All Obituaries

Michael Lee Esler, 71, of Duluth, passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at The North Shore Estates. He was born on July 19, 1947 to Michael M. and Margaret J. Esler in Joliet, IL. Mike’s family moved to Duluth in the mid 1950’s where Mike’s mother operated the Candle Light Restaurant in West Duluth. Mike was a proud 1965 graduate of Denfeld High School and attended UMD, earning a BA degree in History. Mike married Jean Haasl in Babbitt, MN on July 31, 1971. Mike worked...

Ann M. Maloney, 103, of Duluth passed away on Saturday February 9, 2019 at North Shore Estates.  She was born in Alborn, MN on November 8, 1915 to Carl and Margaret Abrahamson.  Ann graduated from Alborn High School.  She worked at JCPenny for 22 years as a sales associate.  Ann was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the VFW and American Legion Auxiliary’s, morning bowling league at Country Lanes North, and the Goodwill Board of Directors.  She played...

Patricia Erickson, 86, Duluth, died February 8, 2019, peacefully in her home surrounded by her family.  She was born in Duluth MN on February 23, 1932, to Madeleine and Fred Bujold. She married the love of her life and soulmate Wilbur (Bo) Erickson on August 28, 1953.  Patricia was a devoted wife and mother, an exceptional cook and bread maker, a talented artist, and an avid gardener. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She was preceded in death by her...

Margaret Patricia Heffelfinger, 78, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at the Solvay Hospice House with two of her many loved ones, Lisa and Andy by her side. She was born in Duluth on October 9, 1940 to Joseph T. and Olive P. Colt. Margaret attended Duluth schools and upon graduation, married and had three sons. She lived in Panama City for some time while raising her three young sons. Margaret moved back to Duluth in 1974 and began working as a cook for St....

Dale R. Johnson, 64, of Duluth, died Wednesday February 6, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  He was born in Duluth on January 27, 1955 to Robert and Betty Johnson.   Dale graduated from Denfeld High School.  He was an avid NASCAR fan, enjoyed time spent fishing, and loved his 1970 Chevelle. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Raymond. He is survived by a son Jason Johnson, brothers Steve (Myrna) Johnson and Ken (Pam) Johnson, niece Misty (Brad) Tyman...

Marlene Joan Carlson, 84, formerly of Piedmont Heights, died Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Twin Ports Health Center in Superior. She was born on May 22, 1934 in Ashland, WI to Gordon and Mildred Talaska. Marlene graduated from Virginia High School and later attended St. Luke’s School of Radiology, working at St. Luke’s in her earlier years. She married Carl Oscar Carlson in Duluth on March 12, 1954. Marlene’s passion was gardening, working for various greenhouses and...

Larry Watczak passed away on January 12, 2019 just a stone's throw away from his beloved '61 Chev Impala. He was born on March 6, 1948, the first son of Frank and Mary Watczak. Larry spent his working days as an extremely talented mechanic, finishing his career when he retired from Minnesota Power as one of their fleet mechanics. If he put his mind to it, Larry could do anything. He was an amazing mechanic, an incredible sketch artist and a capable carpenter. No one who knew Larry...

Louise G. Frettem, 88, of Duluth, died December 5, 2018 in Chris Jensen Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born on December 25, 1929 in Duluth to Frank and Emily Paquette. Louise was a graduate of Denfeld High School and worked as a bookkeeper for Sam’s Auto Sales and the Volkswagen Dealership in Duluth. She was a very loyal person, smiley and had a bubbly personality. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Vivian Paquette; husbands, Arthur Frettem and Leonard...

Raven Lynn Perrin, 28, of Duluth, died Friday January 11, 2019 in St. Luke’s Hospital.  She was born in Duluth on January 27, 1990 to Clinton and Ann Perrin. Raven was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Nancy Diver, Pete Ablieter, maternal grandfather Norman “Beaver” Diver, and a nephew Gage Perrin. Raven is survived by her children Davion, Talayzhia, Simionnah, and Patricia Ann, mother Ann Perrin, father Clinton Perrin, siblings Jonathan, Sean, Andrew...

Ruth M. Sjoblom, 96, of Duluth, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2019 at the Bayshore Health Center surrounded by family. Ruth was born on April 17, 1922 in Two Harbors, MN to Conrad and Sophia Carlson. Ruth grew up in Two Harbors and was a graduate of Two Harbors High School. She married Philip Sjoblom on October 10, 1941 in Two Harbors and they enjoyed 71 years together. Ruth worked at Wahl’s Department Store as a cashier in the tube room. Ruth was a longtime member of Bethany...