd’s hidden power. A more personal insight into Todd’s story can be found in Blindfold, a short 2020 documentary about Todd, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vssB54GaUKA Todd’s special awards include: American Cancer Society Scholarship Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence The 2003 Marion Huber Learning Through Listening Award The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund CREATE Program Todd’s workplaces include: Camp Courage North; Wisconsin Lion’s Camp for the Blind; Advanced Practicum at The Center for Independent Living for Western Wisconsin; Special Education Aide - Drummond School District. Todd provided volunteer work at: Harbor City School; Lester School; Superior School District; Arrowhead Juvenile Center; UDAC Art Junction; Children’s Oncology Center at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. Todd was preceded in death by his grandparents, Esther and Leonard Olson, Frederick Dobbs and a special Aunt Cathy Walz. Todd is survived by his parents Chuck and Cindy Olson, sister Jessica (Matt) Hirsch, niece Kianna Hirsch, and nephew Skyler Hirsch. Todd has many special family members; Uncles, Aunts, Cousins. He has many Duluth friends that loved him, especially his friend Terri Spencer and his cat, Jack. A private family Celebration of Life, will be held at a later date.

William S Thompson

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 20:27:34

William Scott Thompson passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, in Hospice, after a very long illness. Scott, who most knew him by, was born in Superior, WI, in 1961. He spent 2 years in the Army as a tanker. After the two years he worked at numerous jobs. He was good in sales & worked for a well known music recording company mostly in New York, working with musical groups such as "Bon Jovi". Later on he came back to MN & WI working in construction, eventually starting his own company. He also worked in sales & was a manager at Home Depot before becoming ill. Scott married Corrine Anderson and was blessed with a beautiful baby girl who they named Erica Rae. Corrine passed in 2011. Scott later married again with joy at having 3 step children ages from 1 to 7 years old. Lisa, Matt & Oliver. Scott loved to be in the outdoors and hoped some day to build a cabin to hunt & fish from. Scott is preceeded in death by both grandparents, George & Ruby Ranthum and Edward and Verna Thompson. He is survived by his mother, Judy Thompson, Aunt Dolly Ranthum (Dave); Brother, Rev. Michael Thompson (Dawn); children Erica Thompson, step children: Lisa Robinson (Edmond), Matt Master (Lindsey), Oliver Master (Ashlee); Mike's children, Natalie Thompson and Schneider Thompson, Lisa's son David, Matt's children: Kolton, Jennifer, Marshall and Lorelei. Scott's Memorial Service will be Sat., August 15, 2026 & held at Bethany Community Church, 6700 Grand Ave., Duluth, MN. Judy's quote from Scott: He said, "I know where I'm going. I'll be with God."

Diane Marie Johnson

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 18:17:36

Diane Marie Johnson, age 68, passed away peacefully at her home on August 1st, 2026, with her son Bryan at her side. Her love for people showed throughout her several ventures in her life, including her years of bartending at Mike's Tavern and Kom-ON-INN; and being the backbone of horseshoe Billiards. Diane is preceded in death by her son Billy, parents Joyce and Art Engstrom, brother Dave; all from Duluth. Diane is survived by her son, Bryan Johnson, grandson Brendon "Love's of her life" Johnson, sister Darcy (Jim) Bester, brother Daniel (Holly) Engstrom, and many nieces and nephews and life long friends who will cherish her memory.

Cindy L Koch

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 11:40:47

Cindy Lee Koch, 69, of Superior, WI, died on July 23, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family, after a courageous but completely unfair battle with liver cancer.

She was born on January 18, 1957, to Raymond "Jack" and Betty (Jinkins) Koch in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but spent the majority of her life in the Twin Ports area. She found her greatest joy and purpose in being a mother to her two children and, later, becoming a grandmother. Cindy also took her role as a pet owner very seriously and loved her four-legged "children" as if she had birthed them herself. Friends and family joked that she was Snow White and had a superpower for attracting nearly any animal.

