Obituaries

Clarence James Whelan

Clarence James Whelan

Feb 28, 2026

Life-long proud Duluthian, Clarence James Whelan, 92, passed away February 28th, 2026. He spent his final days surrounded by his loving family sharing stories, food, shenanigans and songs. 

Clarence attended Central High School, worked on the railroad and later became an electrician like his father. While working in Silver Bay, he met and later married his wife Jean (Cook) on his...

Donnalee Joanne Beaupre

Donnalee Joanne Beaupre

Feb 28, 2026

Donnalee J. Beaupre, 82, of Duluth, passed away on Saturday February 28, 2026, in Aspirus Health, St. Luke’s Hospital. She was born in Iowa on March 2, 1943, to Vincent and Gleo Neisen. Donna’s last job was as a secretary for the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. She was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Parish, and the Beta...

Larry Gregory Johnson

Larry Gregory Johnson

Feb 26, 2026

Larry passed away this past Thursday after a fourth battle against cancer with the strength you’d have expected. Born in Superior, the middle of five sons, he lived a quiet life in Duluth as a School Psychologist. His primary work of 38 jobs he claimed to have had starting as a caddy before switching to small engine repair. Handy as...

Elisabetta Ann Wood

Elisabetta Ann Wood

Feb 24, 2026

Elisabetta Ann Wood was called home to the Lord at 20 days old on February 24, 2026.

Though her time on earth was brief, she filled her family’s lives with immeasurable joy, hope, and tenderness. From the moment she was born, Elisabetta was a beautiful gift, bringing light and grace into the world.

She was deeply loved and will forever be remembered...

Donna Rita Nelson

Donna Rita Nelson

Feb 24, 2026

Donna Rita Nelson, 87, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 in Viewcrest Hospice. She was born in Duluth on Aug. 15, 1938 to Bertine and Delma Nesgoda. Donna graduated from Stanbrook Hall. Employment included work in medical records and sales. She was a friend of Bill W. for 53 years. Donna was an active member of...

Terrell C. Dunphy

Terrell C. Dunphy

Feb 20, 2026

The family of Terrell C. Dunphy, age 77, is saddened to announce her peaceful passing in Naples, Florida on February 20th, 2026.

A native of Duluth, Minnesota, Terrell (Terri) was the daughter of parents Jack T. Dunphy and Elizabeth J. Dunphy Barnum, both deceased. Terri graduated from Duluth Cathedral High School in June, 1966. Her passions were drama and music of...

Brighton Thomas Sather

Brighton Thomas Sather

Feb 19, 2026

BRIGHTON THOMAS SATHER, born into Heaven, February 19, 2026

Brighton Thomas Sather was born in the early morning hours to Benton and Kristina Sather. Brighton brought with him a lifetime of love to his Mama, Daddy, and big sister Kinsley. He will be held in our hearts until we can hold him in our arms once again. In the meantime, Brighton...

Mary Bernice (Smith) Ruhman

Mary Bernice (Smith) Ruhman

Feb 18, 2026

Mary Bernice (Smith) Ruhman, 93, of Superior, passed away February 18, 2026, in Superior WI. She was born in Duluth to Frank Sr. and Mary Smith, on June 22, 1932.

She graduated from Stanbrook Hall and St Scholastica School of Nursing. She married June 11, 1955, to Neil A. Ruhman. Mary worked at St Mary’s Hospital, then was a School Nurse...

Mary B Ruhman (Smith)

Mary B Ruhman (Smith)

Feb 18, 2026

There will be a Memorial Service held at a future date. Full obituary and detail to follow.

Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson

Dale "Hoagie" Haagenson

Feb 17, 2026

Dale “Hoagie” Haagenson, 65, Duluth, MN, passed away Tuesday, February 17th. He was born on November 29, 1960 to Robert and Rita (Hart) Haagenson in Ely, MN. He was a beloved son, brother, cousin, and uncle, as well as a loyal friend.

