Rev. James E. Brunko Sr.
June 30, 1921 - January 24, 2012

Rev. James E. Brunko Sr., 90, of Pillager, MN went home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 24, 2012 at Lakewood Health System, Staples, MN. James was born to Edward and Esther Brunko in Thomastown Township, in Wadena County, MN on June 30, 1921. He was a pastor for 70 years in 7 different states.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Arvis; five sons, James Jr. (Barb), Larry (Kim), Bryan (Debbie), Rick (Rena), Steve (Berdine); four daughters, Barbara Almqusit (Dan), Kathy Harrington (Ron), Ruth Dille and Debbie Fisher (Dave). He is also survived by 30 grandchildren; 63 Great grandchildren and 3 Great Great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, 2 grandsons and a great granddaughter.

Services were held on Saturday, January 28 at First Baptist Church, in Pillager with Pastor Paul Johnson and Rev.  Robert Brunko officiating. Burial was held in Glenhaven Memorial Garden, Crystal MN. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes.

Cody James Sullivan
May 9, 1984 - January 13, 2012

Cody James Sullivan age 27 of Crosby died on January 13, 2012 as a result of an automobile accident. He was born May 9, 1984 in Little Falls. Cody graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School, class of 2002. He was currently employed with Veit Construction and was a member of the Laborers Union Local 563. He was also a member of Cuyuna Range Chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Cody was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting, fishing and playing softball. He loved his family and friends and was a wonderful uncle. He will be sadly missed by everyone.

Survivors include his mother, Sandy (Jim Taylor) Northburg of Crosby; his father, Dan (Connie) Sullivan of Pierz; maternal grandparents, Russell and Eleanor Starr of Hillman; Paternal grandparents, Leroy and Irene Sullivan of Hillman; 1 brother, Clint (Katie Ranweiler) Sullivan; 2 sisters, Stacy Starr and Gina (Justin Odle) Sullivan; a niece and 4 nephews, Alicia, Caleb, Tyson, Riley, and Parker.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 21st at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hillman. Arrangements by the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

Eunice Fairbanks Kolodge
September 17, 1936 - January 18, 2012

Eunice Rosalind Kolodge, 75 of Moose Lake died peacefully Wednesday, January 18, 2012 in her home at Moose Lake. She was born Sept. 17, 1936 at Upper Trelipe Lake, Minn. to Charles and Eleanor Fairbanks. She grew up in Outing and graduated from Remer High School in 1954. Eunice worked at Diamond match for 14 years starting in 1973. She was also a cook at the Middle School during the 1970’s. In 1975 Eunice became the owner of the Foundry in Cloquet. She worked there until retiring in 1998. She married Joe Kolodge in 1993.

Eunice enjoyed sitting around a campfire, fishing, gardening, playing cards, auction sales, and antiques. Her special love was for animals, especially her dog, Jake.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard and Lloyd Fairbanks.

Eunice was loved and will be sadly missed by her husband Joe, children, Mike Donnelly of Esko, Patty Donnelly of Duluth, Chris Goldsworthy of Saginaw, Tom (Kathy) Donnelly of Byron, Ill. Land John (Andrea) Donnelly of Emily, Minn; step- children, Joe (Sue) Kolodge, Kurt Kolodge, and Michelle (Marty) Kolodge all of Cloquet, Minn; brother Chuck (Jeanette) Fairbanks of Outing, Minn; 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Visitation: 10:00 until 11:00 am. Memorial Service on Wednesday January 25, 2012 in the Aitkins  Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th St. in Cloquet, Minnesota. Inurnment will be in Split Rock  Cemetery in Kettle River. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow in the Fireside Room of the funeral home.

To sign the guest book and offer an online tribute, see, www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.

Wilhelm Kopka
April 1, 1931 - January 12, 2012

Wilhelm Kopka, age 80, of Pine River, passed away on January 12, 2012, at Good Samaritan Society, Pine River. He was born in East Prussia, Germany, on April 1, 1931. Wilhelm, along with his parents and siblings, immigrated to the United States in 1952.

Wilhelm will be missed by his wife, Gertraud; his five children: Hanna, Esther, Christa, Mark, and Heidi; ten grandchildren; his siblings: Gustav, Henry, Mia (Canada), and Ruth; and many other family and friends.

