Sam Cook
Duluth
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Articles by Sam Cook
Institute director inspires tomorrow’s nonprofit leaders
If he’d had the opportunity as an undergraduate, Tony Mallon would have pursued nonprofit management from the beginning. Mallon, the director of the Institute for Nonprofit Organizations (INPO), studied biology, worked as a teacher both stateside and in Japan, and sold health club memberships early in his career. A conversation with friends opened his eyes to social work, and today he’s using his position to create opportunities he didn’t have for students.
Marvin Steinbach, Jr.
Marvin Steinbach, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 2, 2023. He is survived by his daughters Tara, Heather (Andy) and Lori, three granddaughters Dray, Maisie and Bella and many cousins and nieces. Born to Marvin and Lila Steinbach in California, they soon moved to Duluth to raise him and then moved to Fremont, NE before Marvin’s senior year of high school where he graduated. Marvin was a dog trainer in the Air Force Police Squadron and was stationed in Germany.
MaryAnne “Polly” Miller
MaryAnne “Polly” Miller of Duluth, MN passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at HillTop Healthcare- Hospice. She was well known for her ‘famous’ fudge and for trying to put as many Christmas lights on the big yellow house on Huntington Street. MaryAnne is survived by her sister Pat Davis, brother Marc Snow; daughter Lisa Nelson, son Marc Miller; granddaughters Sarah Lundquist, Jessica Cheetham, grandson Gabriel Miller and great grandson Leif Lundquist.
Richard Harold Hanson
Richard “Dick” Hanson died on January 2, 2023 at the age of 91 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living. He was born in 1931 to Harold and Helen Hanson and grew up in Duluth Heights on Maple Grove Road. He graduated from Central High School in 1949. Dick served in the National Guard 1950-54 and 1956-57, and in the U.S. Army 1954-1956. He married Jean M. Johnson in 1953; they were married 67 years until Jean’s passing in 2020. As a young businessman, Dick was active in promoting Duluth.
Donald Lee Tracy
Donald Lee Tracy, 86 and lifelong resident of Canyon, MN, died peacefully surrounded by his family on November 22, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Shirley. Brother Peter Moe (Barb). Children: Raymond, Donna Johnson, David, Nancy Saralampi (Butch) and Paul. 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Otto and Ruth (Moe). step-father Parker Moe. Twin brother Richard and brother Jim.
Gerald Walls
Gerald “Jerry” Walls age 68 of Duluth died in December 2022. He was born in Three Rivers, MI in 1954 to parents, John & Marilyn Walls. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Deana; children, Jack, Kathleen & Carrie; siblings, Gail Concannon, Deb Spehar, John Walls, and Scott Walls; and many other family and friends. VISITATION 5-7 p.m. on Friday, January 13, 2023 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd St., Duluth, MN.
Vicki Woodward Leiva
It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Vicki Woodward Leiva, the beloved matriarch of our family, an educator in the Duluth Public Schools, and a pioneering member of the Headstart program. Vicki was born on Dec 7, 1943 and passed away on Nov 13, 2022. Vicki graduated from Denfeld High School and always had a love for learning and helping others.
Jacklyn Allar
Jacklyn (Jackie) Allar, age 86, of Blair, WI and formerly of Spooner, WI passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Grandview Care Center in Blair, WI. Jackie Allar was born January 17, 1936, in Chippewa Falls, WI, the daughter of John and Mildred (Brooks) Lewis. She was raised and educated in Bloomer, WI and then Spooner, WI where she graduated from high school. On August 2, 1954, Jackie was joined in marriage to Kenneth Allar.
Blaine A. Samuelson
March 20, 1947 - Dec. 14, 2022 ST. CLOUD, Minn. - Blaine A. Samuelson, 75, St. Cloud, Minn., died Wednesday, Dec. 14, in St. Cloud Hospital. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a memorial service at noon, Friday, March 3, at Camp Ripley Chapel near Little Falls, Minn. Interment with full military honors will be 1 p.m. Friday, at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls. Arrangements by Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory.
Ernest Hanson Jr.
