Obituaries

Don Roger Ortley finished his final portage on November 2, 2019, after living a full and rich life filled with adventure and nourished by a passion for the outdoors and water. Don is survived by his children, Barbara Jacobs (Randy), David (Lori Jo), Linnea Ortley- Yetter, Rebecca Haley (Joe); 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; his sister, Donna Bonello; and friend, Sara Gilliam.

Jeanette Mattson, 90, of Virginia died October 30, 2019 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely, Minnesota.
She was born Nov 14, 1928, to Henry and Hilma Sipola, in Embarrass, Minnesota. On June 1, 1946, Jeanette married Robert Mattson and was happily married for 64 years. They lived in Embarrass, Grand Rapids, Virginia and Ely. They enjoyed their lake home at Eagles Nest Lake for over 35 years entertaining family, youth and friends before retiring to Virginia. An important part of Jean’s life was her family, cooking, serving, caretaking, hosting missionaries and prayer meetings. She was a wonderful homemaker, an avid reader and had a love for the Word.

Thomas “Tom” Henry Smith II, 57, passed away in his home with family by his side, on October 26, 2019.

Tom was born on January 3, 1962 to Thomas and Carolyn (Seopa) Smith in Bigfork, MN. Tom graduated from Ely High School and North Hennepin Technical College. He worked as a machinist for 30 years; the last 10 years at DSI, proudly machining gun parts for Remington. Tom was a steadfast provider for his family.

Tom was most happy in Togo, MN at the Seopa homestead, enjoying the outdoors and family. He was passionate about deer hunting every fall. Even though his heart was in the country, he found excitement and pleasure exploring the city. Tom loved the science museum, history center, big libraries, regional parks, Mississippi River Lock and Dams, fishing and car racing. Tom’s greatest pride and joy was his daughter Kaitlyn and granddaughter Tovi.

Barbara Flebbe-Anderson, formerly of Ely, died on November 2, 2019 in Columbia,Missouri at the age of age 100 years, 5 months and 2 days. Barb was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Roy and Zella Flebbe on May 30,1919. She was the eldest of three children. Her sister Claire and brother David proceeded her in death. She graduated from Omaha North High School, received received a Bachelor of Science in1942 from the University of Nebraska and her Masters from New York University in 1950. Following graduation she taught at the Packer Collegiate Institute in Brooklyn, NY. Barb taught physical education in Wyoming and Hastings, Nebraska before returning to Omaha as the women's physical-education teacher and coach at Tech High School for over 30 years. Barb loved teaching, sportsmanship and adventure, all of which flourished throughout her life.

CHIMZAR, Lucas A. "Luke", Age 89, of Woodbury, MN, formerly of Babbitt, MN.

Passed away peacefully at the New Perspective Senior Living on October 27, 2019. Luke was born to Luka and Katarina (Rehberger) Chimzar on October 18, 1930 in Ely, MN. He served in the US Army as a sergeant from 1953 to 1955. Luke worked at Reserve Mining Co. from 1955-1986 in Babbitt, MN. He married Dorothy Jane McBride on June 22, 1957 and was married for 31 years.

Luke was survived by his children, Paul (Linda) Chimzar of Woodbury, MN; Mary (Joe) Shaughnessy of Lindstrom, MN; and Cecilia (Mark) Cullum of Nashville, TN. His grandchildren, Ryan Chimzar (Christa Hahn) and Miranda Chimzar. His great-grandson, Jasper Chimzar and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luka and Katarina Chimzar and his siblings, Joseph, Catherine, Julie (Mavetz) and Frank.

Mary Alice Perushek, 91, of Ely, passed peacefully on October 25, 2019 after a short stay at the Boundary Waters Care Facility. She was born on December 4, 1927 to Stephen and Mary Orlovski in Denver, CO. Embodying MN values, Mary Alice was kind, independent, modest and, with her gentle humor, was loved by all family and her many friends in Ely.

She married Michael (Mike) Grosell in 1957 (Denver, CO) and together they built up an automotive parts business that was eventually sold to General Motors. Retiring to warmer Phoenix, AZ in1980, Mary Alice was an accomplished accordion player, with a love of Polka music; quilter and crafter; happy to share her skills providing classes in the community. She was also a voracious reader. Following Mike’s death in 1992, Mary Alice had a brief happy marriage to Robert Porthan in 1995 who resided in both Phoenix and Ely; he passed away the year after.

Roger James Salo, 65, of Babbitt passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2019. A Memorial service will
be held Friday, November 1, 2019 at Range Funeral Home in Virginia at 2:00 pm with visitation
beginning one hour prior to the service. Pastor Roth will officiate. Following the service a Celebration of Life will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Hide-A-Way in Babbitt, MN. Burial will be at the Argo Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest book or send condolences visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.

Roger was born April 26, 1954 in Winton, MN to Roger and Barbara (Nelson) Salo. He attended JFK
High School where he played football and hockey, graduating in 1972. He served in the Navy from
1972 to 1974. He attended Dunwoody College, graduating in 1976.

Caroline C. Vimont, age 70, of White Bear Lake, formerly of Minneapolis and Ely, passed away on October 9, 2019. Survived by mother, Maxine Popovich; sister, Judith; nephews and nieces. Per her wishes, there will be no service, but in her memory, the family suggests you surprise someone with a random act of kindness.

Melvin Matthew Luhta, 88, peacefully passed away on Oct. 20 at Babbitt Carefree Living.
He is survived by his brother Wilbert (Joan) Luhta , niece June (Wesley) Boyle, grandniece Tammy ( Mark) Phillips, and grandnephew John (Sara) Boyle.
He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Charles and Helija (Harju) Luhta, sister Lempi Anderson, and brother Carlo who served in Korea and posthumisly awarded the purple heart.
Melvin was born and raised in Waasa township working on his father’s farm, worked in the woods and in the mines, served his country in the army, being wounded in Korea.. He was awarded the National Defense Service medal, United Nations service medal, Combat Infantryman1s Badge (SO 285 224th INF 20 Nov 52), Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars.

Marvin Lamppa, 86 of Duluth, formerly of Babbitt, passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 in the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth. He was born February 14, 1933 in Embarrass to William and Helen (Sipola) Lamppa. He married Carolyn Card on April 9, 1981 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marvin received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, graduate degree from the University of Minnesota and taught history in Iron Range schools and community colleges for many years. He also developed and taught a course in the history of Minnesota’s mining districts for Bemidji State University before becoming director of the Iron Range Interpretative Program in 1977. During his time as director, he served as a member of the State Historical Records Advisory Board and was instrumental in bringing about the Iron Range History Center, a state of the art archives and research facility in Chisholm, Minnesota, known as Minnesota Discovery Center today.