All Obituaries

Rilynn Ramona Turner, age 2 months, 26 days, daughter of Nicklus and Lasarra Turner of Duluth died Wednesday, August 14, 2019 at Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.  She was born in Minneapolis May 19, 2019. Rilynn touched many lives in her short time here with us on Earth. She was a fighter since day one with the attitude to match. She was extremely loved by those who knew her and those who knew of her. She showed us all what true strength really is. Most days she found something...

David Arthur Kent, 61, of Duluth died at home on Tuesday, August 13th 2019 after a short illness. Dave was born on November 16, 1957 in Minot, North Dakota to Dennis and Barbara (Port) Kent. “Barney” graduated from Denfeld High School in 1976 and continued his education at UMD where he excelled as an offensive tackle on the football team, earning All-Conference Team honors. Over the years, Dave worked as an offensive line coach for the UMD Bulldog Football team during their first...

Sharon L. Swanstrom, 77, of Duluth, died Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center. Sharon was born on September 23, 1941 to Clinton and Leona (Gibson) Ridgewell in Duluth. Sharon enjoyed reading and watching movies. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Lorne “Mac” Swanstrom. She is survived by a daughter, Sheryl (Ron) Dixon of Shoreview, MN; a son, Jim Swanstrom of Duluth; two grandchildren, Tommy and Brian Dixon. Funeral...

Ray John Hamski, 94, died Saturday, July 27, 2019 in St. Mary’s Hospital.  Born in Duluth to John and Rose Hamski he was an engineer for Minnesota Power and a Navy veteran.  Ray was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and its Friars Club.  He was preceded in death by his wife Irene, son John and grandson Joseph Hamski.  Survivors include sons; Don (Kathy), Michael (Vicki); brother, Walter; 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Visitation from 12 noon...

Christopher Karl Boettcher, 61, of Duluth died Friday, July 19, 2019. Chris was born on June 28, 1958 in Duluth to Lawrence and Cleone (Butler) Boettcher. Chris was a graduate of Central High School and worked for Hobart and most recently Charter Films in Superior, WI. He married Linda Dianne Manninen on August 21, 1982. Chris was a member of the Northwoods Riders M.C., he loved motorcycling, boating and fishing with his dad and other friends. Chris was preceded in death by his father,...

Glen “Boots” Smith, 89, of Duluth, passed away peacefully with family by his side, July 7, 2019. He was born in Duluth on October 17, 1929, to John and Myrtle Smith.  He graduated from Denfeld High School. He enjoyed many years working as a milk man, fishing with his buddies, and time with family and friends.  Glen was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gail (Springer) Smith; and siblings, John, Joyce, Wesley, and Donald.  He is survived by daughters, Glenda...

  Neil Joseph Tolan, age 76, of Duluth, MN died Sunday, July 7, 2019 at North Shore Estates.  Neil was born July 22, 1942 in Duluth to Raymond and Jessie Tolan.  He married Carol Oraskovich on March 21, 1964.  Neil was drafted in the Navy in Nov, 1966 to 1968.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Jessie.  Neil is survived by his wife Carol of 55 years, his children Lisa (Jim) Hanson, Troy...

Marion Elaine Lenning Boyle, 92, of West 4th Street, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born on May 9, 1927 in Duluth to Hans and Marjorie Lenning. Elaine was a lifelong resident of West Duluth, a 1945 graduate of Denfeld High School and a member of the V-8’s. Elaine married Thomas Neil Boyle and they raised two children, Charles Michael and Patricia Gene. Elaine had a lifelong career at St....

Larry David Sams, 72, of Duluth, died Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at St. Luke’s Hospice surrounded by his family. He was born in Duluth on July 9, 1946 to Glen and Evelyn (Archambeau) Sams. Larry was a 1965 graduate of Denfeld High School and served in the Army National Guard. He retired from AmeriPride where he was a route salesman. Larry loved old cars, watching stock car racing and Professional Wrestling. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at Island Lake. He was preceded in...

Kenneth “Kenny J” Lee Johannesson, 64, of Duluth passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2019 in his home surrounded by his family.  Ken was born on October 27, 1954 in Cavalier, ND to Brynjolfur “Bennie” and Bjorg “Bee” (Davidson) Johannesson. He attended Denfeld High School and was a 1990 graduate of Lake Superior College with a degree in computer programming. During his time at LSC, Ken worked at Hope UMC as their custodian. Ken served in the Air Force...