All Obituaries

Robert Raymond DeRoche, 91, of Duluth, died Thursday March 4, 2021 at Lakeshore Ecumen.  He was born in Duluth to Clement and Leola DeRoche.  He graduated from St. Jean’s High School and 2 years later married his high school sweetheart, Lorraine Tessier.  Together they raised 7 kids and enjoyed 70 years of marriage. He was an active member of Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine, daughter Susan, brothers Michael and Richard,...

It is with great sadness that the family of Dayle Marie Patterson (Orr) announce she passed away unexpectedly at Mayo Clinic on February 25, 2021, from complications of leukemia after a valiant and lengthy fight. Her husband, Gregg was at her side. Though her body was frail and tired, her spirit was full of grateful appreciation for the endless love and support of family and friends who continued through this most difficult journey with her. Dayle was a warrior with amazing grace. She fought...

Howard “Gus” Franklin Gustafson, age 83, of Duluth, went home to the Lord on Thursday, March 3, 2021 at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center.  He was born October 9, 1937 in Menahga, Minn. to Otto and Signe (Arola) Gustafson.  Gus married Barbara F. De Brule on August 13, 1960 at St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.  He was a Senior Master Sargent in the Air National Guard working as a flight mechanic.  He also had worked at Ogston’s Body...

Patricia M. Maisuk, age 84, of Duluth, died Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  She was born May 11, 1936 in Duluth.  Patty was a 1954 graduate of Proctor High School.  She married Joseph Rudolph Maisuk on August 6, 1960.  Patty had worked at the Duluth Chamber of Commerce and at Minnesota Arrowhead Association.  She was a member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church and its Holy Adoration Chapel.  Patty was preceded in death by her...

John Rocco Riggio, 81, of Duluth, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at home on Tuesday March 2, 2021.  He was born in Duluth on September 15, 1939 to Dominick and Marie Riggio.  John graduated from Duluth Central High School and from the Duluth Votech.  He was a U.S. Navy Veteran.  John married Donna Fox on December 30, 1967 in Duluth, MN.  He worked for Northwestern Bell, U.S. West, and Qwest Telephone companies retiring as a COE Tech.  John...

Dear family, dear friends, and all who were touched by Sophia’s sunshine, On Friday, February 19th, our beautiful, sweet, compassionate, lover-of-life Sophia “Peeps” Moore Benson took her last breath on this earth.  There are no words to describe the pain we feel, and we are left deeply brokenhearted at the loss of our precious Sophia.  If you knew her, you feel it too.  Sophia was on her way to the mountains for the weekend with a group of new, but already...

Jeanne Mendoza passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family on February 17, 2021 as a result of complications stemming from Covid-19. Jeanne was born to Russell and Naomi Doty on July 27, 1944 – the 3rd of 8 children. She married the love of her life and best friend, Donald Mendoza, on October 20, 1967. The focus of their lives has been raising two wonderful children and their seven beautiful grandchildren. Jeanne taught biology within ISD 709 for almost 30 years, 20 of...

Larry Lee Lurch, age 82, of Duluth, died Thursday, February 25, 2021 at St. Luke’s Hospital.  He was born in Sant Monica, CA on January 11, 1939 to James Bradley and Joan (Robertson) Lurch.  Larry married Christine Krulc on May 7, 1977 in Glendale, CA.  He had worked for Youngs Market Company in Los Angeles, retiring as the plant manager.  He escaped from CA and moved to Duluth in 1994.  Larry was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church.  An...

Louis “Louie” A. LePage, 80, of Normanna Township, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 in Duluth.  Louie was born in Duluth, on May 10, 1940 to Maurice and Helen LePage. He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, Sharon; brother, Roger and beloved dog, Sadie. Louie is survived by son, Greg; daughters Kathy Witte and Sherry LePage; and numerous other family and friends. Funeral Service will be 2PM, Wednesday, February 24, 2021, with visitation one-hour...

Lord Richard Peter Olsen of Pike Lake passed away peacefully in the home of his daughter Pauline the evening of January 25th surrounded by loved ones.  Dick fought a noble fight against Covid 19 and proudly came out victorious only to acquire pneumonia three weeks later. Richard (Dick) was first born of two children to Albert and Jenny (Nestdahl) Olsen on June 11th, 1931.  He was educated at Proctor High School and remained a passionate supporter of his beloved alma mater up...