Publish an obituary in Hometown Focus

WHAT IS PUBLISHED FOR FREE:

  • HTF will publish a full obituary and a photo (if desired) on our website free of charge.
  • HTF will publish an abbreviated obituary (no photos) in the print edition of the newspaper free of charge.

HOW TO PAY FOR A FULL OBITURARY:

  • A full obituary and a photo (if desired) published in the print edition of the newspaper is charged by the column inch.
  • Once HTF receives the obituary, photo and your request for a full obituary, we will provide you with the cost prior to publication.
  • Payment is due prior to publication and can be handled by phone if paying with a credit card.

The deadline for submission of the print edition obituaries (both full and abbreviated) is first thing Thursday morning, although sooner is always better.

Please email: editor@htfnews.us

George W. Knabe, Jr.



George W. Knabe, Jr. was born June 29, 1924 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He died at his home on May 16, 2012. Dr. Knabe attended Michigan State College where he volunteered for the United States Army and was called into service during World War II. Later, when graduating from the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, he received his residency […]

Elsie Eleanor Laakso



Elsie Eleanor Laakso, 92, of Virginia died on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at her residence. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Heritage Trail Bible Church in Gilbert, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Mike Wefel will officiate. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Online guestbook at www.rangefuneralhomes.com.   Elsie was […]

Russell Arvid Putikka



Russell Arvid Putikka, 75, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012 at Wendigo Pines Assisted Living in Chisholm, after a lingering illness. Services will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at Faith United Lutheran Church in Iron, with visitation from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Elaine Santi will officiate. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Online guestbook at […]

Jonathan James Bielejeski



Jonathan James Bielejeski, 28, of Babbitt, MN died on Sunday, May 20, 2012 as the result of an ATV accident. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Babbitt Evangelical Lutheran Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ben Buchanan will officiate. Burial will be in Argo Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with […]

Helen Margaret Listemaa



Helen Margaret Listemaa, 94, of Gilbert, MN died on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Virginia Regional Medical Center and NH. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. Brian Birk will officiate. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. Online guestbook at www.rangefuneralhomes.com   Helen was born on […]

Lila Doris “LilaBee” Beasley



  On May 21, 2012, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, GREAT Gramma, and friend left this earth to begin her life as an angel.   She was born June 6, 1931, in Brookings, SD, the sixth of seven children born to John and Maggie Lee. On August 26, 1950, she married John "Jack" Beasley of Taconite, MN. They were the owners […]

Summer fest season kicks off in Tower




Can’t wait for the festival season to begin? Are you yearning for some vendor food, arts and crafts, shiny classic cars, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and the company of friends and neighbors? Then don’t miss the Lake Vermilion Harbor Festival, which has come to be known as the Iron Range’s first festival of the summer. Tower’s Lake Vermilion Harbor Festival […]

Norwegian-Americans and the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate)





Early in World War Two, the United States recognized a need for special units with the cultural and linguistic background needed to conduct unconventional warfare operations in countries occupied by Germany or Japan. Norway was one of those countries. It was hoped that at least four objectives could be accomplished in Norway through the use of unconventional warfare: (1) eliminate […]

As I retire: The Y community is like no other




Wow – what a ride! In January of 1982, a series of meetings began. In attendance were concerned citizens sharing a dream of strengthening the spiritual, physical and emotional well being of the Iron Range. By mid-year, a board of directors was selected and 501c3 non-profit status secured. In 1983, a startup grant was received from the Blandin Foundation of […]

GRILLING MEANS FEWER DISHES – I’m in




One reason summer is so nice is you can grill (everything!) outdoors and there’s a lot less to clean up after dinner. I say put it ALL on the grill – meat, potatoes, vegetables! Today we have some vegetable grilling recipes (I can’t wait for the fresh local produce!), and a reader from Hibbing has a unique dinner she serves […]