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Donald Marinkovich
July 1, 1924 - Jan. 1, 2023 DULUTH, Minn. - Donald Marinkovich, 98, Chisholm, Minn., died Sunday, Jan. 1, in Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Rupp Funeral Home in Chisholm. Interment will be in Chisholm Cemetery. Arrangements by Rupp Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
Donald “Sunny” Sliter
Oct. 8, 1935 - Nov. 20, 2022 DULUTH, Minn. - Donald “Sunny” Sliter, 87, Duluth, Minn., died Sunday, Nov. 20, in his home. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 21, at Dougherty Funeral Home in Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.
Robert C. LaGesse
July 8, 1926 - Jan. 2, 2023 DULUTH, Minn. - Robert C. LaGesse, 96, Superior, Wis., died Monday, Jan. 2, in St. Luke’s Hospital. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., followed by a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9, at Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior. The Rev. Father Andrew Ricci will celebrate the Mass. Military honors will be provided by Richard I. Bong American Legion Post 435 Honor Guard. Arrangements by Downs-LeSage Funeral Home.
Gloria Mae Streu
Went to her heavenly home on December 31, 2022 at the age of 92 at Viewcrest Health Center. Gloria was born on March 21, 1930 to Johan and Jennie Hellstrom. She was a lifetime resident of Duluth. Gloria was a graduate of Central High School in 1947. She married Lawrence (Larry) Streu on June 18, 1949 in Bethany Lutheran Church and raised two daughters in their Piedmont Heights home where they resided their entire married life. Larry passed away in 2002.
Glenn Orville Geer
Glenn Orville Geer, 88, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at home on Monday January 2, 2023. He was born in Peoria, IL on October 3, 1934, to Birge and Mary Ida Geer. Glenn was a U.S. Air Force Veteran. He had worked on the construction of the High Bridge, at Diamond Tool & Horseshoe, and he spent the last 10 years of his career as a Bus Driver for Voyager Bus Co. Glenn married Evonne Swor in Duluth, MN on June 21, 1958.
Sam Cook column: Discovery in the French backcountry
NEAR NOUZONVILLE, FRANCE – The roadside turnout was a modest thing. Room for three or four cars, max. A small wooden sign indicated a trail to an overlook. The pull-out was tucked along the outside bend of a hairpin curve in the rugged terrain near the Belgium border. Son-in-law Jeff was at the wheel. “Shall we stop?” he asked. Sure, we said. He eased the car off the road, and the five of us hopped out. Well – four of us hopped out. The fifth was young Rennie, about 16 months into this world.
Stanley E. Moe
Stanley (Stan) Erwin Moe was born December 11, 1937, and he died peacefully surrounded by family on August 3rd, at the age of 84. A life-long resident of Duluth, MN, Stan attended Denfeld High School and was the first graduate from Salter Vocational School. Stan served in the Army National Guard, highlighted by an 18-month deployment to Greenland. He became sole proprietor of Moe Drywall, for over 40-years.
Rene’e A. Glassmyer
Rene’e Glassmyer, 60, rural Nashwauk, died Sunday, December 11, 2022, in her home. Born July 21, 1962, in Japan, she was the daughter of Dean and Linda (Keney) Barth. Rene’e lived most of her life in Itasca County, was a graduate of Grand Rapids High School and Itasca Community College. She had been a loan processor at the Park State Bank for several years. Rene’e and Thomas Glassmyer were married on April 18, 2011.
Gerald Edwin Anderson
Gerald (Jerry) Edwin Anderson, 89 passed away on Dec. 12, 2022. He is survived by a sister, and brother-in law, as well as 4 nephews and 2 nieces. He will be reunited in heaven with his twin brother, parents, sister, and nephew. A graduate from Denfeld High and UMD, he was a military veteran, and had an extensive law enforcement career. A short graveside ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, Dec. 19 at Oneota Cemetery in Duluth.
Daniel Sam Kuismi
Daniel Sam Kuismi, age 65 of Duluth, MN, died January 4th, 2022. Daniel was born to Annabelle and Sam Kuismi in Michigan. He was an accomplished baritone musician and earned a spot touring Europe with the America’s Youth in Concert Band. After graduating Gilbert High School, he received the Allworth Scholarship which enabled him to attend the University of Minnesota where he graduated with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.
