Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home & Cremation

21/07/2025

Hughes Mass

21/07/2025

Marlis Fay Cran

Marlis Fay Cran, 88, of Duluth, passed away on Saturday July 19, 2025, in the Aftenro Home. She was born in Duluth on March 30, 1937, to Roy and Edith Briddell.

Marlis was a proud Class of 1955 graduate of Denfeld High School in Duluth. While there she participated in a variety of activities including Girls Sports, Latin Club, Social Chairman and two Operettas. She then attended the University of Minnesota Duluth on a scholarship provided to her by a group of Lincoln Junior High and Denfeld High School teachers. She was on her high school class reunion committee her entire adult life. The committee helped to establish a scholarship for future Denfeld graduates. She and her future husband, Don Cran, Denfeld Class of 1949 would ultimately buy a home in Piedmont Heights to ensure that all their children would be proud Denfeld graduates as well!

Marlis met Don Cran during her time at UMD, and they married on June 29, 1957. With the births of 5 children from 1958 to 1966, life became very active. Family get-togethers with the extended Duluth family happened frequently at either Marlis’s parents’ home for Sunday dinner or at Don’s mother’s and step-father’s home, remembered for all of the strawberry pop. Holidays were often celebrated in Marlis and Don’s home or in the summer with picnics at Billings Park. Weekend camping all over Minnesota and northern Wisconsin led to many family adventures. As Don’s sisters all lived out of state there were major trips to Iowa, Colorado and Maine. In 1976 Marlis and Don purchased a cabin on Island Lake. Being close to Duluth allowed for the older children to work part-time and continue with activities then drive to the cabin to join the rest of the family. There were sports teams galore—Little League, softball, golf and of course, hockey. During the school year Marlis was active in PTA. For the children there were band and choir concerts often followed by a trip to Bridgeman’s.

During all of the above, Marlis decided she wanted to become an election judge. There was an opening in a Piedmont Heights precinct. The problem was that the opening was for a Republican. This didn’t deter the lifelong Democrat. She changed her registration and became an election judge, serving until 2019.

Marlis was active in promoting many social and civic organizations, starting with Girl Scout troops for her daughters and being a Cub Scout Den Mother for her sons. During her Girl Scout years she brought countless girls to summer day camps and sleep-over camps, often with her younger sons in tow! She continued her volunteer work with Girl Scouts as city-wide cookie chairwoman for many years after her daughters had completed scouting as Senior Girl Scouts. Once all the children were in school Marlis went to work in Wahl’s Department Store in the men’s department. She was there from 1974 until Wahl’s closed in 1987.

Starting with her marriage to Don, Marlis who was raised as a Baptist, became an active member first of St. Paul’s Evangelical and Reformed Church then of Peace United Church of Christ. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. She served as a lay leader, on a pastoral call committee, and even as church moderator. In wider church mission, she was a delegate to statewide conference meetings and denomination-wide women’s meetings of the United Church of Christ.

Her volunteerism with CHUM(Central Hillside United Ministry) bringing God’s word to developmentally disabled persons, with the Food Shelf as a volunteer and as a board member, with Lighthouse for the Blind coordinating volunteer readers and reading the news herself on air, serving on the board and taking many classes through University for Seniors, and tutoring students in reading at Piedmont and Grant Elementary schools led her to decide she wanted to formalize her love for helping people. She was off on her next adventure.

In 1988 Marlis decided to go back to school to pursue a degree. She attended classes at the Duluth Community College Center from Hibbing Community College for which she earned an Associate in Arts Degree. She also attended classes from Mesabi Community College for which she earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Human Services. She had earned two degrees in two years, was voted Outstanding Student by the faculty and gave the Commencement Address at her graduation in June 1990. She put her Human Services degree to work at CHUM Duluth Emergency Food Shelf from 1991-1997.

Marlis and Don did a fair amount of traveling near and far. They went to Viking games and Twins games in the cities with friends. They took a cruise. Marlis traveled to Texas to visit a high school friend and went with another high school friend to Washington, D.C. Marlis explored Pipestone, MN and she experienced New York City with University for Seniors groups. She traveled with family to Hawaii and accompanied Doug to Korea to adopt grandson Ian.

