The final edition of the Northland Press will be published on January 16th, 2024.
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Obituaries


Joanne Watlov Boblett
January 17, 1956 - December 17, 2023

Joanne Watlov Boblett, age 67, passed away peacefully at home after a courageous 11-year battle with fallopian tube cancer. Joanne was guided through this journey by her incredibly strong faith in the Lord, living without fear of dying, knowing she would be with Him.

Joanne was born January 17, 1956 to Reuben and Gladys Watlov in Minneapolis, MN and spent her childhood in Fridley, MN. She graduated from Fridley High School, and attained her teaching degree at Bethel College in St Paul. She was a star athlete, in several sports, in High School and College.

A woman of many talents, Joanne enjoyed success as a school teacher, singer, computer programmer, social services administrator, volleyball coach, and for the past 19-plus years, newspaper publisher.

Her life was full of adventures, which included traveling the western United States and Canada as a singer in the band where she met her future husband, once spending six months performing in the Northwest Territories near the North Pole.

During most of the 1980’s, Joanne lived in the Boston area and was instrumental in developing one of the first  real-time online business telecommunications systems in the world.

In 1989, Joanne and Paul relocated to the Twin Cities and were married. The couple’s three children were born in 1991, 1993, and 1995. During this time, Joanne worked for her sister, Sue, as a grant writer and administrator for Elim Transitional Housing, helping families, individuals and youth experiencing homelessness to move into their own housing.

In 2002, the family moved to Outing, MN, where she and Paul founded the Northland Press newspaper in 2005.

Joanne’s greatest source of joy was her love for the Lord, her children, husband, family, friends, and spending time together with them on Lake Washburn.

Joanne is survived by her husband, Paul, daughters Faith and Kendra, son Trevor (Jenny), granddaughter Hazel Jo; siblings, Rob Watlov (Jo Ellen), Diane Collins, Sue Watlov Phillips; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben and Gladys Watlov, and her grandparents.Agathering to  celebrate her life will be held at Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes on Saturday, January 27th from 1-3 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a monetary donation to your local food shelf. Arrangements are with Kline Funeral Home, Pequot Lakes.
Jere Miller
December 30, 2023

Jere McGinty Miller, formerly of Crosslake, MN passed away December 30th at Mease Dunedin Hospital in Florida. He is survived by his wife Linda Hochstetter Miller, Linda's daughter's Nicole Fredricks-Jackson and Darci Fredricks-Freeman, one brother, Lee Miller of Ideal Corners, MN and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by Jere M. Miller (father), Lillian Miller (mother), Allen Colvin (brother), Lorraine Richardson (sister), Betty Colvin (sister, of Crosslake).

Jere graduated from Bemidji State with a B.A. in History and he loved his friends from college, still getting together with them in recent years. He returned to his hometown of Crosslake and started his own docking business, serving the community for 40 years. Jere was a well-recognized face in Crosslake and Emily, known to generally be a friendly, silly and blunt kind of guy. He loved his Irish heritage and celebrated life. After retiring, he moved fulltime to Palm Harbor Florida with Linda to enjoy warmer weather. He passed peacefully, after a brief illness, at Dunedin Hospital with loved ones nearby.
Ted Pederson
November 4, 1946 - January 6, 2024

Ted Pederson, age 77, of Crosslake, MN, passed away on January 6, 2024, at Golden Horizons Assisted Living, in Crosslake. Funeral services were held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, MN.

Ted Richard Pederson was born on November 4, 1946, to Kenneth and Polly (Lundeen) Pederson. He grew up in Bloomington, MN, and graduated from Minnetonka High School. Ted attended Dunwoody Technical Institute and the University of MN. He served four years in the United States Air Force. He met Terry in 1965 and they married in 1967. They moved to Crosslake in 1973. He worked in sales and  travelled until his young
family convinced him to join Terry in real estate. In 1984 Ted partnered with his wife and two others to build Shores and More Realty. He retired from real estate in 2013.

Ted loved to be in the woods, clearing trees, hunting, and plotting spec homes, maybe it was all so he could build enormous bonfires that would keep him up late into the night under the stars and in the woods. He would come home with a wild look in his eyes, excited to tell stories of the trees and trails he made. He was a competitive athlete from his ski jumping days in high school to his golfing years and then pickleball. In between he tirelessly taught countless kids and adults how to skate, ski on water and snow, coached hockey, and helped develop the crosscountry ski trails in Crosslake. Ted served on the Parks and Library Board (PLA), was a president of the Chamber of Commerce,  and had the honor of being Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade alongside Terry. He loved and generously supported his community. He was a quiet man, steady in his presence, and someone we all could depend on. He certainly wasn’t shy and could dance the night away to Elvis with his wife.