Sam Cook column: Skiers take on tough course
Standing along the snowpacked trail that weaves through maples and old pines, we watch the skiers come at us in a sinuous symphony of colors. Cross-country skiers, they have come from across the Upper Midwest to these unforgiving hills of the Spirit Mountain Nordic Center on a December weekend. Now well into this race on the unforgiving hills, the high school and college skiers are fighting to hold on in this nearly 5-mile Duluth CXC Cup race.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE ADOPTION OF THE WLSSD COMPREHENSIVE WASTEWATER SERVICES PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Sanitary Board of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (“WLSSD”), will meet on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., in the WLSSD Board Room, located at 2626 Courtland Street in Duluth, Minnesota, for the purpose of conducting a public hearing to consider adoption of the update to the Comprehensive Wastewater Services Plan for WLSSD.
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a Tow
NOTICE Notice is hereby given that a Township Election in Fairbanks Township, St. Louis County, MN will be held on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at Petrell Hall from 5 pm to 8 pm. Absentee ballot applications will be available from the clerk. If you are a township resident and interested in running for one of these offices, Affidavits of Candidacy may be filed with the clerk at 3448 Lalonde Beach Road, Brimson, MN 55602.
Notice of Filing for TOWNSHIP ELECTION N
Notice of Filing for TOWNSHIP ELECTION Notice is hereby given to qualified voters of Duluth Township, that filing for town office will be held for a two week period beginning Tuesday January 3, 2023 to 5:00 PM January 17, 2023. Affidavits of Candidacy shall be filed with the Town Clerk at the Duluth Township Hall 6092 Homestead Road Duluth, MN 55804 during regular business hours from January 3, 2023 to January 17, 2023 a filing fee of $2.00 will be accepted at this time.
Canosia Township Candidate Filing Notice
Canosia Township Candidate Filing Notice Affidavits of candidacy may be filed with the town clerk of Canosia Township at 4896 Midway Road, Duluth, Minnesota, between January 3, 2023 to January 17, 2023, at 5:00 p.m., for the office of: Town Board Supervisor Three- Year Term Please contact the clerk at 218-260-5600 or canosiatownship@yahoo.com to arrange a time to file. The clerk’s office will also be open January 17, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. A $2.00 filing fee is required.
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS D
STATE OF MINNESOTA COUNTY OF ST. LOUIS DISTRICT COURT SIXTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT CASE TYPE: DISSOLUTION W/ CHILD Court File No. 69du-fa-19-995 In Re the Marriage of Matthew Jesse Strom, Petitioner, and Jessica Marie Strom, Respondent. NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION TO ORDER MEDIATION NOTICE OF MOTION PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing will be held on January 9, 2023 at 3:00 p.m., before the Honorable Sally Tarnowski at the St. Louis County Courthouse or via zoom.
NOTICE OF INTENDED PROJECTS Independent
NOTICE OF INTENDED PROJECTS Independent School District No. 709 - The Duluth Public School District’s 2023 Payable 2024 Levy Certification includes amounts relating to Long-term Facilities Maintenance Revenue to be levied pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 123B.595, subdivision 10.
Announcement of a Five-Year Review for S
Announcement of a Five-Year Review for St Louis River Superfund Site, Duluth, Minnesota The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is starting the fifth Five-Year Review process of the St Louis River Superfund Site in Duluth, Minnesota. The St Louis River Superfund Site consists of two sites separated by four river miles, the United States Steel (USS) Site and the St Louis River, Interlake, Duluth Tar (SLRIDT) Site.
Julie Lucas Named to the TCB 100: The People to Know in 2023
Julie Lucas, MiningMinnesota Executive Director, has been named by Twin Cities Business (TCB) to the TCB 100: The People to Know in 2023. Julie has led MiningMinnesota as executive director since August 2022. This statewide recognition will elevate conversations about responsible development and nonferrous mining in Minnesota. Mining and domestic mineral production are critical to the future of our state-a renewable future starts in Minnesota.
