OBITUARIES
Albert Francis Ruby, Jr.
Aug 16, 2026
Duluth, Minn.- Albert Francis Ruby Jr., 84, of Ironwood, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth.
Albert was born on November 11, 1941, in Ironwood to Albert Sr. and Frances (Stancyzak) Ruby. Al enjoyed spending time in his garage, where he could often be found working on projects and enjoying his time there.
Al is...
William "Bill" Michael Topka
Aug 9, 2026
William “Bill” Michael Topka, 73, of Oma, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 9, 2026.
Bill was born on June 30, 1953, in New Jersey to William and Olga (Alesso) Topka. He was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Nancy Sager, on July 7, 1973. Bill enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his...
Suzanne E Kero
Aug 3, 2026
Suzanne Elizabeth (Skoviera) Kero, 85, of Saxon, WI, passed away on August 3, 2026, in Hurley, WI.
Suzanne (Sue) was born on December 3, 1940, to Viola (Lantta) and John Skoviera, and grew up in Iron Belt, WI. She graduated from Hurley High School, class of 1959.
Sue devoted her life to her family as a caring wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother....
Emil "Chuck" Charles Vukovich
Aug 1, 2026
Emil Charles “Chuck” Vukovich passed away on August 1, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Duluth, MN. While he passed at peace and he will be sorely missed, we know he will add handsomely to the Heavenly team.
Born on July 23, 1952, in Ironwood, MI, to Emil and Anna Mae (Breen) Vukovich. Earning many All-Star honors before graduating from LLW HS...
Michael Frank Kowaleski
Jul 24, 2026
Michael Frank Kowaleski, 79, of Mercer, went to be with his Lord on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital.
Michael was born on March 3, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Edward and Wanda (Skonieczny) Kowaleski. Following high school, he attended Milwaukee Area Technical College. He was united in marriage with Cheryl Hawkinson on July 22, 1972, in Beaver Dam,...
Ted David Erspamer
Jul 21, 2026
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Theodore (Ted) Erspamer, 95, of Hurley, who passed away peacefully on July 21st in Appleton, WI, with his family by his side.
Ted was born on June 3rd, 1931, in Ironwood, MI. He was the son of Leno and Mary (Babe) Erspamer. Ted graduated from Hurley High School in 1949. He served in...
Michele Elaine Skovera
Jul 20, 2026
Michele Elaine Skovera, 72, of Ironwood, passed away on Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Essentia Health in Duluth.
Michele was born on February 1, 1954, in Ironwood to Michael and Patricia (Grooms) Skovera. She was a 1972 graduate of L.L. Wright High School in Ironwood, and went on to receive her Bachelor’s degree in teaching from Northern Michigan University...
Kathleen Marie Longhini
Jul 19, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kathleen Marie Longhini, 55, of Bessemer, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Kathy was born on September 14, 1970, at Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield to Edwin "Fast Eddie" and Frances "Fran" (Galamba) Laurin. She spent her childhood growing up in Ramsay with her siblings Steve (Missy) Laurin, Julie (Joe) Pairolero,...
Jason Edward Seppanen
Jul 9, 2026
Jason “Jay” Edward Seppanen, 52, of Ramsay, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Jason was born on July 13, 1973, to Joel Sr. and Gloria (Plochocki) Seppanen in Ironwood. Jay loved playing guitar and music; he could hear any song and play it. Jay played in the Hammer Down Hard band, co-wrote and played on the Awaken Album produced by...
Ray Allen Richter
Jul 9, 2026
Ray Allen Richter from Ironwood Township passed away on July 9, 2026. Ray was born on the family farm on April 21, 1938. Ray’s 88 years on earth, before heading off to heaven to be reunited with his wife Jann, were filled with adventure, travel, and hard work. Jann arrived in heaven just over six years earlier in March of...
David Russell Coleman
Jul 4, 2026
David "Howie" Russell Coleman was born on July 18, 1943, and passed away peacefully on July 4, 2026, at the age of 82.
David was a remarkable son, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend whose life was defined by kindness, generosity, and service to others. He never sought recognition, yet he touched countless lives through quiet acts of compassion, a helping hand,...
Jamey Lee Francis
Jul 4, 2026
Jamey Lee Francis, age 43, of Hurley, Wisconsin, passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2026, at Saxon Harbor. He was born on August 22, 1982, in Ironwood, Michigan, to James R. and Annette (Alexandroni) Francis.
Jamey graduated from Hurley K-12 School in 2001 and attended Gogebic Community College, where he studied business. He went on to work in sales for multiple...
Kim ReeNee Huotari
Jul 2, 2026
Kim ReeNee "Kimmy" Huotari (Anderson), age 68, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, in Ironwood, Michigan, surrounded by her kids, after a graceful battle with cancer. Born on March 5, 1958, in Ironwood, Michigan, Kim spent her life surrounded by the beauty of her hometown and the love of her family. She married the love of her life, Bill,...
Roger Fredrick Fesnick
Jul 1, 2026
Roger F. Fesnick, 66, of Bessemer, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Roger was born on March 13, 1960, in Ironwood, to John and Catherine (Cech) Fesnick. He graduated from Bessemer High School and was employed at Randall's Bakery. Roger had a love for the outdoors and could often be found biking, rock climbing, or tinkering...
Lois Marie Symons
Jun 30, 2026
Lois M. Symons, 94, a lifelong resident of Bessemer, peacefully entered eternal life on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with family by her side.
Lois was born on October 23, 1931, at home in Puritan location, to the late Henry and Pearl (Gamache) Ellis. She graduated from Bessemer High School in 1949 and began employment at Hanson’s Glove Factory. On May 24,...
Robert Anthony Sertic
Jun 27, 2026
Robert Anthony Sertic (Cheetah) passed away on June 27, 2026, at the Villa Maria.
He was born on October 2, 1935, in Ironwood, a son of Peter & Mary (Kapets) Sertic. He attended Luther L Wright High School and graduated in 1953. In 1954, Bob served as a Corporal in the Marines, stationed at 29 Palms in California. He was honorably...
Sirpa Aune Johnson
Jun 22, 2026
Sirpa Aune Marjatta Johnson of Hurley, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2026.
Born April 1, 1946, in Helsinki, Finland, Sirpa was one of eight children. Sirpa was raised in Helsinki and first arrived in the United States in 1967. She later became a proud U.S. citizen.
Sirpa married James R. Johnson in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on May 9, 1970, sharing 56...
Melvin Andrew Wakkinen
Jun 21, 2026
Melvin Andrew Wakkinen, Jr., 70, of Marinesco, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at his home.
Melvin was born to Melvin Sr. and Lucille (Lipske) Wakkinen on February 4, 1956, in Ironwood, Michigan. Melvin was a jack of all trades, master of none. He was a busybody who loved tinkering on anything from small engines to woodworking, and everything in...
Ellen Dorothy Cox
Jun 16, 2026
Ellen Dorothy Cox, 92, of Mercer, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Careview of Minocqua Nursing Home.
Ellen was born on August 30, 1933, in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Ella (Vetter) Kopitzke. Following high school, she attended secretarial school. On October 22, 1955, she was united in marriage to Ray A. Cox at St. Matthew’s Church in Milwaukee.
In...
Larry George Buerger
Jun 11, 2026
Larry George Buerger, 86, of Ironwood Township, passed away on June 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born on October 4th, 1939, in Ironwood to George and Ann (Arasim) Buerger. He graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1957. Following graduation, Larry enlisted with the United States Navy and served in Japan and Hawaii...
