Robert "Bob" Niskala, 68, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Matthew Markovich, 88, of Ely, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

Leona Marie Janezich, age 91, passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the Boundary Waters Care Center. She had finished living her life.  She was born in Ely, Minnesota to Louis and Ana (Matelic) Janezich on May 27, 1929. Leona graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1947 and from Ely Junior College in 1949.  Her work experience for a short time included being a nurse’s aide at the old Shipman Hospital, a clerk at the Sears Catalogue Office, a third grade teacher at...

Rocklyn Anthony (Rocky) Gaither, 75, slipped away on December 28, 2020 at his home. He was born in Ely, MN and spent his younger life as a military dependent. He had adventures in Germany, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.  Rocky joined the Air Force after high school graduation, spending his time in Spain and Italy. When he got out, after his four years, he came back to Ely to go to Vermilion College. He met his wife Nancy here and after they got married, he re-enlisted into the Air Force...

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.

Barbara Helena Vinson 85, of Ely died suddenly in her home December 25, 2020. Barbara was born in Indianapolis, Indiana Oct. 8, 1935 to Robert Elmer and Merna Kay Vinson. After graduating from high school Barbara attended Art Institute of Indianapolis where she majored in studio art design and music. She had a deep desire to sing opera so moved to New York City in 1963 to pursue her study of opera. Barbara had a beautiful opera voice. While in New York City she was employed in several...

Irene May Johnson, 90, of Ely, MN, died Dec. 19, 2020. She was a resident of assisted living for a year when she contracted coronavirus, and died after a short illness.  She was born in Hibbing, MN to Impi Sofia (Koivisto) and Verner Isaac Peterson. She graduated Hibbing HS in 1947.  She attended Hibbing Junior College. She married Roger W. Johnson in 1949. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2019.  Irene is survived by her daughters, Susan Johnson...

Barbara Lassila, 84, of Babbitt, passed away on Thursday, December 17, 2020 at Carefree Assisted Living in Babbitt. Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

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.

Adolph Benjamin Austreng, 87, a Babbitt resident since 1961, died December 5, 2020 at Carefree Living in Babbitt. He was born October 25, 1933 to Helmer and Anna Austreng in Blackduck, MN the youngest of eight (Alvin, Morris, Helen, Edna, Carl, Earl, Thomas) all deceased.  He graduated from Blackduck High School and married Carol Ostlund in 1953. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol in 2017.  The Austrengs were longtime owners of the Babbitt Weekly News. Adolph is...