Obituaries

Raymond Alexander Nickolson, 86, passed away Saturday, September 12th at Carefree Living in Ely MN. He died among caretakers who put their lives at risk every day to make dying during this horrendous time a little less painful. COVID-19 took his life a little sooner than his body wanted but his mind was ready to let go. We are comforted in knowing his struggle with dementia is finally over and he can now be at peace.
He was an up north native, born in Two harbors, raised in Robinson, and lived most of his life in Ely. He met his wife, Veronica, in Ely and they spent many years together in Robinson with Ray’s family, eventually settling into their home in Ely with their daughter Ruth.

Anita Peterson, 82 of Ely died Saturday, September 12, 2020 with family by her side. She was born on July 11, 1939 in Menahga, MN to Harry and Francelia Luukkonen. She graduated from Ely H.S. She was married to Earl Palmer Peterson for 47 years. She worked as a beautician and enjoyed her flower gardens. She is survived by her sisters; Delores Potter of Ely, Jeanette (Dean) Theel of Nenana, Alaska, and Vicky Koski of Virginia, MN. Her brothers; Edwin (Judy) Luukkonen, Edward (Diane) Luukkonen, Alland Luukkonen all of Ely. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 16 at 1pm at the Ely Cemetary. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 1:00 pm at the Ely Cemetery. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Gloria Smuk, lifelong resident of Ely, passed away at Carefree Living on September 11, 2020. Sadly she was a victim of COVID-19.
She was born on June 13, 1939 to Peter & Marcella Bianchi of Ely. She married William Smuk on October 29, 1955. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. She raised five children and lost two daughters to cancer.
Gloria was very active in her community. Starting with PTA and then President of many organizations; VFW Auxiliary, Slovenian women, Yugoslav National Home, and also volunteering at the church for many positions. She worked at Barbara Ann Bakery and catered many events. She worked as a “lunch lady” at the Ely school for many years and later Northern Expressions.

Allen D. Grembowski from Ely, MN passed away with his girls, Amy, Jenn, Jade and Bev and son-in-law Joe by his side.
On Monday, September 7th, 2020 at the age of 63 years old, he lost his battle to COPD not Covid.
He is survived by his daughters: Amy Stahl and Jenn (Joe) Wold; granddaughter Jade Stahl; his siblings: Gale (Terri) Grembowski, Bev (Jim) Kappes, Joe (Diane) Grembowski, and Mike Grembowski along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents Geraldine and Al Grembowski, son-in-law Ryan Stahl, niece Missy Grembowski, nephews Jake Grembowski and David VanVickle.
Service will be held Saturday September 19th, 2020 at Ely Gospel Tabernacle Church with visitation at 10 a.m., the service at 11 a.m. and a luncheon to follow the service.

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.