Obituaries

Ronald John Fechner

Ronald John Fechner

May 10, 2026

Ronald John Fechner, 90, formerly of Duluth, passed away peacefully Sunday, May 10, 2026 surrounded by his family. Ron was born in Duluth on June11, 1935 to Harold and Ann (Pfister) Fechner. Ron served in the National Guard in his younger years. He married Rosemary “Cookie” Jobin on October 24, 1953 in St. James Catholic Church in Duluth. Ron and...

Gary Dean Larsen

Gary Dean Larsen

Dec 15, 2025

Last winter on December 15, 2025 our dear friend, Gary Dean Larsen unexpectedly lost his battle with his recurring health issues. At the age of 83 he went home to be with the Lord. No more pain and suffering for he is at peace and singing and dancing with the Lord’s choir. No words can express the sadness in our...

Rosemary "Znameroski" Davern

Rosemary "Znameroski" Davern

Oct 1, 2025

Rosemary "Znameroski" Davern passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, at Prisma Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville South Carolina, following a courageous battle with various health issues. She lived life with unwavering enthusiasm and cherished her roles as a wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, warmly welcoming everyone with her kind smile, wise words, and affectionate hugs. Her active social...

Howard W. "Howie" Birch

Howard W. "Howie" Birch

May 13, 2026

Howard W. “Howie” Birch Jr, 78, of Railview Apartments in Proctor, died Wednesday, May 13, 2026 in Essentia Health. Howie was born on February 24, 1948 in Robbinsdale, Mn to Howard and Una (Francis) Birch. He graduated from JF Kennedy High School in Bloomington, MN. Howie worked for the Ridgeview Country Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a...

Barbara Jeanne Johnson

Barbara Jeanne Johnson

Apr 26, 2026

Barbara Jeanne Johnson, 84, of Duluth, MN, died Sunday, April 26, 2026 in the Aftenro Home with her family by her side. Barb was born in Fairmont, MN on September 28, 1941 to Howard and Una Birch. She was a graduate of Bloomington High School. She married Charles Johnson in 1967 and he died in July of 1996. Barb operated...

John E. Kilpatrick

John E. Kilpatrick

Apr 21, 2026

John E. Kilpatrick, 81, of Gnesen Township, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital. John was born on January 16, 1945 in Duluth Minnesota. John was the son of Henry and Sofia Kilpatrick. He was raised on a farm in Esko by his grandparents and graduated from Esko High School. John served three tours in...

Elaine Duella Carlson

Elaine Duella Carlson

Apr 12, 2026

Elaine Duella Carlson, age 84, of Duluth, MN passed away on April 12, 2026. She was born in Farmington, MN on January 11, 1942 to parents Adolph and Agnes (Mohn) Olson. As a young girl, her family moved to Duluth. She graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Minnesota – Duluth for several years before leaving school...

Ronald Morris Brosdal

Ronald Morris Brosdal

Mar 28, 2026



Ronald Morris Brosdal, age 87, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2026, at Elysian of Duluth.

Ron was born on January 18, 1939, in Duluth, MN, to Clarence Morris “Morrie” Brosdal and Florence Violet Brosdal. He grew up in Duluth and graduated from Denfeld High School in 1957.

Ron lived a life defined by quiet dedication, kindness, and selflessness....

William Kenneth Guldner

William Kenneth Guldner

Mar 23, 2026

On March 23rd 2026 Bill left this world and went to be with his wife, Anna on the other side, who he loved and missed deeply.

He came to Duluth at age 14 and started working at 7-Up Bottling. He worked there until he was drafted at 19 into the Army Infantry. He was stationed in Germany, where he met Anna...

Gregory David Jackson

Gregory David Jackson

Mar 21, 2026

Gregory David Jackson, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, uncle and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on March 21st 2026 at the age of 69 after a courageous 10 year battle with kidney cancer.

Greg was born June 16 1956 in Duluth to Clayton and Lillian Jackson. He grew up in Smithville and graduated from Morgan Park in 1974. He followed...

