Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home & Cremation

02/23/2026

Troy Joseph Tolan

Troy Joseph Tolan, 55, of Duluth, died Saturday, February 21, 2026 in his residence. Troy was born in Duluth on November 24, 1970 to Neil and Carol (Oraskovich) Tolan. He was a graduate of Denfeld High School. Troy worked at the Fon du Luth Casino for over 25 years in various positions, including dealer, pull tabs and technician. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid bowler in the leagues at the Stadium Lanes. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil; his sister, Lisa Hanson; paternal grandparents, Raymond and Jesse Tolan; maternal grandparents, Louis and Betty Oraskovich. Troy is survived by his mother, Carol Tolan; nieces, Amber (Maurice) Williams and Amy (David) Evans; twin brother, Tracy; brother-in-law, James Hanson; grand nieces and nephew, Lily, Savanah and Granger. Visitation 1 pm with a time for sharing at 2 pm on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. Burial in Oneota Cemetery.

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02/17/2026

Helen "Choochie" A. Sever

Helen (Choochie) Sever, 99, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her daughters on February 16, 2026. The daughter of Joseph and Talio Nassin, Helen was born at home on December 17, 1926 in Duluth, Minnesota.

Helen graduated from Morgan Park High School in Duluth in 1944 and attended Denfeld Junior College and Carey Gaspar Business School. She started her working life as a dishwasher in the Gary Lunch owned by her father and also worked at the match factory in Duluth. In Detroit, between 1948-1954, she worked for Crawleys department store in sales, accounting, and advertising. After numerous other jobs, Helen retired in 1989 from her last place of employment after 16 years at St. Louis County Social Services.

Helen married Lawrence Sever (d. 2014) on October 6, 1956. She was an active member and volunteer of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church since 1956. Over the years, she taught religious education, sold roses to raise money for the church, sold chances on Betty Mrak’s quilts every year to raise money for the church picnics, and worked a lot of dinners and funerals with the Women’s Circle.

Helen had a longtime group of good friends, most since childhood, who had many years of good times together. She enjoyed knitting, daily crossword puzzles, reading, and watching her favorite TV shows. She was a wonderful baker, and many people enjoyed her amazing cookies. She was especially known for her delicious spritz cookies and huge oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Preceded in death by parents Joseph and Talio Nassin; husband Lawrence Sever; brothers Andrew Nassin and James Nassin; brothers-in-law Frances Sever, Philip Sever, Irvin Tverberg and George Mikrut; sisters-in-law Patricia Nassin, Virginia Mikrut, Peggy Sever; niece Marguerite Brandenhoff; nephew Mark Tverberg.

Survived by daughters Nancy Sever and Melanie Sever (Greg Ojakangas); grandchildren Kate Royer (Jimmy Bellamy) and Peter Jordan; brother Carl Nassin and numerous relatives in the Chicago Area; Sister-in-law Althea Tverberg; many nieces and nephews and their families in the Duluth and Chicago area; and special creatures Maggie and Carlos.

Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Duluth, MN. Visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcomed to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

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02/11/2026

Hazel Mae (Jacobson) Johnson

Hazel Mae (Jacobson), “Jac”, Johnson, of Duluth and Hermantown, passed away peacefully in her home with family present on February 8, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born May 21, 1932, in Duluth, Minnesota to Hazel (West) and Edmund Jacobson.

Hazel was raised and attended schools in Duluth, Minnesota, graduating from Denfeld High School in 1950. She graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in 1953. As a Registered Nurse, she lived and worked in Colorado Springs, Colorado exploring the West before returning to Duluth to work at St. Luke’s Hospital.

Hazel enjoyed telling stories of how she and her future husband, Armand R. Johnson, met roller skating. Together they enjoyed roller skating and ice skating. They married on January 9, 1960, making their home in Cloquet, Minnesota. They quickly expanded their family with “3 children under 3”, as Hazel would describe it.

They built a home and raised their family in Hermantown, Minnesota. Hazel adopted the role of homemaker while Armand worked for Oglebay Norton Company sailing the Great Lakes. A somewhat atypical family lifestyle was enjoyed with annual family trips on the Great Lakes on many different Great Lakes freighters, including the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald. Typically, annual vacations to Florida in late winter and time spent at the cabin in Iron River, Wisconsin were enjoyed by all.

Hazel was active in multiple vocal singing groups throughout her life including the Carillon Chorale, Muriel Lindor Singers, American Legion Choir, Superior Singers and several church choirs. She was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church in Hermantown, Minnesota.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Captain Armand R. Johnson with whom she shared 47 years of marriage with before his passing in 2007, her parents and son-in-law, Frank J. Koshere.