Marlis will be missed by the many whose lives she touched. Her family will miss her laugh and her potato salad. Be with Jesus and your Don, Mom. We love you.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Donald G. Cran, siblings Dorothy Brown, Evelyn Nelson, Donald Briddell, and Joyce Briddell, and her daughter-in-law Ginny Cran.

She is survived by her children Loni Cran-Hovis, Darlene (Todd) Schroedel, Stewart Cran, Doug (Colleen) Cran, and Darrell Cran, grandchildren, Jeremy Cran, Dale and Justin Hovis, Emily (Henry) Wolfe, Anna Fay Schroedel, Laura Schroedel, Amanda Cran, Jonah, Ian, and Caleb Cran, great-grandchildren Kyra, Caleb, Kendra, Paxton, Slade, Corbin, and Ryker, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A service and celebration of Marlis Cran will be held at Peace United Church of Christ. 1111 N 11th Ave. E., Duluth, MN 55805. Visitation will be held on Saturday July 26, 2025, from 10AM until the 11AM Memorial Service. Burial will be in Oneota Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 W. 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806. 218-624-1059.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Peace United Church of Christ, or CHUM, or any of the other charitable organizations that Marlis provided her time and talents to as mentioned above.

View Marlis Fay Cran's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

17/07/2025

Theodora "Teddy" Bernardette Hughes (Butkiewicz)

Age 95, was born on December 1, 1929, in a two-room home on the family farm in Split Rock Township, Minnesota. She was the 5th of 9 children born to John and Elizabeth Butkiewicz. She attended Lincoln School, a one room schoolhouse, in Split Rock Township through grade 8. After primary school she attended Moose Lake High School and graduated in 1947.

Helping on the family farm was her job until 1950. She then moved to Duluth and first worked at Sonnomade sewing mattresses before working at American News/US News, where she met Arthur Hughes. They married on July 14, 1956, and made Duluth their home.

Teddy was known for her hospitality. She would welcome you with fresh baked goods and hot coffee. Her specialty was brownies with chocolate cherry frosting. She was a regular at the local grocery store. You could find her searching for new recipe ingredients, visiting with cherished friends or making new ones. No one showing up for a visit left her home hungry!

Travel with family to places like Europe and South America were trips that provided enjoyment to all who attended and those hearing of many adventures upon her return. When travel was not as convenient, she enjoyed attending grand and great grandchildren’s concerts, graduations, and sporting events.

A long-time member of St. Raphael’s church, Teddy was always willing to give of her time and talents. She would often be found within her neighborhood, visiting and providing some of her baked goods for others to enjoy. Teddy had a green thumb for growing flowers, vegetables, horseradish and rhubarb. However, she was always challenged trying to keep the deer and raccoon out!

In her later years, you would find her praying for her family and friend’s concerns in her favorite rocking chair with a rosary in hand.

Teddy suffered a stroke in May and died peacefully in her home on Saturday July 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. We are blessed to be able to call her Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and friend. She was a blessing to all around her. The family is grateful for the help received caring for her in these last months.

Teddy was preceded in death by her husband, F. Arthur Hughes; her parents, John and Elizabeth Butkiewicz; siblings, Florence Meger, Millie Currie, Lorraine Serre, and Leander Butkiewicz. She is survived by her 5 children, Mary Louise Monson (Craig), Greg (Julie), Rita Johnson (Dan), Celeste, Yvonne Larson (Jim); 17 grandchildren; and 35 great grandchildren; siblings, Louis Butkiewicz, Bernard Butkiewicz (Alicia), Louise LeSavage (Richard), Phyllis Knutson; sister-in-law, Darlene Butkiewicz; and many nieces and nephews.

All services will be held at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Rd, Hermantown. Visitation is Sunday July 20, 2025 from 5 – 7 PM with Rosary and Prayer Service at 6:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial July 21, 2025 at 11 AM with a Visitation beginning at 10am. Interment at Calvary Cemetery following luncheon. The Service will be livestreamed on the Williams Lobermeier Boettcher page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057452890892.