Ted was a truly remarkable being whose memory will live on in the hearts of his family forever. His full-hearted sense of humor spanned his entire life, uplifting others even in the darkest and most challenging times. His compassion was a gift that keeps on giving.

Ted is survived by his wife of 57 years, Terry; children, Brandon (Laura) Pederson of Crosslake, MN, Robyn (William) Thayer of Evergreen, CO; grandchildren, Madeline and Dylan Pederson, Sophia and Zia Thayer; siblings, Kenne (Patti) Glock of Fountain Hills, AZ, Michael (Cheryl) Pederson of Cave Creek, AZ; nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Polly Lundeen and Kenneth Pederson, and sister, Marilynn Glock Brown.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel and Crosslake Lutheran Church.
Mike Holst
March 5, 1941 - December 24, 2023

Michael Joseph Holst, age 82, passed away on December 24, 2023. Funeral Services were held on January 6th at Immaculate Heart Catholic Church, Crosslake, MN with Father David Forsman officiating.

Michael was born to Wilbur and Bonnie (Chromey) Holst on March 5, 1941, in Mankato, MN, but grew up in Staples, MN. He had various interests in life and wore a few different “career hats”. He was a writer for 2 different local newspapers, and was also an accomplished local author, having written many books and having 12 published. Michael worked for the City of Brooklyn Park, Parks and Recreation Department, but he was most proud of being a Brooklyn Park Firefighter, where he served for 30 years.

Michael is survived by his children Greg (Brendalee) Holst, Cathy (Rick) Pierce, Michelle (Tony) Prissel; siblings David Holst, Huck Holst, Doreen Hewitt, Cathy Judd, Chuck Holst, and Dan Holst; grandchildren and great grandchildren and his special friend Pat McCormick.

Michael is preceded in death by his beloved wife Kitty, Parents Wilbur and Lillian Holst, Brother Kenny, Sister in-laws Jackie and Dee, Brother in-law Gaylord, and Nephew Jim.

Donations are preferred to Duluth Dioceses Vocation Fund. Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.
Joan Bierman
September 12, 1945 - December 21, 2023

Joan Bierman passed away peacefully on December 21, 2023 in Pierz, Minnesota. Jo was born September 12, 1945 to Orval and Harriet (Anderson) Bierman in Belgrade, Stearns County, Mn. She graduated from Simley High School, Inver Grove Heights, Mn (1963) and became a registered nurse after graduating from Hennepin  County Medical Center School of Nursing (1966). Jo moved to California and worked as a pediatric, surgical and intensive care nurse as well as a certified emergency room nurse. From 1980-1985, Jo was a senior staff nurse/head nurse at King Fahad Air Base and Residential Clinic in Taif, Saudi Arabia. Jo also taught and judged art (1990-93) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. During her years in Saudi she traveled extensively through Europe, the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, India and the Middle East. Jo returned to the United States in 1994 and resided in Texas where she attended North Harris County College. In 1995, Jo returned to Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota (1996) magna summa cum laude with a major in Art History and a double minor in Studio Arts and Women’s Studies. In 2007, Jo was employed at the Crosslake Historical  Society Log Village as Museum Manager. Jo enjoyed greeting visitors to the historic site, participating in events and curating items donated.

Jo is preceded by her parents Orval and Harriet (Anderson) Bierman and her brother Bob Bierman. Jo is survived by her sister, Elaine (Ray) Gergen and their children, brother Tim (Kathy) Bierman, their children; Cousin Ann (Kevin) Schield and their children along with many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Inver Grove Heights, MN on January 27, 2024 with visitation at 1 p.m. and a memorial service at 2 pm. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the Crosslake Historical Society Log Village, 35404 Cty Rd 3,Crosslake, MN 56442 or Crosslake Presbyterian  Church, 14444 Daggett Pine Rd, Crosslake, MN 56442. Jo will be buried in the Belgrade United Methodist Cemetery in Belgrade, Mn near her grandparents.
James “ Jimmy” Keelin
February 7, 1972 - January 6, 2024

James “Jimmy” Keelin, 51, of Pine River, MN, passed away at his home on January 6, 2024 after a short and courageous battle with brain cancer. Jimmy was born on February 7, 1972 in Edina, MN, the youngest of 3 boys to Donald Keelin and Catherine Hamlin.

Jimmy was a proud caregiver for many years, ending his caregiving days with Whitefish at the Lakes in Crosslake, MN. He cherished fishing, theater, singing and playing video games with family and friends.  He was a Minnesota Vikings fanatic, inheriting his love of the team from his grandmother, and was a member of the Vikings World Order. He loved making people laugh and spending time with his family, especially his grandkids and faithful furry companion, Gemini. He was loved by many and will be missed greatly.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by daughter, Rosemary (Joshua Seaboy) Keelin; son, Jake Keelin; grandsons, Emmett and Gordon; brothers, Robert Keelin, Christopher (Becky) Keelin; life partner, Sara Pohler, and her child Adam; partner in raising his children, Heather Lipelt; as well as his nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 PM on Friday, January 19, 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Pine River. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services.
David Bode
July 25, 1946 - December 9, 2023

David Bode, 77, of Crosslake, MN passed away on December 9, 2023, in Brainerd, MN. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Tuesday December 19, 2023, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.

