Michael W. Pelto

Michael W. Pelto, age 77, passed away on January 4, 2024 at the Boundary Waters Care Center in Ely.

Mike was born on May 12, 1946 in Ely, Minnesota, to John and Elsie (Saari) Pelto. He graduated from Ely High School in 1964 and the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1968. Mike was a science teacher, and throughout his career he taught at school districts in Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

During his teaching years Mike always spent his summers in Ely, and he retired to Ely in 2002. In his retirement, Mike enjoyed spending time at the family cabin on Burntside Lake. He especially enjoyed fishing and feeding the birds. Mike is survived by his sister-in-law Marian Pelto, nephew Kevin Pelto, niece Karla (Eric) Nesheim and their two children, and other nieces and nephews. Mike is preceded in death by his parents and brothers George, Art, and Werner. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, the Boundary Waters Care Center, and Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice. The family is also grateful for the friendship and assistance provided by many of Mike’s neighbors and managers at the Grahek Apartments in Ely where he lived for the past 11 years. Per Mike’s request, there will be no service.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael W. Pelto, please visit our floral store.