Breaking News

Obituaries

Tanya Makela

KINGSFORD — Tanya Rae Makela, 59, born in Hancock, died unexpectedly in her home in Kingsford on June 30, 2026. She was preceded in death by her mother, Roberta Makela; and brother, Daniel “Dozer” Makela. Survived by and left to cherish her memory are her father, James Makela; brothers Robert, Gary, Rick and Barry Makela; sisters Lynne Virtanen and Alina Vincent; her nieces, Lisa Makela, Maria and Monica; and her two children, Derek Anderson and Amber Miller, who all loved her very much. Tanya was one of a kind with a beautiful soul, who loved jamming out to music, spending ...

Thomas Dolby

WEST ST. PAUL, Minn. — Thomas David Dolby, 64, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., from complications of sepsis and anemia following his recent diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Tom was raised in South St. Paul and dedicated his life to the ...

Garon ‘Ronnie’ Hamari

KINGSFORD — Garon Veronica “Ronnie” (Piper) Hamari, 90, of Kingsford, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after a beautiful, adventure-filled life. And while Garon’s up there enjoying all Heaven has to offer, her many friends and family members are missing ...

Paul Opolka

VULCAN — Paul “Stringbean” Opolka, age 69, of Vulcan, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at Pinecrest Medical Care Facility after a courageous battle with MS for more than three decades. A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, at State Street Venue in Loretto. Arrangements announced by the Ortman Funeral Home in Norway.

Robert Hoheisel

NORWAY — Robert James “Bob” Hoheisel passed away peacefully at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wis., on June 25, 2026, at the age of 89. Family will greet friends on Thursday, July 9, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Norway. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 9, at 11 a.m. at the church, with Father Abraham Mupparathara officiating. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery.

Duane E. Johnson

SAGOLA — Duane E. Johnson, 62, of Sagola, passed away Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Florence Health Services in Florence, Wis. A Celebration of Duane’s Life will be held from noon until 6 p.m., on Saturday, July 11, at the home of his brother, Donald, at 206 Highway M-95, Sagola, MI 49881.