Obituaries

Judith "Judy" Espointour, 91, of Winton, passed away on Friday, December 25, 2020 at the Cook Care Center. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Stanley J. Bezek Jr., MD, of Ely, Minn., and Oro Valley, Ariz., (formerly of Virginia, Minn.), passed away on Dec. 10, 2020, at home, with family by his side after two years of treatment for pancreatic cancer.
He was a goliath in the eyes of those who knew and loved him and his legacy will sustain his memory. Stan, although born in Saint Paul, Minn., on Feb. 22, 1947, was a true Iron Ranger at heart and moved to Virginia’s “South Side” as a baby. He attended Horace Mann Elementary then Roosevelt High School, graduating as co-valedictorian in 1965. After graduating from St. John’s University in three years, he graduated from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed his Family Medicine residency at Cleveland Metro General Hospital and the University of Colorado Medical Center. He became board certified in Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine.

Devon Marie Richter passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2020 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN.
Devon was born on March 27, 1978 in Ely, MN to Sue Mauser and Art Richter. She graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1996, attended Vermillion Community College and completed her 4 year degree through St. Cloud State. She knew her career direction early on in life, working with special needs people, she excelled at her job and loved what she did.
She will be remembered for her big heart, compassion for others, bubbly personality, infectious smile and her curly hair – just to name a few. When she smiled she lit up a room and was loved by everyone who knew her, a big loss will be felt by all.
Devon is survived by her mother Sue Mauser, father Art (Patty) Richter, brother Brand (Shannon), her three fur babies Rusty, Kimba and Theo, many uncles, aunts and cousins.

Irene Johnson, 90, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Aurora. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Barbara Lois (Nelson) Lassila, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at CareFree Living in Babbitt, MN. Per Barbara’s wishes there will be no funeral services held. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Barbara was born August 12, 1936 in Roseau, Mn, the daughter of Lloyd Harry and Marguerite Freda (Bell) Nelson.
Barbara attended school in Roseau, Ely and graduated from Embarrass High School in 1955.
She was a Hair Stylist for many years, sidelining Belly Dance classes, Bookkeeper and a Secretary for HUD. Her real passion was Antiquing. She owned and managed two stores, The Mountain High Antiques in Prescott Valley, AZ, and the Red Door Antiques in Junction City KS.
Barb was known as the Linen Lady in Kansas for her creativity and love of embroidery. She was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution and past member of the Red Hat Ladies.

Dorothy Gaither, 96, of Jacksonville, went home to her Savior on Thursday, December 10, 2020 while surrounded by loved ones. Born in Embarrass, Minnesota, she was swept away at 17 by a handsome young Arkansan, Roy Gaither of Newport, who was in Northern Minnesota with the CCC. He became her loving husband for 45 years until his passing. She would laugh when relating the culture shock when first arriving in Arkansas. They shared a military life together, frequently relocating with their five children.

Gregory J. Scheuermann, 64, of Duluth, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at his residence. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Audrey Frances Storrs (Pechek), 82, Bemidji MN, died 12/3/2020 at her residence.

Adolph B. Austreng, 87, of Babbitt, passed away on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Mary Ann Franz, former longtime resident of Babbitt, MN, passed away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing, MN. Mary Ann was born on November 18, 1945 in Mobridge, SD to Carl Arthur and Frieda (Nies) Larson. As a child, the family moved to Emily, MN where Mary Ann eventually attended nursing school and also met her husband, Conrad. Mary Ann and Conrad made their residence in Babbitt, MN where she had many fond memories of friends and the community. Mary Ann was a nurse for 30 years at Ely Bloomenson Hospital. She had two children, Tom and Lisa and two grandchildren, Mason and Zeb. Mary Ann enjoyed watching and attending rodeos. She loved spending time with family and especially her grandsons. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents; Carl and Frieda, husband; Conrad, brother; John Larson and nephew; Jesse James Larson.