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

Allan Jacob Goerdt



Allan Jacob Goerdt, 57, of Iron, MN, lost his battle to cancer in his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 10th, 2014. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, May 15th, 2014 at Cherry Town Hall in Cherry from 2:00-5:00 PM with a message beginning at 1:30 given by Elaine Santi. Arrangements are with Range Funeral […]

Audrey Jean (Frisk) Peterson



Audrey Jean (Frisk) Peterson, 84, of Hibbing, passed away Sunday, May 11, 2014 at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 16, 2014 at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing at 1:00 p.m. with visitation beginning one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rod Tuomi will officiate. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in […]

Wendell L. Rutchasky



 Wendell L. Rutchasky, 56, Bemidji, formerly of Cook, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at his residence. He was born on August 26, 1957 in Hibbing, the son of Beatrice Rankila and William Rutchasky.    Wendell grew up in the Sturgeon Township, Zim and the Angora areas, and graduated from the Cook High School. He was married to Jeanine […]

Matt Damon makes headlines in Finland

Ties to the Iron Range uncovered


The Finns are always happy when a Hollywood star comments on Finland in interviews. It has been reported many times that Oscar-winning actor Matt Damon has Finnish ancestry and that he would like to visit the country some day. Recently, Damon’s connection to Finland grew even stronger. During a span of two weeks, the actor made Finnish headlines twice by […]

Is Matt Damon an Iron Ranger?




VIRGINIA – Is the acclaimed actor Matthew Paige (“Matt”) Damon an Iron Ranger? Some say “yes!” Damon is famous for, among others, his role as Jason Bourne in the “Bourne” action spy film trilogy. Damon’s character lost his memory and spends the first movie, “Bourne Identity” trying to figure out who he is. I think it’s sort of interesting that […]

Tidbits from the Finnish American Reporter




I had a lot of fun reading the copy of The Finnish American Reporter newspaper that Jimmy Johnson gave me. Here are a few take-aways: An ad for Kuuma Vapor-Fire wood stoves, manufactured by Lamppa Manufacturing in Tower, MN. “The World’s#1 Hot Air Woodburning Furnace!” A story about the Sisu Designs Yarn Shop in Ely, MN. A story about the […]

Pay it forward:

A tribute to Sand Lake Shuffler Dennis Parson


Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of “Pay it forward” stories that Charlene Luoma of Britt, MN, will share about special Sand Lake Shufflers. This year’s Shuffle will be held August 8-9, 2014, at Sand Lake Resort, on the Britt By Pass. – Jean Cole This morning, I am sad to read of Mr. Dennis E. L. […]

Gov. Dayton signs Women’s Economic Security Act into law



ST. PAUL – Lawmakers and advocates joined Governor Mark Dayton on Mother’s Day to sign the Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) into law. Women in Minnesota make up half the workforce, but earn on average just 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. WESA is nation-leading legislation designed to break down barriers to economic progress for women. WESA strengthens […]

Calling all young writers and poetry lovers



ELY – Do you have a child who loves to write stories? Who keeps a notebook of poems or writes a daily journal of observations? Ask him or her to choose something they have written and would like to share during the Author! Author! event on Sunday, June 8. The event is open to young writers to age 18. Any […]

Finnish kantele workshop at MN Discovery Center



CHISHOLM – LynnAnne Vesper and Gerry Henkel will present a workshop on kantele playing at the Minnesota Discovery Center on Saturday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to try both 5-string and 10-string kantele playing. The kantele is the Finnish version of an instrument often known as a lap harp. Cost of the […]