St. Luke’s Welcomes Tigist Opheim, PA-C
Physician Assistant Tigist Opheim, PA-C, is joining St. Luke’s Occupational Health Clinic. Opheim earned her Doctor of Medical Science degree from Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tennessee. She earned her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. She is board certified as a physician assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center welcomes toxicology and emergency medicine specialist Dr. Nathan Kunzler
Dr. Nathan Kunzler, a toxicologist and emergency medicine specialist, is proud to join Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center. “The culture at Essentia is one of kindness,” said Dr. Kunzler. “The chance to join the organization and be part of the growing practice of toxicology is exciting, and I look forward to being a part of it here in the Northland.” Dr. Kunzler earned his medical degree from the New York University Medical Center.
Attorney Julie Padilla joins Fryberger Law Firm
DULUTH, MN-Duluth-based law firm Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. recently announced the addition of attorney Julie Padilla to their Duluth office. Padilla was raised in Rockford, IL, and moved to Minnesota to attend Winona State University graduating with a degree in biology and an emphasis in ecology. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law, formally known as William Mitchell College of Law.
John C. Miller
John C. Miller, 72, of Waite Park, formerly Duluth, passed away December 11, 2022 from complications of cancer. John was born and raised in Duluth, graduating from Cathedral and then University of Minnesota, Duluth. He was a high school history teacher followed by an Insurance Adjuster for American Family Insurance until his retirement. John was a major sports fan. He started playing golf at age 13 and when he wasn’t playing, he was caddying at the local courses.
Mary Ann (Grigal) Kwapick
Mary Ann (Grigal) Kwapick of Lakewood Township, died suddenly Friday, December 9, 2022 at her residence with her loving husband at her side. She was born in Virginia, MN to Charles and Frances Grigal. Mary Ann was a graduate of St. Luke’s Nursing program and worked as a Registered Nurse at the St. Luke’s Dialysis Unit and also as a public health nurse. Most recently, Mary Ann worked at Duluth Plumbing in their office. She was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.
Gertrude “Trudy” Freeman
Gertrude Freeman, 93, of Madison, died peacefully Friday, December 9, 2022 at Unity Point Meriter Hospital. Gertrude was born November 6, 1929 to Earl Freeman and Bernadette (Hayes) Freeman and grew up and attended school in Two Harbors. She graduated with a BS in physical therapy from the University of MN, Minneapolis, and a master’s in physical therapy from the University of Iowa. She was the head physical therapist at Madison General Hospital.
Wayne E. Johnson
Formerly of Culver, Minnesota Died peacefully at home in Aurora, Colorado December 7, 2022 Born August 2, 1961 Son of Clyde & Pat Johnson. Graduate of AlBrook High School. Survived by his parents & siblings Mark, Cheryl, Charles & Nancy, Colorado family Kim & daughter Elizabeth. Celebration of life gathering will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 14, 2022 at Alborn Community Center.
Esther Ellen McKenzie
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Esther Ellen “Bubs/Bubba” McKenzie at the age of 92 on December 9, 2022. Born into the close-knit Griffiths family from Hibbing and Little Swan, she was a woman full of class and sass from the very beginning. Just as her mother raised her to do, Bubs pursued education for much of her life. She graduated from Hibbing High School in 1948 and the College of St. Scholastica in 1953.
Iva D. Vandenberg
July 10, 1928 - Dec. 9, 2022 SUPERIOR, Wis. - Iva D. Vandenberg, 94, Superior, Wis., died Friday, Dec. 9, in Villa Marina Health & Rehab. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a funeral service at noon, Saturday, Dec. 17, at Downs Funeral Home in Superior. A private family burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Downs Funeral Home.
Mary Ann (Grigal) Kwapick
Dec. 9, 2022 LAKEWOOD TOWNSHIP, Minn. - Mary Ann (Grigal) Kwapick, Lakewood Township, Minn., died Friday, Dec. 9, in her home. Services are pending. A full obituary will be published Saturday, Dec. 17. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.
Belle Sundbom
Our dear mother, Belle Sundbom, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 9. To say she was a wonderful person hardly captures all that was Belle. Her life was devoted entirely to her family and friends. She was always giving of her time, energy and unending love. Over the years she worked at the former Paulson’s Grocery Store, Glass Block and Advanstar Communications, making lasting memories and friendships along the way.
