All Obituaries

Betty L. (Nikunen) Ornberg, age 92, of Virginia, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Virginia.   Arrangements are pending with the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Sharyn Strong, traditionally known as "Yellow Feather Woman," was a beacon of resilience and joy whose life journey began on November 15, 1950, in the serene town of Nett Lake, Minnesota. Her story, woven with the threads of love, courage, and dedication, came to a peaceful close on April 12, 2024.   Born into a world brimming with possibilities, Sharyn embraced every moment with a vigor that was nothing short of inspirational. Her early education at Hibbing High School laid...

Darold Brackett Paine, age 91, of Mt. Iron, MN, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024 with his family by his side at the Virginia Care Center.   He was born on March 17, 1933 in Bemidji, MN to Brackett and Florence (Gay) Paine.   Survived by his son, Darold Alan (Edie), of Mt. Iron; daughter, Penny Aultman of Hibbing; son, Rick (Sherri) of Chisholm; daughter, Linda Abbett (Bill) of Hibbing; daughter, Nancy Marks (Chris) of Lino Lakes. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren,...

Marie Ann Turner, age 75, of Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at Carefree Living in Virginia. Marie was born July 20, 1948 to John and Josephine (Tramontin) Smolensky in Virginia, MN. She was a 1966 graduate of Roosevelt High School, and attended Virginia Junior College. Marie was united in marriage on April 7, 1970 to Steven Turner in Watertown, SD. She retired in 2015 from Virginia Coop Credit Union after 29 years. She was a bowler for many years and...

Susan Kathleen Kahtava, 74, of Virginia, Minn., sadly left us on April 8, 2024.   Susan was a lifelong resident of Virginia, Minn., where she was known for her love of baking and as a matriarch of Irma's Finland House where she was the Store Manager, buyer, and in charge of the bridal registry department for over 35 years. Susan was a proud member of the Soroptimist International Club where she enjoyed sharing her baking talents for many of their fundraisers. Susan's talent...

Johnson, Leon Curt. Age 79, of Virginia, MN. Passed away April 8th, 2024. Leon was a father, brother, son, and friend.   Leon (childhood nickname Butch) grew up in Duluth. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1962, and University of Minnesota Duluth in 1966. He was an active member of his fraternity up until he passed. He was a retired accountant after years of owning his own CPA firm with David Zuelke. While he enjoyed his career, Leon’s joy came from being outdoors....

Daphne Koski, age 86, of rural Virginia, Minn. went on to a new beginning with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on April 6, 2024. After three major surgeries within a year, she said, "I am tired, and I am ready to go to be with Jesus." Her friends, family, and staff at assisted living and Caring Edge ministered to her in her final days at her residence at Edgewood Vista of Virginia.   She was born on October 23, 1937 at home in rural Virginia, Minn. Daphne was the daughter of...

Daniel "Jack" Squires, age 84, of Virginia, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at Essentia Health in Virginia, Minnesota.   Daniel was born on May 26, 1939 to Charles and Grace (Crosser) Squires in Fort Wayne, Indiana.   He grew up in Virginia, Minnesota. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Class of 1957.   Daniel enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, feeding the deer and wildlife, being out in nature, gardening, and...

Lawrence C. Salo, lifelong resident of Virginia, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at home surrounded by his family.   He was born on December 24, 1953 to Eugene and Dorothy (Anderson) Salo in Virginia, Minnesota.   Larry graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1972. He then went on to attend Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 1976 with a Degree in Teaching. Larry worked as a locomotive mechanic for Minntac; and then as a lab technician for Hibbing Taconite. Larry...

Frederick Loring Johnson, of Duluth, MN, lost his battle with cancer on March 23, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, at the age of 68.   Fred was born on July 13, 1955 in Hibbing, MN to Roland and Jeanette Johnson. He was the youngest of their 5 surviving children. He was named for both of his grandfathers, Fred and Erick. He was confirmed at Messiah Lutheran Church of Mountain Iron; and a 1973 graduate of Mountain Iron High School.   Fred was a true artist. His degree...