View Theodora "Teddy" Bernardette Hughes (Butkiewicz)'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

17/07/2025

John Raymond VanDell

Age 76, passed away on July 16, 2025 at Garden House Estates, where he resided for the last 15 years. He served in the US Navy on the USS Boston during the Vietnam War. He was a cook at several restaurants in Duluth. Survived by sisters, Judy VanDell and Ann Gregory, both of Duluth and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents; sister, Madeline Johnson, brothers, Arthur, Albert and Robert VanDell. A special thank you to Essentia Hospice and Garden House Estates. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday August 7th, from 1-4pm at 2327 West 2nd St, Duluth MN, 55806 . Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home 218-624-1059.

View John Raymond VanDell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

14/07/2025

Vernon "Chubber" Joseph Gimpel

Vernon Joseph “Chubber” Gimpel

March 6, 1933 – July 8, 2025

With great love and deep sorrow, we share the passing of Vernon Joseph “Chubber” Gimpel, who left this world peacefully on July 8, 2025, in his hometown of Duluth, Minnesota, at the age of 92.

Born on March 6, 1933, in Duluth to John and Mary Gimpel, Vernon lived a life filled with hard work, kindness, music, laughter, and generosity. He proudly served in the United States Navy and also earned degrees in both history and art—reflecting his deep curiosity about the world and his creative spirit.

For over 30 years, Vernon worked on the harbor tugboats with Great Lakes Towing, where he became a familiar and respected face on the waterfront. But it wasn’t just his work ethic that made an impression—Vernon had a gift for bringing joy to others. He sang for many years with the Duluth Harbormasters barbershop quartet, filling halls and hearts with harmony and humor.

Chubber, as he was lovingly known, had a knack for cooking and an endless collection of jokes that always got a laugh. He was the kind of man who would offer help without being asked—wise, warm, and always ready to lend a hand or share a story. His presence was a quiet comfort, his kindness unmatched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary; his sister, Cele Allen; and his brothers, Dick, Donald, and Bob.

Vernon is survived by his beloved sisters, Patricia Haagenson and Mary Alice Udovich, along with cherished family members Minty Anderson, and her children Aubrie, Steven, and Brecken. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors—especially his dear friend and neighbor David “Lucky”, whose companionship meant so much.

A celebration of Vernon’s life will be held at Lincoln Park in Duluth on July 27th at 5:00 p.m. Please come with memories, stories, and laughter to share.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Duluth Harbormasters or the Honor Guard, in honor of Chubber’s life and legacy.

He was one of the good ones—and we’ll carry his voice, his wisdom, and his spirit with us always, in the words of Chubby “…it is what it is”

View Vernon "Chubber" Joseph Gimpel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/07/2025

Brenda Jean Telega

Brenda Jean Telega passed away peacefully at Benedictine Health Center in Duluth on July 5th 2025 at the age of 57.

She was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2013 and went through several years of rigorous treatment and rehabilitation before moving to Benedictine to receive long term care.

Brenda graduated from Denfeld High School, and attended the University of Minnesota Duluth pursuing a degree in early childhood education. She passed down her passion for learning and creativity to her children through hours spent at the library and countless art projects at home.

Brenda spent the majority of her time involved in activities with her children and was an active member of the St. James Catholic Church and school community. She coached soccer, taught cooking and sewing classes at St. James, and was a Girl Scout and Cub Scout troop leader for many years. Brenda enjoyed cross country skiing, roller blading, and bike rides with her kids. She completed the North Shore inline marathon, the Birkebeiner, as well as Grandma’s half marathon.

Her stubbornness and sense of humor will be remembered by all who knew her. Even after everything life threw at her, her infectious laugh stayed the same.

Brenda was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother, Teresa Telega; her uncle, Norbert Telega; and sister, Elizabeth “Liz” Hendrickson.

She is survived by her children Violet, Nelson, and Annika Wennberg, their father Chad Wennberg, as well as her sister Alicia Telega, brother Tim Telega, and dear friend and neighbor Jane Dolter.

The Wennberg family would like to thank the staff at Benedictine for the care they provided for Brenda for the past several years. We hope she brought as much joy to your life as you did to hers.