She is survived by her son, Keith (Cynde) Johnson, Hermantown; daughters, Karen Koshere, Duluth; and Jana Peterson, Hermantown; grandchildren, Erica Walli (Mathias Lorsung), Duluth; Kristin (Greg) Rian, Duluth; Eric Johnson (Kelly Jorgenson), Minneapolis; great-grandson, Ian; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

There will be a family memorial service held at a future date. Consider gifting memorials to your charity of choice or Salem Lutheran Church, Hermantown, Minnesota.

Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 218-624-1059

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02/09/2026

Jane Elizabeth Mavec

Jane Elizabeth Mavec, age 74, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Duluth, Minnesota. Born Jane Elizabeth Barker to Jay Barker and Lydia Whiteside in Duluth, Minnesota, she is survived by her children; Sara of New York, NY and Joseph (Hannah Endicott) of Duluth, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jim Barker, as well as her husband, David.

Jane graduated from Denfeld High School in 1970, where she played the French horn. After high school, Jane attended University of Minnesota, Duluth, and earned her Associates Degree in Education.

Jane was a beloved swim teacher, coach, and lifeguard at the Downtown Duluth YMCA. She taught hundreds of children in the Duluth area how to feel safe and love being in the water. She was an enthusiastic coach for the youngest Duluth swimmers, coaching the 8 and under YMCA team for over 20 years. Her passion for teaching and swimming was felt by all who were lucky enough to get in the pool with her. Even after she retired from coaching, she loved to see her former swimmers around town and was loved and appreciated by so many Duluth families.

Jane was a lifelong member of Hillside United Methodist Church and found a loving community there. She found meaningful work at Hillside, especially when volunteering for Loaves & Fishes. She also loved reading and picking blueberries, especially at her beloved cabin at Lake Vermilion, where she had many happy times with her friends and family.

A Memorial Service will take place on Sunday, February 15 at 3:00 p.m. at Hillside United Methodist Church, 1801 Piedmont Ave, Duluth, MN, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Hillside United Methodist Church.

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02/09/2026

Bryan James Bennett Jr

Bryan James Bennett Jr

Passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 62. Preceded in death by parents, Bryan Sr and Cathy. Survived by brother, Scott and Jeff; nephews, Josh, Michael and Tyler; aunts, Jean and Barbara; and a great niece, several great nephews and many cousins.

Bryan had many jobs and titles throughout the years, but he was most happy when he was coaching kids in track and field.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 3208 W 3rd Street, Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 10am.

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02/05/2026

Fannie Merle Andres

Fannie Merle Andres, 85, of Proctor, passed away on January 30, 2026. Fannie graduated from Indus High School, provided daycare for several local families, and she worked for many years at Glass Block/Younkers where she eventually retired. Fannie was a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church of Duluth and later attended Midway Christian Fellowship. She was also a member of Lakehead Harvest Reunion. Fannie loved family, friends, faith, gardening, and animals. She was preceded in death by parents, David and Vivian Dobbs; husband, Dennis Andres. She is survived by daughter, Julie (Jeffrey) Peterson; a son, Johnathan (Mariya) Andres. She was further survived by three grandchildren, three siblings: two sisters and one brother. She also has many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to caring staff in her last few years. Visitation 11 am until the 12 noon memorial service Monday, February 9, 2026 in Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 W 3rd St. Duluth, MN 55806.

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01/27/2026

Cherro mass

01/26/2026

Joyce Krysiak

Joyce Krysiak, our vibrant and beautiful mother Joyce Lewandowski-Krysiak peacefully passed on January 19th, 2026, in Duluth Minnesota. Born in 1931, Joyce grew up in Morgan Park graduating from High School in 1949 as a scholastic student, cheerleader, majorette and was crowned the Fall Carnival Queen her senior year.

Joyce met the love of her life James Krysiak and they married in 1952, moved to Two Harbors raising 4children. While Jim was teaching, coaching hockey and golf, Joyce was very active in church, community activities and artistic pursuits. A standout project washer intricately designed photo display gallery wall at the THHS Hockey Arena which chronicled every hockey team’s players annual individual stats and achievements.

Joyce and Jim owned and operated the Two Harbors Dairy Queen from 1977-1992. Inheriting with the purchase an “old contract” Joyce established a nation wide name for the TH Dairy Queen creating extra thick shakes with mix-ins that became the format for the DQ Blizzards. While running the Dairy Queen Joyce also earned a college degree in Business and Nutrition from UMD in 1982. Joyce loved to travel and discover all the fascinations this amazing world offers. Her curious energy and creative vision surpassed her 94 years of life.

Joyce’s talents have gifted every one of us - her 4children; Mark and David Krysiak, Cindy Lipizzi and Gail Ulreich, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church Duluth at 11am February 14, 2026. Visitation at 10am. In lieu of flowers Joyce requested donations to 2nd Harvest Food Pantry, St. Lawrence Church or charity of choice.

