Obituaries

Dec 1, 2018

Services are pending.

Nov 30, 2018

Robert Dan (Bobby) Skorich, 62, passed away on November 30 after a courageous struggle with pneumonia.  Bobby had a sweet soul with a  loving disposition and a ready smile.  In his youth he overcame many challenges resulting from Down's Syndrome.  With the strong encouragement and support of his proactive mother, Margaret, he actively participated in the Special Olympics and...

Nov 29, 2018

William Victor "Bill" Schleppegrell

William Victor "Bill" Schleppegrell, 95, longtime Hibbing resident died Thursday November 29, 2018 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing. He was born on September 3, 1923 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Victor and Marie (Britton) Schleppegrell. After growing up in Littlefork, MN, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1941...

Nov 27, 2018

Tonya R. Jylha

Tonya R. Jylha, 36, Hibbing died Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  She was born October 8, 1982 in Cloquet, MN.  Tonya loved singing, the Vikings, and was very smart.  Tonya was a natural and self taught individual when it came to technology.

She is survived by...

Nov 23, 2018

Evelyn E. “Peanut” Zbacnik

Evelyn “Peanut” Zbacnik passed away peacefully in her sleep Nov. 23, 2018.

She is survived by her son, Derikk (Leah) Zbacnik; daughter, Jessica Zbacnik; grandsons: Trestin, Jacob and Brandon; brothers, Melvin and Dennis (Tex) Walters; sisters, Elizabeth Wilenius and Shirley (Rob) Huntsperger; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends....

Nov 21, 2018

Jerome Steven Bischoff, 50, of Hibbing, passed away unexpectedly in his home on the morning before Thanksgiving Day.  Jerry left behind a large and loving family, as well as numerous close friends who were like family to him.  Survivors include his son, Jonathon Louis Benepe Bischoff of Pengilly; longtime sweetheart, Terri Draves of Hibbing; mother, Grace Bischoff, and her...

Nov 18, 2018

James E. “Hooner” Chellico

James E. “Hooner” Chellico, 84, Las Vegas, NV, died Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in the Grand Itasca Medical Center, Grand Rapids, MN.  He was born July 21, 1934 in Nashwauk to James and Josephine Chellico.  He was an Army veteran during the Korean War and had lived in Las Vegas, NV for the...

Nov 18, 2018

Kathleen Lynn “Katie” (Melbostad) Dixon

Katie Lynn Dixon, 41, formerly of Hibbing, passed away Sunday, November 18, 2018 at her home in Nashwauk, MN after a courageous 7 month journey with glioblastoma grade IV brain cancer.  Katie was born February 14, 1977 to Michael Duane Melbostad and Laura Ann (Eichholz) Bigo in Hibbing.  She attended Hibbing Schools....

Nov 17, 2018

Bernard “Bernie” G. Sydow, 75, Hibbing, died Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018 at Heritage Manor in Chisholm. He was born to Frank and Stella (Young) Sydow, August 23, 1943 in Hines, MN. Bernie was a 60 year resident of Hibbing. He attended Liberty University. Bernie was a member of the Keewatin American Legion and a 10 year member of the...

Nov 14, 2018

Barbara J. Spotts

Barbara J. Spotts, 79, Side Lake, MN, died Wed. Nov. 14, 2018 at home.  She was born Sept. 18, 1939 in Hibbing to Louis and Amelia Toscano.  She married Gerald Spotts in Hibbing in 1957 and she had worked at the Mesaba Clinic as a record keeper.  She was a dedicated wife and mother...

Nov 14, 2018

Dwight R. Branville 72, Nashwauk, MN, died Wed. Nov. 14 at home with his family by his side. He was born in St. Paul to Vernon and Ruth (Wood) Branville. Dwight grew up in St. Paul before moving to Cross Lake and finally settling in Nashwauk, where he made his home for the last 14 years. Dwight...

Nov 12, 2018

Patricia “Auntie Pat” A. Chisholm

Patricia A. Chisholm, 75, Kitzville, died Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in the Guardian Angels Health Care Center.  She was born in Hibbing on May 13, 1943, the daughter of Louis and Angeline Hrovat.  Patricia worked for 28 years as a housekeeper at Guardian Angels.  In her free time she loved to bowl,...

Nov 11, 2018

Nov 11, 2018

Joseph R. Leinonen, 48, Hibbing, passed away November 11, 2018 in Duluth. He was born June 4, 1970 to Richard and Colleen (Willett) Leinonen in Virginia. Joe grew up in Eveleth before moving to Hibbing in 1997.  He was a union cement finisher by trade and later showed his true compassion in working to help adults with disabilities.  He...

Nov 6, 2018

Jack (Joseph) John Banke

Died November 6, 2018, 11 days short of his 90th birthday. He was born in Minneapolis to Joe and Stella (Beasy) Banke. He spent

most summers with his grandparents in Hibbing and eventually went

to high school in Hibbing - Class 1945.

After high school, Jack served...

Nov 5, 2018

Karen Sue Benolken

Karen Sue Benolken, 76, Nashwauk, died Monday November 5, 2018 in her home after an illness.   She was born in Grand Rapids to Eino and Bertha (Hietala) Aho on August 26, 1942 and married Joe Benolken on December 16, 1977.  She loved getting together with the Pizza Gang, living in the woods north of...

Nov 3, 2018

Randy Michael Cegon

Randy Michael Cegon, 60, Hibbing, died Saturday November 3, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Minneapolis on May 15, 1958 to Eugene and Delores (Hansen) Cegon and had made his home in Minneapolis until movong to Hibbing 14 years ago.  Randy enjoyed fishing, music cribbage but spending time...

Nov 2, 2018

Margaret Mary Perpruner, 80, Hibbing, died Friday November 2, 2018 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing.  She was born in Wilpen, MN the oldest of 9 children of John and Sophie (Micensky) Yuretich on January 27, 1938. She had been employed as a medical transcriptionist for Range Mental Health.  She was a member of the KSKJ and the...

Oct 30, 2018

Gary L. Colbenson, 75, Pengilly, MN died Tuesday 10-30-18 at his home after a brief illness.  Born in Powers Lake, ND on January 30, 1943 to Lloyd and Evelyn (Bakke) Colbenson. Gary married Judy (Slack) December 3, 1966 in Orlando, Florida. They moved to Texas in 1976 where he worked in Produce Marketing until his retirement. They...

Oct 21, 2018

Carl passed away Sunday, October 21, 2018 at Fairview Range Medical Center. Carl was born October 18, 1947 in Hibbing to Carlo and Siiri (Hepola) Collyard. Carl was a lifelong resident of Hibbing, a member of Saint Leo’s Catholic Church and an employee of US Steel. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors. Carl played guitar, liked music in...