In lieu of flowers, please gift a book to a child in your life, or make a donation to your local school or public library.

Visitation 12 noon until the 1 pm memorial service Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at the Benedictine Health Center Chapel. Rev Fr Jim Bissonnette officiating. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

View Brenda Jean Telega's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/07/2025

Carl Janzig

M. Carl “the Carburetor Man” Janzig, 91 of Hermantown, died Friday, July 4th in his home, with his family by his side.

Carl was born Jan. 5, 1934, to Arthur and Lottie Janzig. He graduated from Morgan Park High School in 1951 where he played hockey in his junior and senior years. He attended the Dunwoody Institute learning Auto Electric and Carburetion. He served in the US Army from 1956 to 1958 stationed in Fort Churchill, Canada on Hudon Bay which was a cold weather testing post. He owned and operated Highland Garage from 1961 to 1990, Minnesota Outdoor Recreation and worked at Northeast Regional Corrections Center from 1991 as a Mechanic III until his retirement in 1997.

He met Cindy Selbak in 1953, and they married on September 21, 1957. They would have celebrated their 68th anniversary this year. They had four sones. They lived in Kenwood, Pike Lake and Hermantown, plus wintered in The Villages in Florida for 20 years. While in Florida Carl was very active in softball as a pitcher, water volleyball and golf until he was 85 and played hockey until he was 80.

He and Cindy loved to travel and visited all 50 states with their sons. After retirement they visited 15 European countries, Scandinavia, Canada, Mexico and 6 cruises. They were members of First Lutheran Church and Kenwood Lutheran Church.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lottie and his daughter in law, Jill Janzig.

Carl is survived by his wife, Cindy; children, Darren (Jeanne), Brian (Bridgit), Craig and David Janzig; grandchildren, Chris (Heather), Corey, Emily, Nick (Kendra), Nate (Lexi), Hannah and Sophie Janzig and Alex (Brett) Bartlett; great granddaughter, Kouvr Janzig and his brother, Jim (Nancy) Janzig.

Visitation will be Wednesday, July 16th from 12 noon to the 1pm service at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 624-1059. Sign the online register book at www.wlbduluth.com or www.dfhduluth.com. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St. Duluth, MN, (218) 727-3555.

View Carl Janzig's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/07/2025

Cody Thomas Telega

Cody Thomas Telega, 37, of Duluth, died Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Duluth. He was born on August 28, 1987 in Duluth to Thomas and Shawna (Wilson) Telega. Cody was kind and sweet, and loved his dog “Tank”. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Jace Cody Telega. Cody is survived by a son, Christain Pederson; his mother, Shawna Telega; his father, Thomas (Vicki Verso) Telega; a brother, Nate Telega; grandmother, Donna Wilson. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, July 27, 2025 from 12 noon to 3 pm at the Lincoln Park Pavillion.

View Cody Thomas Telega's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

26/06/2025

Edward "Ed" Alfred Aamodt

Edward Alfred Aamodt, “Ed”, passed away on June 24, 2025 at the age of 81 in Duluth, MN. He was born July 30, 1943 in Thief River Falls, MN. Ed lived a wonderful, vibrant and blessed life. He had an enormous and positive impact to both those who were close to him and the larger community in which he traveled. He was loved and admired by all who knew him.

Ed was raised in Greenbush, MN; then served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965 and was stationed in Duluth, MN where he met his wife Sheryl (Johnson) Aamodt. They were married on August 1st, 1964 in Duluth, MN and they have enjoyed 61 years together. In recent years, part of their winters were spent in Green Valley, AZ where the circle of friends, social gatherings and memories multiplied.

In 1971, Ed founded Arrowhead Supply (Kitchen and Baths) in Duluth, MN. Arrowhead Supply has been in continuous operation since that time under his direction and that of his eldest son, Eric and grandson, Wade.