Arrangements by Williams-Lobermeier-Boettcher Funeral Home. 3208 W. 3rd St., Duluth, MN, 55806. 218-624-1059.

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01/23/2026

Kathleen P. Nelson

Kathleen P. Nelson, age 78 of Duluth died on Sunday, January 11, 2026. She was a lifelong Duluth resident and a 1965 graduate of East High School. She married Donald J. Nelson on June 27, 1966. Kathy worked as an executive secretary at Forest Hill Cemetery for 20 years, retiring in 2004. She was an avid genealogist, researching family history for over 50 years. Her interest in genealogy led her to join many societies including Twin Ports Genealogical Society and the Irish Genealogical Society, as well as past membership in the cousins-Cousins and French Genealogical Society.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Madeline (Dion) Rose. Kathy is survived by her husband, Donald; son, Marc (Kazz) Nelson; granddaughter, Sharlene (Cody) Waltman; great-grandchildren, Leilani and Elijah; sisters, Carol Rose, Peggy (Jack) Aldrich, and Penny (Bill) Mills; brother, James (Susan) Rose; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 25th from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the AmericInn, 901 Joshua Ave, Duluth, MN 55811.

A graveside service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery in the Spring of 2026.

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01/21/2026

Joseph Chester Cherro

Joseph “Joe” Chester Cherro, a lifelong resident of Duluth, passed away on January 18, 2026, at the age of 102. Born in April of 1923, to Michael and Celeste (Ciccitelli) Cherro, he was a proud graduate of Denfeld High School after attending Adams, St. Clement’s, and Lincoln Junior High.

A member of the "Greatest Generation," he served with the U.S. Army during World War II from April 1943 to January 1946. His service took him to the Southwest Pacific, where he spent nearly two years in New Guinea and the Philippines. He remained dedicated to his fellow veterans as a lifetime member of VFW Post 137 and American Legion Post 71.

Following his military service, he married the love of his life, Charlotte Hoban, in August 1946. Together, they shared 67 years of marriage until her passing. He was a devoted family man and a hardworking employee of U.S. Steel in Duluth for 38 years, remaining with the company until the plant’s closure in 1979.

A man of deep faith, he was a charter member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church. He was active in the parish community as a member of the OK Club, a church usher, and a volunteer on the funeral committee. In his leisure time, he enjoyed camping and traveling with his family, was an avid golfer and bowler, and spent many afternoons playing cribbage and pinochle.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Charlotte; his brothers, Tom, Tony, Sam, Harvey, Robert, and Buster; and his sister, Margaret.

He is survived by his three daughters, Barbara (Pete) Amys of Omaha, NE, Leanne (Larry) Berg of Duluth, and Julie (Graydon) Amundson of Winter Haven, FL; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation 10 am until the 11 am Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. 151 West Linden St. Military honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard. Burial in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to MACV, 5209 Ramsey St, Duluth, MN 55807, would be appreciated. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

Joe’s funeral Mass will be live streamed starting 10 minutes prior to the service, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057452890892

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01/12/2026

Erik Michael Priley

Erik Michael Priley, 35, of Duluth passed away January 10, 2026 surrounded by his loving family after a short and very hard fought battle with cancer.

He was born on February 1, 1990 in Duluth to Tracy and Jerry Priley, the youngest of three boys, brother to Anders and Peter Priley.

Erik graduated from East High School in 2008. He soon met Chelsie and they created a life together filled with love, fun memories, road trips exploring new areas and caring for their beloved dogs.

He started working for Kolar while in high school as a car washer and quickly worked his way up to becoming a key member of the sales team, then advancing to manager of Kolar Hyundai by age 23. After over 15 years of service at Kolar, he most recently worked as the Sales Manager of Kolar Chevrolet. Erik loved people, meeting new customers and helping them to find the perfect vehicle–whether at the dealership or attending used car auctions to track down hidden gems.

“Priley” was pure fun and a friend to all, and many, his entire life. In high school the entryway to his house was stacked with dozens of shoes from friends who filled his basement every weekend. These friendships continued and extended to annual Brainerd golf trips with childhood friends to winning big in Vegas on multiple occasions.

Erik loved golf. In the summer you could always find him at Ridgeview Country Club where he started in the bag room while in high school. Always an entrepreneur even at a young age, he and his coworkers came up with the idea to start a taxi service to ensure golfers, and their cars, made it home safely each night. His deep love of golf only continued and developed into continually trying to advance his game while enjoying the camaraderie he found as a member of Ridgeview.

