Obituaries

George Muhvich, 85, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Dennis Lee LaFollette Jan 5, 1952 – July 12, 2020

Helen Margaret Adkisson, age 94 of Ely and formerly of Tower died June 28, 2020, at home of natural causes. She was born July 11, 1925 in Soudan and was a 1943 graduate of Tower-Soudan High School. After graduation, Helen moved to San Francisco to help her sister and work for the United State Army, and met Charles Adkisson. They were married on August 5, 1944 at The Presidio of San Francisco, CA. They returned to Tower and were longtime residents.
Helen is survived by: Children: Charles E. (Margaret) Adkisson, Brooklyn Center, MN; Gregory (Gloria Gervais) Adkisson, Eagles Nest/Ely, MN; Mary Lee Erickson, Ely, MN; Scott (Dawn) Adkisson, Red Wing, MN; Joseph Adkisson, Babbitt, MN; Jean (Jess) Lindsay, Iowa Falls, IA; Daughter-in-law: Nancy (Dennis) Olds; 10 Grandchildren; 20 Great-Grandchildren; Sister: Rose Patti; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Mary Lynn Smith (Ryder) passed away on Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 at the age of 30 in her home in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Mary Smith was born March 13th, 1990 in Ely Minnesota to Luthera and Carl Smith. She graduated from Virginia High School in 2008. Mary previously lived in Babbitt MN, Virginia MN, Mankato MN, as well as in the states of South Dakota and Iowa.
Mary’s number one priority in life was her children and she loved them very much. She also enjoyed camping, concerts, being outdoors, and being with her family and friends.
Mary is survived by her children Keilo Riihiluoma, Connor Kremer. Her mother, Luthera (Palmer) Smith. Her father, Carl Smith. Sisters: Melissa Smith, Betty Smith, Frances (Eric) Gunderson. Brothers: Charlie Smith, Carl Smith. Her step-sister and step-brother Millennium Rankin and Donald Rankin (respectively). Her grandfather, Gary (Sandy) Palmer. Numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, and foster family members.

Jane L. Johnson, 92, of Ely, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Carefree Living in Ely.

Jane was born January 26, 1928 in Alida, MN, daughter of Ernest and Jennie (Wicken) Lundin. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School class of 1946. Jane married Arthur W. Johnson on April 29, 1950 residing in Ely MN. Retiring in 1991, she worked 22 years at the U.S. Forest Service office in Ely in various office support positions having a career she very much enjoyed. Her longtime local memberships include the Grace Lutheran Church and Ely Business Women.

Kenneth “Ken” Wayne Barby passed away July 8, 2020, at his home in Ely of natural causes.

Ken was a devout son, loving brother, and beloved father and uncle. He was born and raised in International Falls by Charles and Dorothy Barby. He loved living in northern Minnesota and remained here his entire life, retiring after a hard-worked, full career as a lead lineman with Minnesota Power. He later settled in Ely with his significant other, Linda.

Ken enjoyed hunting, fishing, and sports, especially hockey. He enjoyed family and many friends and was a clever conversationalist and skilled sportsmen. He will be greatly missed.

Patrick (Pat) Steven Mahoney Sr. passed away July 1, 2020 after a lengthy, hard-fought, battle with cancer.
Pat was born on July 13, 1963 in South Bend, Indiana to Marvin and Janice (Fowler) Mahoney.
The Mahoney family moved to Ely, MN in 1964 where they resided on White Iron Lake.
Pat attended Ely Memorial High School. Pat was an avid Vikings fan who spent most of his working life tending to the care of others, working as an aide at local homes for adults with developmental disabilities. Pat enjoyed puzzles, spending time outside, riding his four-wheeler, and campfires in the backyard. His favorite role was grandpa. He loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Patric J. Purdy, 63, of Ely, passed away Monday July 6, 2020 at the Boundary Waters Care Center.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Ervin Lee Minier, 91, of Ely, died Friday, July 3, 2020 in Wakefield Michigan.
He was born April 27, 1929 in Wakefield to James and Eloise (Hopkins) Minier.
He was married to Kathryn Zuidmulder on November 21, 1953. She preceded him in death on December 16, 1995.
Ervin was a proud veteran of the armed services of the US. He worked at LTV and was a lifetime logger. He enjoyed traveling, restaurants, gardening and making firewood. Spending time with his family, relatives and friends is what he enjoyed the most.
Survivors include his daughter, Debra Minier of Floodwood, his four sons, Daniel, Michael, Dennis and Edward all of Ely, his sister Karen Wedenoja of Ironwood Michigan, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ervin was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his two brothers and three sisters.

Jerry E. Blackmore was born August 19, 1940 in Great Falls, Montana. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Blackmore. He grew up as a young child in Duluth and Ely, Minnesota. The family moved to Castro Valley, CA when Jerry was a freshman in high school. Jerry graduated from Castro Valley High in 1958. Jerry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from San Jose State and an MBA in Taxation. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at San Jose State. He was a member of the California Society of CPA and American Institute of CPA. Jerry lived in Livermore since 1964 with his former wife Dona Fraser Blackmore. He has two sons, Andy of Arizona and Tyler of New Jersey. He served in Viet Nam in 1962 and 1963. Jerry is a past Board of Director and Treasurer of Junior Golf Association of Northern CA. Past President of Northern California Golf Association and a Past Board President and member of Castlewood Country Club.