Christine L. Tezak, 94, of Ely, dies

Christine Louise (Koprivnik) Tezak of Ely, 94, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Dec. 25, 2017 at Carefree Living in Babbitt, MN.
Christine was born on October 22, 1923 in Ely to Andrew and Frances (Cesen) Koprivnik. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School. During WW II she worked for the Air Transport Command as a cryptographer in Washington, DC from 1942-1945. She met the love of her life, Edward Anton Tezak at the Ely Sweet Shop. They were united in marriage on August 14, 1946 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Duluth, MN. They started their family in Duluth and moved to Ely in 1952, where in 1957, they built a family home, raising seven children. Christine resided there until 2013 when she moved to Carefree Living in Babbitt.
Christine lived her life as a devout Catholic and was a life-long member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. Christine was an excellent seamstress, enjoyed gardening and loved to take long walks. She had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Some of her happiest moments were listening and dancing to polka music. She enjoyed the time she spent at Carefree Living. She was loved and cared for with compassion by all of the Memory Care Staff for which the family is eternally grateful.
Christine was a devoted, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and enjoyed the time she spent with her family. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edward, son Patrick and granddaughter Sheila Tezak.
She is survived by her children: Edward (Linda), Duluth; Kathleen Tezak, Ely; Mary Lou (Charles) Lina, Hibbing; Patricia (Gary) Doyle Santa Rosa, CA; Michael (Marla) Tezak, Ely; Monica (Mike) Bonderson, Nashwauk, MN; grandchildren: James (Tracy) Tezak, Michael and Samuel Lina, Christopher (Ashlee) Bonderson, Brandon and Mitchell Bonderson, Zachary Doyle; great-grandchildren Easton Tezak and Will Bonderson; several nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the church. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.