Adele R. Unzen

Adele R. Unzen age 92 of Duluth died on March 23, 2026. She was born in Ironwood, Michigan on September 4, 1933 to parents, John and Johanna (Janta) Roszak. Adele had to grow up early after the death of her father. At the age of 11 she worked 3 jobs to help support the family. The hardships she faced in her adolescence emboldened her, laying the foundation for how she lived the rest of her life. “Adapt or Die” became the motto by which she lived. And adapt she did— becoming the valedictorian of her high school class. She moved to Duluth, earning a degree in nursing at St. Scholastica. She had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, attending classes at UMD well into her 80’s. Book clubs and bible studies where constant throughout her life. 

She married Robert Unzen on August 27, 1955. They set roots in Duluth, raising 3 children, operating a business, and enjoying 70 years of marriage. Adele left her career as a nurse at St. Mary’s to raise her family, but she never lost her independence. She found solace on the shore of Lake Superior, searching for rocks and agates with her loyal retriever, Monterra. Later in life, Adele travelled extensively, getting to experience all the places she once could only dream of. She was active in the community, serving on the St. Mary’s Nursing Advisory Board, President of Animal Allies, member of the League of Woman Voters, board member of the Northwoods children center, and sang in the choir at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary. 

Adele is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Richard and Raymond; husband, Robert; great-grandson, Ezra; and son-in-law, James Tallman. She is survived by her children John (Joanne) Unzen, Susan (Charles) Whiting, and Louisa Tallman; grandchildren, Robert (Brandy), Charles, Michael (Kortnie), and Margaret; great-grandchildren, Aurora, Leo, Kenlie, and Crosby. A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 5-7pm at Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E. Second Street, Duluth with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30pm. The Visitation will continue at 10:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801E. 4th Street, Duluth until the 11am Mass of Christian Burial. Interment at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Animal Allies.