Services were held on Tuesday, January 17, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pequot Lakes, with Pastor Donna Olsen officiating. Interment followed at Our Savior’s Cemetery. Visitation was at Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes.

Memorials can be made out to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Madeline M. Perkins
September 20, 1907 - January 11, 2012

Madeline M. Perkins, age 104, of Staples, passed away at the Lakewood Care Center on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.

Madeline was born on September 20, 1907, to Herman and Victoria (Hines) Schmidt, in Randall, MN. At the age of 16, she and a friend, left home for a job in Flint, MI, She later became employed at AC Spark Plug Company. In 1936, she married, Floyd Perkins. They lived in Michigan until retiring in 1968, after 36 years with the company. Madeline and Floyd then moved to Tucson, AZ, where they lived until Floyd’s passing in 1982. In 1990, Madeline moved to Staples, where she lived with her sister, Sarah Johnson. Madeline loved to travel, visiting many places throughout Europe and Asia. Madeline in survived by niece and caretaker, Kay (David) Jessop, and many other nieces and nephews; as well as a very dear friend, Donna Fakhreddine. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd; parents; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Visitation was held one hour before mass and on Friday, from 5-7, at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples, with Rosary and Parish Prayers that began at 6:30. Burial was at the Evergreen Hill Cemetery in Staples.

Irving Leroy Christensen
November 10, 1917 - January 4, 2012

Irving Leroy Christensen, 94, of Motley, died Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples.

Irving was born November 10, 1917 in Freeborn, MN, the son of Allie and Amanda (Johannsen) Christensen. The family moved to Motley in 1920 where Irving attended school until 1936 when he moved to Albert Lea for work. During WWII, Irving served in the US Army as a Quartermaster from 1941 – 1946. He was united in marriage to Frances Freemire in 1948 and the couple returned to Motley to make their home.

Irving was a member of the American Legion, charter member of the Motley Lion, Motley School Board Member and he joined the Motley Methodist Church in 1951. Irving was also a past mayor of Motley. He enjoyed old cars.

He will be missed by his wife, Frances; children, Carole (Don) Oliger, of Whapeton, ND, Sherwood (Florence “Flo”) Jordahl, of Watertown, WI, Edward (Marsha) Jordahl, of Motley, Janet (Leroy) Greig, of Motley, and Judy (Lee) Jenkins, of Staples; sister, Ruth (Dick) Grover, of Barronett, WI; 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven brothers and sisters; and granddaugher, Kristen (Oliger) Richter.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at the Motley United Methodist Church with Pastor Greg Ciesluk officiating Interment, with military honors provided by the Tri County American Legion, Post 124, followed at the Motley Public Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Donna Renee Norton Kinkaid
March 3, 1957 - January 6, 2012

Donna Renee Norton Kinkaid of Emily, Minnesota, former resident of Camanche Iowa, passed away Friday, January 6, 2012 at CRMC in Crosby, Minnesota after a long battle with Leukemia.

Donna was born March 3, 1957 in Davenport, Iowa to Edward Lee and Norma Bell Perkins Norton. She graduated from Camanche High School in 1975. Donna married Terry Kinkaid April 4, 1981 in Outing, MN.

She is survived by her husband Terry, sons, Cory (Kate) Determann, Jacob (Amy Fatheree) Determann, Ryan (Stacy) Kinkaid, & Tyson (Colleen Glenz) Kinkaid; Grandchildren Ann & Eric Kinkaid, Whalen & Will Determann & Breanna Kinkaid; Sisters Denise Breason (Kurt Moomau) Lecompton KS, & Beth (Carl) Ryner of Arnold MO. Also surviving are her parents, her grandmother, Bessie Perkins of De Witt IA, one aunt Melva Fuqua of Princeton IA, nieces Kelsey Ryner & Jamie Nichols and nephews Rob Vogt, Danny & Jeremy Munck.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Emmett & Zelta Norton, her grandfather Gale Perkins and a daughter-in-law Jenny McKay Kinkaid.

Services will be held at 2 pm, January 11th at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Outing, MN. Friends may call 1 hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are with The Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.

Richard F. Armstrong
May 20, 1936 - December 21, 2011

Richard F. Armstrong, age 75, of Crosslake, passed away Wednesday evening, December 21, 2011 at the Crosby Care Center. A Memorial Gathering was held Wednesday, December 28 at the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Crosslake.