Cindy is survived by her partner, Tyrone Lloyd; son, Nathaniel (Katherine) Koch; daughter, Akela Lloyd; grandchildren, Carson, Anna, and Benjamin; sister, Paula "Kim" Scott; brothers, Raymond "Allen" Koch and Robert "David" (Jean) Koch; several beloved nieces and nephews; and many friends. She also leaves behind her dear cat, Precious.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Timothy Koch; and her very special grand-dog, Lily. Cindy was a firm believer that all dogs go to heaven, and we know their reunion is full of happy squeals, contagious laughter, and plenty of cuddles.

A small celebration of Cindy's life may be held at a later date.

Cindy was big-hearted and advocated for those who could not speak for themselves. To honor her generous spirit, memorials to PJ's Rescue, Animal Allies, or the Douglas County Humane Society are preferred in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to thank Cindy's RN, Brandon, and the rest of her care team from Essentia Health's hospice program for not only their medical care but also the compassion they showed throughout this difficult time.

Eileen M Erickson

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:09:26

Eileen Mae Erickson passed away July 23^rd. Eileen was born in Sawyer, MN on May 20^th, 1938 to Arne and Mamie Jokinen. Eileen was raised in Sawyer and graduated in 1956 at Carlton high school, married her first husband Ron Langevin and started a family. In 1956 Eileen followed her husband, who was enlisted in the Air Force, to Biloxi Mississippi to start her working career. In the following years the Airforce required Eileen and Ron to relocate to several different states and cities, which included Cheyenne Wyoming where she worked as a bookkeeper at Land Air inc., Urbana Illinois where she worked at an insurance company, Duluth Minnesota where she worked as a payroll supervisor at Target department store. The family moved to Fargo North Dakota where she was a self-employed accordion teacher and at Nodak supply and Crystal Sugar where she worked in accounts receivable, keypuncher, and payroll. In 1976 Eileen moved back to Duluth and worked for Duluth Lumber in accounts receivable and payroll. In 1977 Eileen re-married to Tom Erickson and lived in the Morgan Park neighborhood. In 1984 they moved to a lake home they built near Carlton. She worked for Park Properties, a company they owned as a bookkeeper and accounts receivable. In the mid-eighties Tom and Eileen sold various products at flea markets. This second career for both of them lasted for many years. In 1998 Tom and Eileen became snowbirds and bought a home in Apache Junction Arizona. They lived there in the winters and at the lake home in Carlton in the summers where they were close to family. In 2019 they sold the Arizona home and moved back to Carlton. Eileen enjoyed playing accordion, fishing for crappies at their lake home, working in her garden, cooking, baking cookies, and visiting her family nearby. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Arne and Mamie Jokinen, husband Tom Erickson, stepson Paul Erickson, son Philip Langevin, son Gene Langevin, brother Lyle Jokinen, and son in-law Vern Rominger. She survived by son Mickey (Cindy) Langevin, step sons Keith (Jeri) Erickson and Mark (Kelly) Erickson, step daughter Linda Rominger, daughter in law Mary Langevin, brothers and sisters, 11 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends’ next spring.

Bruce R. Backen

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:57:46

Bruce Richard Backen Passed away peacefully on July 22 2026 at the Bendictine Health Center. He sailed the Great Lakes on an Ore Boat at 17, and the Oceans on a Naval Ship. He Loved the outdoors, wildlife, motorcycles, his best friends, the love of his life Annie, his pets, all pets, and his brothers Dan Backen and Bud Backen , His sisters Jean Hanson, Susan Bourgoyne, his sister in-law Cindy Backen, brother-in-laws Will Hanson and Mike Bourgoyne and his friend Kathy J. Brantner. He is also loved and survived by and many nieces and two nephews. He was a blessing to many more. He took care of his neighbors, family and friends and he will forever be missed and cherish in all of our hearts.

Brian P Root

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:05:48

Brian (Bidy) Root, 68, Saginaw, Minnesota - born August 18, 1957 and died July 21, 2026.

Brian was a US Navy Veteran, a fabulous guitar player, a ringer in horseshoes, a pretty good gin player, a diehard Vikings fan and loved the music of John Prine.