Dale grew up in the small town of Babbitt, in Northern Minnesota. There he developed a passion for all...

Gloria Ann Starkey

Gloria Ann Starkey

Feb 16, 2026

Passed away on February 16, 2026 at the age of 68. She was born in Cook, MN to John Wadena and Virginia Ottershaw and raised by her adoptive parents, Lianda and Frank Starkey. Gloria loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and her many friends. She lived life to the fullest. She is preceded in death by her...

Heather R Meehan

Heather R Meehan

Feb 16, 2026

Heather Rae Meehan, 62, passed away on February 16, 2026, in her home. She was a graduate of Duluth East High School and attended college in Texas before choosing to return home to work at the family business, Meehan’s GTC Auto Parts. For more than 20 years, Heather worked side-by-side with her grandfather, father, and her brother Jamie, helping them...

Brenda Jean Jeka

Brenda Jean Jeka

Feb 13, 2026

Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Brenda Jean Jeka, passed away at home with her family by her side on the 13th of February 2026 at the age of 71.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Amber (David Thao) Jeka and Michael (Emily) Jeka; grandchildren: Emmanual, Israel, and Juniper; brother, David Roberts; sister, Linda Stone; as well...

Dale Robert Lindberg

Dale Robert Lindberg

Feb 12, 2026

Dale Robert Lindberg, age 73 of Duluth died on February 12, 2026. He was born on February 6, 1953 in Duluth to parents, Harvey and Georgina (Hood) Lindberg. A lifelong Duluthian, Dale graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1971, earned his electricians certificate from Lake Superior College, and worked for ME Global in Gary until his retirement. Dale was...

Jean Luanne Dubell

Jean Luanne Dubell

Feb 12, 2026

Jean Luann Dubell, 85, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026, at Open Arms Senior Living with her family by her side. Though the last few years brought challenges following her 2017 diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia, Jean's spirit remained bright. If you asked how she was doing, she would tell you every day is a good day

Jean was born...

Winona Linda Gillespie

Winona Linda Gillespie

Feb 11, 2026

Winona Linda Gillespie “Nona”, 48, of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away on February 11, 2025, at 9:34 p.m., surrounded by her family in her final weeks.

She was born on October 16, 1977, in Bemidji, Minnesota, to Teresa Nelson. Winona had a love for art, music, and fashion, along with a soft spot for animals.

She carried a heart that cared deeply for...

Gary O. Tangen

Gary O. Tangen

Feb 8, 2026

Gary O. Tangen, 74, of Hermantown, passed away peacefully on Sunday Feb. 8, 2026, at home. He was born in Duluth on June 4, 1951, to Orland and Evelyn Tangen. Gary graduated from Duluth Central High School, La Salle University Business School, received his Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College, and became a Certified Financial Planner. He retired from US...

Helen Marie (O'Neill) Leider

Helen Marie (O'Neill) Leider

Feb 8, 2026

Helen Marie (O’Neill) Leider was born on December 28, 1934, to Florence Catherine (Conlouge) and Thomas Hugh O’Neill. She was raised on her family farm in St. Thomas, Minnesota, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse and St. Anne’s Catholic School before graduating from Le Sueur High School in 1952.

Following graduation, Helen moved to Minneapolis, where she attended vocational school for...

Robert Ramon Rodenwald

Robert Ramon Rodenwald

Feb 5, 2026

Robert Ramon Rodenwald, age 56, of West Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1969, in Duluth, Minnesota.

Robert—known to many as Bob—worked for many years in the auto body field, where he was respected for his skills and strong work ethic. He later devoted much of his time to maintaining and improving...

Maria A. Giuliani

Maria A. Giuliani

Feb 1, 2026

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our mother, Maria Giuliani, who was born in 1929 in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. She was preceded in death by her husband, Alessandro Giuliani.

Maria was a role model for her children and an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Throughout her life, she maintained a wonderful sense of humor, a...