Obituaries

Raymond Frank Tkalcich
Raymond Tkalcich, age 70 of Ely, Minnesota passed away at his home on September 1, 2020, after a 5 year battle with cancer.
Raymond was born August 28, 1950 in Winton, MN to Frank & Mary (Karin) Tkalcich. For over 30 years Ray designed hair – cutting, coloring, and styling, and he drew, painted, and sculpted. He traversed the U.S. competing in hair design and art competitions. Whenever he could, from a very early age, Ray hung out in the woods. As if coming full circle, he moved back to his hometown of Ely, MN in 2001, and focused primarily on sculpting and painting.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mary Tkalcich. He is survived by, John & Eden Tkalcich, Joe & Tami Tkalcich, Travis, and his “significant friend,” Ann Spangler.
Internment will be at the Ely Cemetery.

Francine (Fran) J. Stellmach, 86, of Babbitt, died Sunday, September 6, 2020 at Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely with her daughters by her side. Fran’s life is a true testament of love and dedication to her family.
Fran was born May 15, 1934, to Matt and Mary (Kasteltz) Kolak in Grand Rapids, MN. She was the youngest of six children. She grew up and attended school in Keewatin.
On August, 21, 1954, Fran was united in marriage to Ernest D. Stellmach at St. Marys Catholic Church in Keewatin. Married for 53 years, Fran & Ernie made their home in Babbitt, where they raised their five children. Fran resided in Babbitt for more than 65 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother; sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, taking great joy in her family.

Clay Pollock, 63, of Ely, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020 at Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Jerry Gorecki, age 64 of Babbitt, passed away on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Essential Health-St. Mary’s in Duluth.
Jerry was born on Nov. 20, 1955 in St. Cloud, MN. He moved to Babbitt in 1960 with family. Jerry loved to fish and hunt and went to Alaska three times fishing. He loved to garden. Jerry worked many jobs; Reserve Mining, Longyear Drilling and the City of Babbitt.
He is survived by sister in law, Alice Gorecki; brother, Harlan (Melanie) Gorecki; brother, Loren (Bev) Gorecki; and brother in law, Bobbie Pinckney and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, John and his mother, Laverne; Brother, John Jr; and sisters, Sharon and Loreen Pinckney.
Special thanks to all the neighborhood friends.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Argo Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Justin Fernlund, 34, of Virginia, Minn., passed away Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020, at his home.
Justin was born Aug. 28, 1985, to Ed and Terri (Matschiner) in Ely, Minn. He grew up in Babbitt, Minn., attending school there. He played hockey, baseball, football and of course, video games growing up. His dream as a youth was to play professional hockey. As an adult, Justin enjoyed fishing and recently, flying drones. Working on anything mechanical from engines to computers was something he enjoyed.
Justin is survived by his children, Olivia and Zachary of Eveleth, and Chloe and Elias of Embarrass; parents, Ed (Robin) and Terri (James) of Ely; sister, Amy (Mike) Peffley; and nephews, Michael III and Gabriel of Sebring, Fla.; many many aunts, uncles and cousins; also special friends, Barry, Sandy and Mike.
He was preceded in death by grandparents, Richard and Carol Fernlund and Clemens and Marion Matschiner; cousin, Zachary Matschiner; and good friend, JJ Bieljeski.

Kenneth Maynard Hegman
1946-2020
Ken “Nappu” Hegman, of Ely, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep after suffering injuries from a fall off his bike while riding with his bride of 53 years on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Floyd “Butch” Farkas
11/5/1943 - 8/3/2020
Chicago Heights, Illinois (formerly of Ely, MN)

Evangeline Louise Revord, 81, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by family on Monday, August 10, 2020 in Babbitt.
Born to Louis and Angie Serena. Brothers David (Diane) Serena, Tony (Sharon) Serena.
Married Robert Revord who passed away January 26th, 2014. Surviving children: Julie Revord, Robert Revord Jr., Pamela (Dale) Solberg, Christopher Revord. Grandchildren: Amanda Revord, Dale (Amber) Solberg Jr., Dylan Solberg. Great-grandchildren: Paislee Grotewold, Tyler Revord, Ashton Solberg, Sirenna Solberg.
Private family services are being planned. Mom was a gentle, beautiful person may she rest in peace.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Rutzen, Joyce (Olson)

At age 91, Joyce took her first steps in Heaven on April 2, 2020. Due to the Covid situation at the time, the memorial service was postponed until Saturday, August 15. Please see details below.

Joyce was born in Milaca, MN to Paul and Lillian Olson on August 28, 1928. Preceded in death by husband, Louis; siblings: Kenneth, Jean, Willis, Donna Mae, and Phyllis and grandson, David. Survived by children: Doug (Anita), Janet (Greg) Albjerg, Dan, Dean (Nancy) and Jim (Martha); grandchildren: Miriam, Andrew, Eric (Paige), Kjersten (Noble), Jeana (Joe), Brock (Danielle), Noah (Breanna), Sarah, Matthew, Eliza and Colin; great-grandchildren, Graham and Cade and brother, Donald (Carol).

Charles E. Thompson, age 76, born Nov. 5, 1943 passed away on August 3, 2020 in Elko, Nevada.
He was married for 56 years to Mary Catherine (Ellis) Thompson, daughter Mary Ester Thompson, son Jay Thompson, daughter Kimberly Thompson, 4 grandchildren, four great grandchildren. Retired from New Mont Mining Co.
Private celebration of life.