David G. Lusian
David Gordon Lusian, age 45 passed away on September 1, 2022 at the Hospice House in Duluth. David was born on June 22, 1977 in Minneapolis to Gordon and Martha (Hartkopf) Lusian. He graduated from the Crosby-Ironton High School, class of 1995. He moved to Duluth in 1999 and later found a career in IT. He worked for many years at Essentia St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth as a part of their IT support. Preceding David in death are his grandparents Tony and Katherine Lusian and Weiland and Avis Hartkopf.
Donald Sliter
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Roger Wayne Talbot
Roger Wayne Talbot, born November 11, 1934 in Duluth, passed away December 10, 2022 at Bayshore Nursing Home. He was the youngest son of Mary & David Talbot. Roger went to Duluth schools where he played basketball and football and graduated from Duluth Central - Class of 1953. Roger worked for Inter City Oil Co., owned Roger’s Burner Service, then went to work for Jeno’s. He moved to Wellsten Ohio with Jeno’s and stayed there for 17 years.
Mary Ann Fitzsimmons
Mary Ann Fitzsimmons, age 86, of Duluth, passed away overnight Saturday, December 10, 2022, at Heritage Haven. She was born December 23, 1935, in Duluth, MN to George and Esther (Erickson) LaFlamme. Mary Ann was a 1953 Duluth Denfeld graduate. She married James Francis Fitzsimmons on June 4, 1955. She was a devoted mother who loved unconditionally. She has left us with many special family memories and will be forever in our hearts. Mary Ann was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.
Rachel Weizenegger
May 22, 1966 - Dec. 8, 2022 DULUTH, Minn. - Rachel Weizenegger, 56, Duluth, Minn., died Thursday, Dec. 8, in St. Luke’s Hospital. A celebration of life will be at a later date. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care.
Evelyn “Evie” Brown
Evelyn “Evie” Brown, 78, of Duluth, Mn peacefully entered her journey to heaven on Nov. 23. Evie was born in Grand Marais, Mn, and lived life in the surrounding Duluth area. She was predeceased by Jeanette Jackson, sister, Jane Cox (family friend), Clifford Brown Jr (husband), Carl Hammer (brother), Chris Hammer (nephew) and her parents Chris and Ida Hammer of Hovland, Grand Marais area.
Anna M. Jones
Anna M. Jones age 100 of Cape Coral, Fl and formerly of Duluth died on December 1, 2022. She was born on July 7, 1922 to parents, Michael & Katherine (Glatt) Steffan in Devils Lake, ND. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; daughter, Kathleen Lund; stepson, Robert Jones; and siblings, Marie, Paul, Michael, Lugarda, Peter, Thomas, Nicholas, and Carolina. Anna and Robert owned and operated the Hamburger Deluxe Café and Coin City Laundry in West Duluth.
Susan M. Erickson
Born Nov 5, 1970. Parents: Jack and Pat Erickson. Died Dec 4, 2022 Graduated Denfeld High. Was UDAC Employee. Survived By Parents Jack & Pat Erickson, Brothers Jay Dan {Heather} Nieces Taylor, Kylee, and Addison. Relatives and friends. A Private Family Service. Special Thanks to DRCC, for the excellent care they gave Sue.
Darryl “Shorty” Coons
Darryl “Shorty” Coons, or Coonsie as he was known to golf friends, died on November 27, 2022. A loving hero to his family, he had a quick wit, a mischievous smile, and was a giant at the driving range. His wife Betsy was the love of his life, meeting the suave and handsome Darryl at a parade in his native Minong. She was on a float; he was in the crowd, and they were married for 39 years before her death.
Jean Karen Askeland Laundergan
Jean Karen Askeland Laundergan, age 82, died from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, in Duluth, Minnesota. Jean is survived by her son, Jeff (Jeanette) Laundergan; and their sons, Jacob and Jonah, of Esko, Minnesota; her son, Jeremy Laundergan (Rebecca Butler); and their sons, John and Michael Butler of Duluth, Minnesota; and her sister, Margaret Askeland of Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
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