Obituaries

Jan 29, 2020

Richard Anthony Amatuzio, devoted husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 29, at the age of 90. Richard was born October 11, 1929 to Margaret and Albert Amatuzio, both Italian immigrants. Growing up on Raleigh Street in West Duluth provided Richard easy access to Lake Superior as a child, which cultivated a life-long passion...

Jan 29, 2020

Karlin Dawn Ostrander, 47, of Duluth passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, January 29th at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by loved ones.  She was born in Duluth to David and Janice Ostrander.  Karlin had the brightest smile, the bluest eyes, and the biggest heart. She is survived by her children Kara (Jon) Gruver, Kyler and Kinsey Ostrander; granddaughter, Paislee; sister, Monica...

Jan 26, 2020

Eleanor T. Disch, 88, formerly of Pike Lake, died Sunday, January 26, 2020 at Edgewood Vista Assisted Living with her family by her side.  She was born November 11, 1931 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada to Eugene and Marie (Beaulieu) Bourgeault.   A Duluth resident since 1939 and she was a graduate of St. Jeans School.  She married Eugene “Gene”...

Jan 24, 2020

Bonnie Ann Cusick, 76, of Duluth died Friday, January 24th, 2020 in St. Mary’s Hospital.

Bonnie graduated from UMD with a BS degree in art education, a studio emphasis in sculpture, and a minor in art history. She enjoyed sculpture, painting, and designing exhibits.

She was the heart and soul of the A.M. Chisholm Museum/Duluth...

Jan 22, 2020

Betty Jayne Welhaven, 83, of Duluth Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday January 22, 2020. Betty was born in Duluth on August 28, 1936 to John Arthur and Della Carlson. The youngest of nine children, Betty enchanted her older siblings with her mischievous smile and audacious spirit, characteristics she would maintain throughout her lifetime.

Betty graduated from...

Jan 21, 2020

Sally Annette Bernhardt, 63, of Duluth, passed away on January 21, 2020 at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Hospital.  She was born in Hibbing, MN on September 1, 1956 to Robert and Lucy Bernhardt.  Sally loved spending time and playing with her grandson Skyler.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents.

Sally is survived by...

Jan 19, 2020

Sophie Mae Prochnow, 19, of Duluth tragically passed away January 19 of 2020. She was born January 26 of 2000 in Duluth Minnesota. Sophie was a wild child that danced to the beat of her own drum. She had a passionate love for makeup and fashion. She had many talents and excelled in dancing, singing and art. Sophie was...

Jan 19, 2020

Ben Levine, 94, died at home on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Ben was born in Duluth on Sept. 6th, 1925 to Israel and Molly Levine. He graduated from Duluth Central High School where he was a handsome football star. After high school he attended the Guthrie Art School before leaving school to fight in WWII. He was severely wounded...

Jan 18, 2020

Dorothy Marie Thomas Gunderson Jaret, 96, of Duluth, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Proctor.  She was born in Duluth on December 19, 1923 to the late Louis and Anna (Prybelski) Thomas.

She lived in Duluth most of her life, attending St. James...

Jan 18, 2020

Elizabeth A. “Lisa” Maki, 62, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Saturday January 18, 2020 surrounded by her family at Essentia Health/St. Mary’s Hospital.  She was born in Duluth on October 26, 1957 to Ray and Marian Johnston.  Lisa graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1976.  She was employed as a nursing assistant for 24 years.  Lisa married...

Jan 17, 2020

Vernice Cecelia (Karlinski) Brophy, 92, passed away peacefully, after a long and richly lived life, on Friday, January 17, 2020 while living at Bayshore Health Center. Vernice was born on June 22, 1927 to Nick and Frances (Bartylla) Karlinski in Duluth. She grew up in Gary/New Duluth, graduating from Morgan Park High School in 1945. She married her high...

Jan 16, 2020

Virginia “Ginny” M. Smith, 96 of Duluth, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020 at Solvay Hospice House with her family by her side.  Ginny was born July 10, 1923 in Duluth to Clifford and Madeline Hagberg.  She was a graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School.  Ginny and Robert “Bob” Smith were married on Sept. 19, 1942.  While Bob was serving...

Jan 16, 2020

Ilene Frances Anderson, 92, of Duluth, passed away peacefully at Edgewood Vista on January 16th, 2020. She was born in Duluth on December 21, 1927, to William and Alma Grondahl.

Ilene accepted the lord Jesus at a young age while attending Bethe Chapel.  She has gone home to be with Jesus.

While working as a...

Jan 14, 2020

Wayne A. “Buck” Hirdler, 53, of Esko, passed away on Tuesday January 14, 2020 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Rochester, MN, from complications of Pancreatic Cancer.  He was born in Bemidji, MN on January 27, 1966 to Arthur and Carol Hirdler.  Buck graduated from Cloquet High School.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching football, working on cars, time spent with his...

Jan 13, 2020

Bonnie Mae (Udenberg) Gibson, 74, of Duluth, passed away, Monday, January 13, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital ICU with her husband and children by her side. Bonnie grew us in Silver Creek area and graduated from Two Harbors High School.

She worked in Duluth as a Secretary for a paper product company, Duluth School systems, and in...

Jan 13, 2020

Russell A. Schramm, 81, of Duluth, passed away with family by his side Monday, January 13, 2020. Russ was born in Duluth to Albert and Olga on August 13, 1938.

Russ worked 20 plus years at Cub Foods and was a proud Veteran of the Marines.

He enjoyed spending time at the lake, hunting, fishing,...

Jan 12, 2020

Janell Lynn Ward, 57, 0f Duluth, died Sunday, January 12, 2020 at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born in Alexander, Minn. March 26, 1962 to Gilbert Edgar and Elaine Elizabeth (Geist) Ward.  Janell was a waitress at Jim’s Hamburger for many years and at The Chalet Lounge for 18 years.  She enjoyed pool, gardening, arts and...

Jan 9, 2020

George Clement Radzak, 87, of Duluth, died Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center.  He was born March 11, 1932 in Harvey, Illinois to Clement and Polly Radzak.  George moved to Duluth where he attended Duluth Denfeld High School and attended UMD.  George worked for the City of Duluth in the Engineering Department as the...

Jan 9, 2020

Thomas “Tommy” F. O’Neill, 69 of Duluth, passed away with family by his side on Thursday, Jan. 9th   under the care of St. Luke’s Hospice at Viewcrest Health Center.  Tommy was born May 21, 1950 in Duluth to John W. and Joan O’Neill.  He was a 1968 graduate of Cathedral High School.   After graduation, Tommy attended The Duluth Vocational...

Jan 9, 2020

William “Bill” Gitar, 69, of Duluth, passed away in Remer, MN, on Thursday, January 9th.  He received the best possible care there by the dedicated staff at Americare Lodge. He was born in Duluth on May 3, 1950 to Kenneth and Lorraine Gitar.  Bill worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as an emergency room doctor. He served twice as a live-in physician...