All Obituaries

Don Sandnas, age 78, of Britt, passed away on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at his residence.   Arrangements are pending with the Range Funeral Home in Virginia.

Conrad Engelstad, 87, of Hibbing, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing. Conrad was born December 21, 1936 in Warren, MN to Bernard and Pearl (Olbeckson) Engelstad. He moved to the Iron Range in the 1950's. He was united in marriage to June Patricia Angellar on May 12, 1957. The family made their home on the Iron Range. Conrad worked in construction his whole life. He was hardworking, loved yardwork, and he loved playing cards, especially...

James “Jimmy” Warren Thierer, age 67, of Embarrass passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at his home.   Jimmy enjoyed fishing and hunting, and was a very good cook!   Jimmy is preceded in death by his beloved son, Zachary, and is now peacefully at rest with him; his parents, Clifford and Muriel (Lamken) Thierer; sisters: Penny Hiltunen and MaryAnn Crayne; and brother, Clifford Jr. (Duff) Thierer.   Jimmy is survived by brother, John (Ronda) Thierer; former...

Betty L. (Nikunen) Ornberg, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, at Edgewood Vista Senior Living in Virginia. Her family expresses deep gratitude for the care and friendships of the staff of Edgewood Vista over the past several years, along with the support of Caring Edge Hospice in her final months.   Betty was born on February 12, 1932, in Buhl, MN; where she spent her childhood, and graduated from Buhl’s Martin Hughes High School. She then embarked on her journey of...

John T. "Jack" "Backseat" Strle, age 57, of Virginia, MN, and formerly of Parkville and Gilbert, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, after battling a lengthy illness.   Jack was born to John and Beverly (Sackery) Strle on September 10, 1966 in Virginia. He grew up in Parkville, and attended school in Mt. Iron. Following graduation, Jack went to work for the family business in Gilbert. Jack worked for his dad, then running the family business, until a...

Sharyn Strong, traditionally known as "Yellow Feather Woman," was a beacon of resilience and joy whose life journey began on November 15, 1950, in the serene town of Nett Lake, Minnesota. Her story, woven with the threads of love, courage, and dedication, came to a peaceful close on April 12, 2024.   Born into a world brimming with possibilities, Sharyn embraced every moment with a vigor that was nothing short of inspirational. Her early education at Hibbing High School laid...

Darold Brackett Paine, age 91, of Mt. Iron, MN, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024 with his family by his side at the Virginia Care Center.   He was born on March 17, 1933 in Puposky, MN to Brackett and Florence (Gay) Paine.   Survived by his son, Darold Alan (Edie), of Mt. Iron; daughter, Penny Aultman of Hibbing; son, Rick (Sherri) of Chisholm; daughter, Linda Abbett (Bill) of Hibbing; daughter, Nancy Marks (Chris) of Lino Lakes. Many grandchildren, great grandchildren,...

Marie Ann Turner, age 75, of Virginia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024 at Carefree Living in Virginia. Marie was born July 20, 1948 to John and Josephine (Tramontin) Smolensky in Virginia, MN. She was a 1966 graduate of Roosevelt High School, and attended Virginia Junior College. Marie was united in marriage on April 7, 1970 to Steven Turner in Watertown, SD. She retired in 2015 from Virginia Coop Credit Union after 29 years. She was a bowler for many years and...

Susan Kathleen Kahtava, 74, of Virginia, Minn., sadly left us on April 8, 2024.   Susan was a lifelong resident of Virginia, Minn., where she was known for her love of baking and as a matriarch of Irma's Finland House where she was the Store Manager, buyer, and in charge of the bridal registry department for over 35 years. Susan was a proud member of the Soroptimist International Club where she enjoyed sharing her baking talents for many of their fundraisers. Susan's talent...

Johnson, Leon Curt. Age 79, of Virginia, MN. Passed away April 8th, 2024. Leon was a father, brother, son, and friend.   Leon (childhood nickname Butch) grew up in Duluth. He graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1962, and University of Minnesota Duluth in 1966. He was an active member of his fraternity up until he passed. He was a retired accountant after years of owning his own CPA firm with David Zuelke. While he enjoyed his career, Leon’s joy came from being outdoors....