Byron Lee Burke

Byron Lee Burke

Mar 13, 2026

Byron Lee Burke, 88, of Sturgeon Lake, MN, formerly of Duluth, died Friday, March 13, 2026 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital. Byron was born in Duluth on May 12, 1937 to Lester and Mary (Murtley) Burke. Byron attended Denfeld High School and started working in the gas service station business. He managed and operated Burke’s Skyline Station until 1980,...

Anita Christine Swanson

Anita Christine Swanson

Mar 1, 2026

Anita Christine Swanson entered into Eternal life March 1, 2026 at the age of 82, and has taken her last and longest journey. Anita was smart, generous, hardworking, and an enthusiastic volunteer. Anita graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and later earned a Master's Degree in History. As a world traveler, Anita has been to all the continents, save...

James "Jim" R. Midthun

James "Jim" R. Midthun

Feb 28, 2026

James “Jim” “Grandpa Whiskers” Midthun, 90, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, in Duluth. Jim was born on August 27, 1935 in Wheaton, MN, to Hans and Elsie Midthun, who later moved to Duluth to raise their family.

Jim loved the Lord with all of his heart and faithfully lived out his Biblical values each day. His steady faith guided...

Judith "Judy" Ann Borash

Judith "Judy" Ann Borash

Feb 27, 2026

Judith “Judy” Ann Borash, age 86, of Hermantown, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 20, 1939, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Edward and Rita Joy Veillet, Judy was the eldest of two daughters. She graduated from Duluth Denfeld High School in 1957 and began her career as an X-ray technician at St....

Robert Benedict Haagensen

Robert Benedict Haagensen

Feb 27, 2026

In Loving Memory of Robert Benedict Haagensen: February 13, 1933 - February 27, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Haagensen, who departed this life on February 27, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born on February 13, 1933, in Duluth, MN. Bob was the first of 12 children born to Bendick...

Timothy "Butch" Michael Bennett

Timothy "Butch" Michael Bennett

Feb 26, 2026

Timothy Michael “Butch” Bennett, 82, of Duluth, died Thursday, February 26, 2026 in Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital. Butch was born on December 5, 1943 in Duluth to Frank and Henrietta (Greenow) Bennett. Butch attended Duluth schools and worked various jobs including construction, roofing, siding and was an insurance agent. He worked as an agent for the Knights of Columbus and...

Troy Joseph Tolan

Troy Joseph Tolan

Feb 21, 2026

Troy Joseph Tolan, 55, of Duluth, died Saturday, February 21, 2026 in his residence. Troy was born in Duluth on November 24, 1970 to Neil and Carol (Oraskovich) Tolan. He was a graduate of Denfeld High School. Troy worked at the Fon du Luth Casino for over 25 years in various positions, including dealer, pull tabs and technician. He enjoyed...

Helen "Choochie" A. Sever

Helen "Choochie" A. Sever

Feb 16, 2026

Helen (Choochie) Sever, 99, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters on February 16, 2026. The daughter of Joseph and Talio Nassin, Helen was born at home on December 17, 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota.

Helen graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth in 1944 and attended Denfeld Junior College and Carey Gaspar Business School. She started her working...

Hazel Mae (Jacobson) Johnson

Hazel Mae (Jacobson) Johnson

Feb 8, 2026

Hazel Mae (Jacobson), “Jac”, Johnson, of Duluth and Hermantown, passed away peacefully in her home with family present on February 8, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born May 21, 1932, in Duluth, Minnesota to Hazel (West) and Edmund Jacobson.

Hazel was raised and attended schools in Duluth, Minnesota, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1950. She graduated from...

Bryan James Bennett Jr

Bryan James Bennett Jr

Feb 7, 2026

Bryan James Bennett Jr

Passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 62. Preceded in death by parents, Bryan Sr and Cathy. Survived by brother, Scott and Jeff; nephews, Josh, Michael and Tyler; aunts, Jean and Barbara; and a great niece, several great nephews and many cousins.

Bryan had many jobs and titles throughout the years, but he was most...