Ed was an active and instrumental part of the community; particularly in the western part of Duluth for nearly 60 years. He shared support for area organizations including: Arrowhead Home Builders Association, The Union Gospel Mission, Arrowhead Builders Exchange, Duluth Heritage Foundation, Duluth Boys and Girls Club, National Bank of Commerce Board and numerous Church related Boards and committees.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Elena and Alfred; his brother, Eugene, and his sister, Jovenia. He was a beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather. He is survived by his wife Sheryl; his sister, Carol (Paul) Laugen and his brother, Alton Aamodt. His legacy will endure with his four children, sons, Eric (Shawn), and Jon (Paula) and daughters, Karen (Ken) Johnson and Laurel (Buzz) Patrick; ten grandchildren, Wade (Kristi) Aamodt, Alyssa (Caesar) Cano, Wyatt (Anissa) Aamodt , Mary, Andrew and Aaron Johnson, McKade and Ainsley Patrick, Lily and Samuel Aamodt; two great grandchildren, Jack Edward Aamodt and Logan Cano.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 1st at 10:30 am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1924 Wyoming Avenue, Superior WI 54880. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM and lunch will be served following the service. Pastor Sean Koos officiating. Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Combined Honor Guard. The service will be live streamed, please sign into “YouTube” and search “SuperiorOSLC”. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be directed to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Superior or The Duluth Boys and Girls Club. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

View Edward "Ed" Alfred Aamodt's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

18/06/2025

Jacqueline "Jackie" Mann

Jacqueline M. Mann, 88, of Proctor, died Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Essentia Health. Jackie was born on September 25, 1936 to Joseph and Vandelyn (Kujawa) Mrozik in Duluth, MN.

Jackie married Maurice Mann on November 8, 1958 in Duluth.

She was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church where she taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of the Proctor Moose, a volunteer at the Proctor Food Shelf and worked at Advanstar Communications in Duluth.

Jackie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maurice; brothers, Jerry, Bob and Jeff Mrozik; a sister, Judy Pikarainen and a special cousin, Marilyn.

She is survived by her two sons, Timothy Mann of Duluth and Thomas (Sherri) Mann of Duluth, MN; a brother, James (Char) Mrozik of Proctor, MN; a grandson, TJ Mann of Duluth, MN; a step granddaughter, Dusty Vlaminck of Proctor, MN; five step great-grandchildren, Starla, Christian, Nolan, Presley and Castor; many nieces and nephews.

Private family services will held. Burial at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

View Jacqueline "Jackie" Mann's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

16/06/2025

Rebecca Lynn Knighton

Rebecca Lynn Knighton, age 48, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025. Becky was born on October 22, 1976, in Coral Gables, Florida, the second child of Robert W. and Priscilla E. Knighton. She is survived by her father, her sister Elizabeth, and brother Daniel. She is predeceased by her mother and two half-brothers Robert C. and Kenneth E. Knighton.

Born with Down Syndrome and a serious heart defect, Becky struggled until she had open-heart surgery at eleven months, after which she thrived. She attended pre-K through 12th grade in Miami public schools in special education, and was an active and enthusiastic participant in Special Olympics competitions. Following her education, she entered the workforce. She always looked forward to work, first as a dining room attendant at Wendy’s and then as a supermarket grocery bagger. After moving to Duluth with her parents in 2006, Becky joined the supported employment program of CHOICE, unlimited. With them she held jobs as a dressing room attendant at JCPenney and as a kitchen helper at Northwood Children’s Services.

About ten years ago Becky moved from her parent’s’ home into community living, first in group homes and then her own apartment, under the supervision of the caring employees of Trillium Services, Inc. Becky loved music and owned an extensive collection of CDs and music videos. She danced along with the stars, often quite vigorously. Becky participated in day programming at CHOICE, unlimited and was also a member of BOLD-choice Theatre Company. She had a life-long love of performing and the attention would bring.

A Celebration of Life will be on July 29, 2025, from 1:00pm to 3pm at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd St, Duluth MN, 55806, 218-624-1059

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St, Duluth MN 55805, 218-727-3555.Please visit www.dfh@dfhduluth.com" rel="ugc" target="_blank">www.dfh@dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.

Memorial donations can be made to CHOICE, unlimited, 1829 E Superior St, Duluth MN, 55812, https://www.choiceunlimited.org//donate/

View Rebecca Lynn Knighton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.