Dave was born on July 25, 1946, in Algona, Iowa to Bernard and Fay Bode. He served in the United States Navy. He was retired from Medtronic in the shipping & receiving department.

He enjoyed showing his skills in woodworking, making various creations. Dave also enjoyed following
sports teams and liked cars.

He is survived by his wife Barb, children Lesley Bode, Christopher Bode, Jacob Patterson, and Peter (Katie) Patterson, grandchildren Brandon, Nick, Connor, Autumn, and Noah (Betsy), great grandchildren Aria, James,  and Violet, and his two sisters Carol (Mark) Wadzink and Christie (Steve) Kolp. Dave is preceded in death by  his parents and his brother Larry.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Crosslake.
David Edward Hughes, Sr.
August 31, 1932 - December 13, 2023

David Edward Hughes Sr., age 91 of Emily died on December 13, 2023 at Aicota Health Care Center in Aitkin. He was born in Little Pine Township on August 31, 1932 to Loren and Ellen (Kile) Hughes. David served as a Fire Warden for Crow Wing County and was a longtime area logger. He was a former employee for Inland Steel.

David is survived by four sons, David (Kim) Hughes Jr. of Outing, Greg Hughes of Emily, Dwayne Hughes of Emily and Richard Hughes of Fifty Lakes; two daughters, Bea Carpentier of Rogers and Faye Hughes of Emily; one sister Judy Stiner of Emily; and 22 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Wesleyan Church in Emily. Burial will be at the Pine Ridge Cemetery in Emily with full military honors presented by the Myrin-James American Legion Post #443, of Ironton. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.
Carol Anne Coult
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend passed away at age 87 after a long and arduous journey with Alzheimer’s. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Sarah Benge and her brother Richard Benge. She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years Roger Lyle, three children: Rene’ (Cal Calendine), Brenda (Clare Bailey), Steve (Brenda), grandsons: Ben Calendine (Kelly), Chase Brendle and Jake Coult, granddaughter Layne (Ryan Cruz) as well as three great-grandchildren: Quinn, Levi Calendine and James Coult.

Carol was born and grew up in Mankato, Minnesota where she met Roger. They married young and spent their first years of marriage in southern California while Roger was in the Marines at Camp Pendleton. Upon returning to Minnesota they made their home in Crystal and then Brooklyn Park. Carol worked for North Memorial Hospital for most all of her career and retired at an early age. She and Roger then enjoyed over 33 years of time together traveling and living between Crosslake, Minnesota and Spring Hill, Florida.

Carol was a fun and witty woman with a great sense of humor that right up until her final days kept people laughing. Her outgoing and enjoyable personality brought many people into her circle. She was an avid golfer,  a competitive bridge and Mah Jongg player, and a mean scrabble player. She enjoyed being outdoors and could always be found walking, if she wasn’t shopping.

She will be deeply missed by so many people and will always be remembered for that sparkle in her eyes and the many “carolisms” she coined over the years.

Memorials can be made in honor of Carol Coult at Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, 1605 Eustis Street, St. Paul, MN 55108 or chlss.org/donate

A celebration of life honoring Carol will occur at a future date.
Jane Esther Donovan
October 15, 1923 - December 1, 2023

Jane Esther Donovan passed away peacefully on December 1, 2023. She was born October 15, 1923 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Esther and Leland Stamy. She grew up in Webster City, Iowa with her three brothers, Jim, Bud and Roger.

She married George Dewitt Donovan on August 18, 1946 and they had three daughters. The family moved to Outing, MN in 1972 and then to Remer, MN. Jane was a much-loved and respected elementary school teacher for over 30 years.

After retirement she and George traveled to Ireland, Alaska and all around the U.S visiting family and friends. Jane moved to Duluth in 2006.

She was always up for an adventure. She loved to paint, crochet and create things with rocks, leaves,  driftwood, mushrooms and birch bark. One of her favorite things was picking rocks along Lake Superior.

Jane's goal in life was to make at least one person smile every day. And she did until the very end. Jane made everyone feel special. She touched so many lives and enjoyed many friendships.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brothers and her son-in-law David Berglin.

She is survived by her three daughters, Pat Gordon (Steve), Peggy Donovan and Polly Donovan-Bradley (Bob).

A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials to a charity of your choice -- one that makes you smile! Arrangements by Cremation Society of Minnesota.
P.O. Box 145, Outing, MN 56662 • Phone 218-792-5842 • Fax 218-792-5844 • Email news@northlandpress.com