Again, Erik continuously brought the fun. He was known to track down jet skis for family vacations in Canada that made a fishing trip way more exciting and memorable. As the fun uncle, Erik was a kid at heart. He always arrived with the best toys, loved backyard sledding, flinging his nieces and nephews into pools, setting up outdoor movies and creating a very memorable “Grinch” surprise visit last Christmas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Tracy Priley.

Erik is survived by his loving partner of 13 years, Chelsie Evers, father Jerry Priley (Debbie Farnham), brothers Anders (Tiffini) and Peter (Francesca). Nieces and nephews Beatrice and Elliott Priley, Atti and Hakon Zucchi. Cousins Marit (Adam) Zucchi, Amy (Rich) Kastner, Allison Lillegard, Kim Sigler. Aunts Cindy (Dan) Lillegaard and Sue Forsthofel.

Visitation 5 to 7 pm Friday, January 16, 2026 at Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home and will continue from 10 am until the 11 am funeral service Saturday at Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church. 2501 Woodland Ave. Pastor Jeff Davis officiating. Burial next to his mother in Forest Hill Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home. 218-624-1059.

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01/09/2026

Robert Stanley Mlodozyniec

Robert "Bob" Mlodozyniec, aka "Mr. Mudd" left this world on Wednesday, January 7,2026 after 95+ years.

Bob’s parents Joseph & Josephine MLODOZYNIEC and his oldest sister, Sophie were born in Poland and came over thru Ellis Island in 1922. His parents had 14 children from 1921 thru 1944. Bob was born August 20, 1930, the 7th of 14 children, eight sisters and five brothers. Currently he has two sisters, Lucille (91) and Emeline (81) still living.

He enrolled in the ARMY at the age of 17 where he was an E3 Private First Class from 1947-1948 stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.

He married Phyllis DeSmedt in July 1952. Together they raised 4 children until his wife passed in 2003 just after their 50th wedding anniversary. Family reunions and frequent gatherings occurred all the time with all his siblings and their families.

Bob worked for St. Germain’s Paint & Glass until 1961 when a work accident left him with a disability and 2 steel plates in his back after it was broken when a ton of glass landed on him. He then helped his good friend Sammy open up several Sammy’s Pizza locations and was very supportive of the daily operations for several years. He was a jack of all trades and worked other odd jobs.

He and his friends played baseball for the Y.O.T (Young Oldtimers Club) for several years. Bob also played league horseshoes and cribbage. Bob and 4 of his brothers were great bowlers at Stadium Lanes on a league that consisted of 8 teams of 5 brothers.

Bob was a lifetime member of the French Club through Holy Family (formally St. Jean’s) Parish. Living very close to Harrison Community Club Bob was very active in the organization in the 60's and 70's where he flooded the skating rink for several years so we all could enjoy winter skating. He was a Bingo caller and collector for St. Jean’s Keno in the 1970’s and 80’s and loved playing cards and doing puzzles. He belonged to the American Legion and VFW where he actively played Bingo into his early 90’s.

Bob's hobby in the 90's and early 2000's had him making several wood creations such as Christmas deer, Easter bunnies and flamingo's that he gifted to many friends, family and others who, helped him.

Bob was a great cook and loved to make homemade Polish sausage and pigs in the blankets. Friday night was always homemade cheese pizza or walleye fish which he caught on the banks of Fish Lake.

Bob lived in his home until he was 92 years old when he suffered a mild stroke. He resided at Heritage Haven since June of 2022, first in House #1 and later moved to House #3. Since then, he had been ruled a fall risk and was wheelchair confined. He seemed to move around quite well in the chair, loved to people watch, was a member of the clean plate club, played Bingo and other games, and kept the staff on their toes especially when it came to their desserts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Phyllis; brothers, Chet, Joesph (Moniak), Walt, Eugene, Gerald (Butch); sisters, Sophie, Irene, Lorraine, Joanne, Patricia and Dianne; in-laws, Rose & Maurice DeSmedt; brother-in-law, Donald; son-in-law, Ronald Forester and John Gulland; and grandson-in-law, Dan Lane.

Bob is survived by his children, Susan(John) Gulland, Sandy Forester, Gary (Brenda)and Greg; his grandchildren, Christa Lane, Eric Gulland, Kari Perry and Kenny Quade; great-grandchildren, Jewlliana Hartel, Lucy & Silvie Lane, Mecca Quade; and great-great-granddaughter, Meliah Mae Hartel; sisters, Lucille Hoppe and Emeline (Babe) Brock; and brother-in-law, Harry Brock; along with 195 nieces, nephews, their spouses and their children.

Bob's family would like to thank the thoughtful and caring staff at Heritage Haven, especially his number one caretaker, Melody.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2430 W 3rd. St., Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 10am. Luncheon to follow.

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