Richard Frances Armstrong was born on May 20, 1936, in St. Paul, MN, the son of George and Helen (O’Dea) Armstrong. On November 17, 1989, he was united in marriage to Susan Studenski in Las Vegas, NV. They were able to share 22 years of marriage together. In 1997 he retired as the Director of Facility Services at the St. Cloud Hospital following 15 years of service in that capacity. The couple has resided in the Crosslake area since 1997. Golfing was his favorite pastime.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, George and Helen; 3 brothers, John, George, and Patrick; and a sister, Rita. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sue of Crosslake; children, Tanny (Chic) and husband Del Anderson of Savannah, GA, Betty Lou (Kitty) and husband Gary Johnson of Kearney, NE, Guy (Jamie) Armstrong of Dexter, IA, and Todd (Wendy) Armstrong of Urbandale, IA; 7 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; and siblings, Betty (Rich) Mossong of St. Paul, MN, Mark (Anna Marie) Armstrong of Santa Cruz, CA, James Armstrong of St. Paul, MN, Mike (Mary) Armstrong of Woodbury, MN, Jude (John) Chada of Crosslake, MN, Frank (Maralinda) Armstrong, and Steven (Cathy) Armstrong of So. St. Paul, MN.

Michael J. Petterson
August 31, 1960 - December 25, 2011

Michael J. Petterson, age 51, passed away at his home near Merrifield on Christmas morning following a courageous battle with cancer. Memorial services were held on Thursday, December 29, at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake.

Michael Joseph Petterson was born on August 31, 1960, in Minneapolis, MN, the son of Deryl and  Georgeann (Ford) Petterson. Following his graduation from Hopkins Eisenhower High School he went to work for the FAA at the Minneapolis airport. In 1991 he and Wendy moved to the Brainerd Lakes Area. He worked in maintenance at several area resorts and finally as a driver for the Reichert Bus Company. Hunting, fishing, golf carting, and being in the great outdoors were among his greatest pleasures. Michael adored his wife and children. He was a member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Deryl and Georgeann; son, Benjamin; and grand daughter, Mercedie. Michael will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 28 years, Wendy; children, Jeremy, Keith, Anna, and Krystle Petterson all of Merrifield; grandchildren, Wyatt and Kamden; and siblings, Kathy Petterson of Merrifield, Terry (Mike) Deveny of British Columbia, Canada, Ford (Linda) Petterson of Maricopa, Arizona, and Peggy Petterson of Merrifield.

Linda Marie Ulland
December 2, 1946 - December 26, 2011

Linda Marie Ulland, 65, of Pequot Lakes died Monday, December 26, 2011 at the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, Crosby, MN, following an extended battle with cancer.

She was born December 2, 1946 and adopted at birth by Elmer and Clara Ulland of Austin, MN. Following graduation from Austin High School, she attended Luther College, in Decorah, Iowa. Linda  then worked as a reporter for newspapers in Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska before moving to San Francisco, where she worked for the California Coastal Commission. After obtaining her Master’s Degree from San Francisco State University, she worked for Bechtel Corporation as an environmental engineer. She then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, specializing in nuclear waste issues. She returned to Minnesota and served as Regional Manager for the Pollution Control Agency in Brainerd and opened a coffee shop in Pequot Lakes before joining the University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Science’s Sustainable Development Partnership. She was active in the Whitefish Lions Club, National Nuclear Society, the Paul Bunyan Byway Association, Star Lake Association, Mastocytosis Society, Star Lake Wilderness Camp and worked on Ideal Township’s 100th anniversary celebration. Linda enjoyed world travel, opera and her cats, but most of all, the company of many friends in the Lakes area, across the United States, Europe and Norway.

She is survived by her brother, Richard, and sister-in-law Mary Ulland of Lake City, niece Kari (Jason) Makoutz, Rochester, nephews Hans (Kristin) Ulland and Erik (Jill) Ullanderson of St. Paul, three great nieces and six great nephews. All reside in Minnesota. A memorial service was held at Crosslake Lutheran Church on Monday, January 2, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Luther College, Decorah, Iowa or Crosslake (MN) Lutheran Church are preferred.