Obituaries

Norma Kramar
On a warm summer day on June 22nd 1929, Norma arrived in the world. She was born on the family farm near Foley, MN to proud parents Anna and Ernest Eckholm. The family grew over the next few years, adding siblings Harvey, Clyde and Byron. Norma graduated from Foley High School and attended St Cloud State University, graduating with a teaching degree.
After graduation, Norma taught in the communities Ogilvie, Crosby and Forest Lake. Her summers were filled with adventures. One summer, Norma travelled to Alaska with some other teachers to teach Inuit children at the fishing villages. Another summer, she and some friends went to Europe, travelling from Italy to Sweden. She stopped in Germany to visit her brother Harvey, who was stationed there at the time.

Feudor Aijala, 84, Silver Bay, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.
Feudor was born on April 20, 1936 to Felder and Saima (Mattson) Aijala in Ely where he grew up and attended Ely Junior College. Feudor continued his education at the University of MN- Duluth, obtaining a Bachelor’s in Education and later a Master’s in Education from the University of Minnesota. Moving to Silver Bay, Feudor taught 6th grade for 34 years, specializing in Social Studies. He had a love of history and was a great storyteller.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed turkey hunting in the Black Hills and fishing the northern lakes. He also enjoyed listening to music.
Feudor was fond of his heritage and enjoyed collecting Finnish Puukko knives.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Ruth and Arleen.

Max A. Zoretic, 88, formerly of Ely, Babbitt, and Zephyrhills FL, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2020 in Silver Bay MN.
He graduated from Hibbing High School in 1950 along with his high school sweetheart, Jean Nordstrom. Max proudly served in combat for the Minnesota Army National Guard 7th Infantry Division in Korea. He then worked as a welder for Reserve Mining Company and also owned/operated a Roto Rooter franchise.
Max married his high school sweetheart Jean in 1955 and moved to Ely where they raised their five daughters on Beacon Hill. In 1993, they became "snowbirds" enjoying retirement life in Florida.
Max was preceded in death by his loving wife Jean of 53 years in 2008, grandson Jon Max Rice, brother Vince and sister Bernadine.

Julia “Julie” Claire (Nystrom) Palombi passed away surrounded by family in Cloquet, Minnesota on October 31, 2020 after a years-long battle with dementia.

Julie was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1946 and spent the majority of her childhood and adult life in Babbitt and Ely. Julie was passionate about fishing, hunting, and enjoying the outdoors. Early in her career, Julie worked as a teacher and basketball coach in Ely.

CORLEY, Mary Magdalene (Ryan)
January 12, 1940 October 26, 2020
Born to James and Margaret Popesh Ryan in Ely. Grandparents Michael and Margaret Sever Popesh, Ely, and James and Barbara Taylor Ryan of rural Aitkin. Preceded in death by parents, grandparents, brother James, brothers-in-law Frank Weisinger and Leonard Fox, sister-in-law Karen Ryan.
Mary is survived by her husband of 59 years Daniel Martin Corley, three daughters: Cynthia Mastick, (Grant), Lyn Ostar(John) and Stephanie McNicholas, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren on the way. Also survived by 6 sisters: Margaret Fox, Theresa Weisinger, Jean (Jack) Corley, Barbara (Robert) Carnes, Veronica (Paul) DuPuis, Elizabeth (Larry) Alexander and two brothers: Joseph (Sharon) and John (Gailyn) Ryan and many, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mathew J. Baudek, 91, of Babbitt, MN completed his earthly life on October 30, 2020.

He was born the youngest to parents Matt and Jennie Baudek, adored by three sisters and raised in Ely. He graduated high school and honorably served his country from 1948-1951 in allied-occupied Germany post WWII. Back stateside, he was a police officer in Ely for a short time until marrying Rita Kylmala in 1952. Together Matt and Rita were blessed with raising six children in Ely, sharing 64 years of marriage until Rita’s passing in 2016.

Bernard Henry Portinen, 85, of Ely passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, October 25, 2020.
He was born on December 2, 1934 to Garnet and Esther (Baakkari) Portinen. His buddies gave him the knick name Barlo after the Portinen family's St. Bernrd.
On August 25, 1956 he married the love of his life, Nancy Jo Markovich. They were life-long Ely residents and raised a family on the west end. He worked and retired from St. Louis County where he was employed as a purchasing agent.
Barlo loved fishing and hunting with his boys and friends as well as watching football and baseball.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, as well as his parents.
He will be missed by sons Dennis (Anne Vertin) of Ely, MN and Allen (Teri Zupec) of Maple Grove, MN and a daughter, Ruth (Keith) Aijala of Babbitt, MN.
A celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2021. Arrangements are with the Landmark Funeral Home in Virginia.

Franklin Lawrence Kuhar

November 24, 1956 – October 6, 2020

Frank died at home surrounded by family on Tuesday, October 6, 2020. He was born in Ely, MN to Lawrence and Esther Kuhar. He graduated from Ely High School, class of 1975. Frank attended the University of St. Thomas and graduated with a degree in accounting.

Frank married his high school sweetheart, Jacinta (Cindy) Braun on June 30, 1979, recently celebrating their 41st year of marriage. Frank started his career at Ernst and Young and ended his career at Accenture.

Frank loved sports, especially golf. He was an avid MN Twins and Vikings fan despite their track records. He had a great sense of humor and was very charismatic.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Jacinta (Cindy), sons, Nicholas and Alexander Kuhar, daughter, Melissa (Matt) VanHavermaet, and grandsons Britton and Emerick VanHavermaet. Sisters- Jayne Kuhar and Carol (Ray) Oates.

Renee Ann Lassi, 69, of Ely, died peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday October 27.
She was born to John and Lorraine (Christianson) Zupancich on May 29, 1951.
Renee was a graduate of Ely Memorial High School and attended Vermilion Community College. She worked for the Ely School District as a paraprofessional, served as Student Council Advisor, cheerleading coach, and ran the best concession stand in all of Minnesota baseball. Renee was well known as a champion of youth and showed her endless love through time, creativity, and nurturing people with food.

Robert E. “Bob” Springer, age 81, passed away peacefully with family by his side at his home in Pequot Lakes, MN, on Friday, October 23, 2020. He was born to Edwin and Nora Springer on October 26, 1938, in Pequot Lakes. Bob and Eileen met in Kelly Lake, MN, and were married in Hibbing, MN, moving to Ely, MN to live and raise their family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Eileen; children: Wayne (Cheryl) Springer, Vicki Springer, Randy (Suzanne) Springer, Julie Tangen; grandchildren: Megan, Matthew and Aaron Springer, April (Cody) Hoisington, Angela (Patrick) Shea, Cody and Nicole Springer, Logan, Desirea and McKenzie Tangen; sister, Darlene Jarvis; and great grandchildren: Colton, Sage, Parker, Cam, Nora and Haley.