He was preceded in death by his parents - Foster “Buster” and Deloris “Swede”, his partner Rachel Smith, his favorite guitar buddy Dave Eliason and his beloved dogs Pearl, Lucy and Sabu. He is survived by siblings Danny (Nancy), Barbie (Kenny) and Anita (Ken), two nephews - Jamie and John, his aunt Betty, numerous cousins, guitar buddies Pat, Mike, Doyle, Randy, Josh, the Aultman’s and many friends.

Brian graduated from Grand Rapids Senior High in 1975. He spent 6 years in the Navy with time spent in South Carolina, Guam and Panama. After returning to Minnesota, he met his partner Rachel (who he affectionately called “Rage”) and they spent many years enjoying their peaceful life together in Saginaw. His favorite days were spent jamming with his buddies, listening to music and watching Vikings football.

Although he would have hated it, a celebration of life with family and friends will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 1-5pm at the Eagles in Grand Rapids.

Timothy L Hart

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 10:33:57

Timothy Lyle Hart born on July 12, 1951 in Cloquet, MN to Lyle and Nina Hart. He passed away unexpectedly just a few short days after his 75^th birthday in July of 2026. Tim was raised in Wright, MN and spent his time farming, haying and helping out whomever needed help. He enjoyed playing sports, in high school he played basketball and football.

Tim graduated from Cromwell High School in 1969. He married the love of his life Gail Wilson on November 13, 1971 and they moved to Gowan where they raised their three sons Jason, Derek and Luke.

After graduation Tim worked at the Wright Creamery, then after a brief stint of working at Conwed (USG), he took a job with Burlington Northern Railroad (date) until he retired in July 2011. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the city of Floodwood for 25 years.

Tim enjoyed spending time with his wife of 50 years, especially in the summers doing tug of war events, where he was seldom seen without his signature cowboy hat. He also enjoyed hunting, ice fishing, and watching his boys play sports, rarely missing a game. He ran the score clock for Floodwood football and volleyball games, which also allowed him to watch his grandkids play sports. Tim could also be found out at the local golf course, almost any day of the week.

Tim was proceeded in death by his wife Gail, brother Wes and parents Lyle and Nina.

He is survived by his sons Jason (Carrie), Derek (Teresa) and Luke (Marsha) and grandchildren Josie, Kylie, Logan, Wesley, Brynn, Anthony and Kaleb. Sisters Vicky Addision, Wanda (Danny) Karppinen and Pam (Bob) Rahja.

A celebration of life will be held Friday August 7th from 2:00-5:30pm at the Event Center in Floodwood.

Please send all flowers the day of the celebration to the Event Center 201 W 7^th Ave Floodwood, MN 55736.

Richard D. Carlson

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:46:22

Richard Douglas Carlson, 74, was born on October 16, 1951 and passed away on July 18, 2026. We are thankful that he is now pain free and at peace with his savior. Richard attended technical school in Duluth and spent his career as an electrician with IW Local 242 for many years. He will be remembered for his kindness, caring, sense of humor, fun loving disposition, and the love of his children, grandchildren, siblings, and his favorite kitty Ninja. He loved watching the MN Twins, MN Wild games, and other sports as well as old western shows and movies. He was a proud Veteran and served four years with U.S. Air Force packing parachutes in Germany where many men thanked him for saving their lives. Rich will live in our hearts forever, and we carry many memories with us. Rich is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Margaret Carlson, and niece Lauri Stroot. He is survived by his daughters Julie Brun (Derek), Elizabeth Williams (Justin) Granddaughters, Calista and Briella Williams, Siblings Robert Carlson (Linda), Roger Carlson (Eileen), Janet Doherty, Carol Gaskill, Peggy Billings (Mike), James Carlson (Sandy), and Susan Quam (David), many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family wishes to thank Aftenro Nursing Home and Hospice Care for their support and care provided to Rich during this difficult time. Special thanks to our sister Peg for her years of continuous love and support with Rich's health and well being.