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

Jason William Triska



Jason William Triska, 24, of Cook, tragically passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016, due to the result of injuries sustained in an All Terrain Vehicle accident. He was born on December 11, 1991, in Virginia, the son of Mike and Jackie (Kries) Triska.  He graduated from Cook High School in 2010, where he played trumpet and soccer.  Jason was a […]

Bernard “Bernie” C. Soger



Bernard “Bernie” C. Soger, 53, of Orr, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at his residence of natural causes. Bernie was born on January 25, 1963 in Virginia, the son of Larry and Helga (Christensen) Soger. He grew up in Orr where he resided all his life. He graduated from the Orr High School Class of 1981. He served […]

Gary W. Burgess



Gary W. Burgess, 60, of Tower, died very unexpectedly Thursday, May 5, 2016 in his home. He was born May 27, 1955 in Virginia, the son of Linden and Lorraine (Semon) Burgess.  He was a graduate of Tower-Soudan High School, Ely Junior College, and University of Minnesota – Duluth. He married Robin Sunsdahl on August 6, 1982 in Tower and […]

William Joseph “Bill” Boril



William Joseph “Bill” Boril, 84, a lifelong resident of Virginia and Lake Vermilion, died Thursday, May 5 in the Cook Hospital.  He was born March 19, 1932 in Virginia, the son of J.C. and Edith (Anderson) Boril.  He was a 1951 graduate of the Virginia Roosevelt High School and served in the United States Air Force in Casablanca during the […]

Gianni Epinoza



Gianni Epinoza, born August 25, 2009, passed away Monday, April 11, 2016 as the result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Charlotte, NC.  A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 12, 2016 at Range Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home in Virginia. To sign the online guest […]

James Ray Luukkonen



James Ray Luukkonen, 65, of Zim, passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 at his residence. James was born May 16, 1950 in Virginia to Edwin and Mildred (Anderson) Luukkonen. He graduated from Cherry High School in 1968. He was known as the class clown and was an asset to his peers in his math and science classes.  Following high school, […]

Daniel Michael Fossland, Sr.



Daniel Michael Fossland, Sr., 56, of Virginia and formerly of Fayetteville, NC, died Monday, May 9, 2016 in Virginia.  He was born September 19, 1959, in Minneapolis, MN the son of Melvin Conrad and Verneil Margaret (Bell) Fossland.  He graduated from Blaine High School, and attended Bemidji State University.   Daniel was united in marriage to Coralia Ines Ortiz in 1991 […]

Georgia Mae Loe



Private family services for Georgia Mae Loe, 80, of Lake Vermilion-Tower, will be held at a later date.  Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.Georgia died suddenly Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Cook Community Hospital in Cook, MN.Georgia was born October 1, 1935 in Longmont, CO to Clement and Genevieve (Oard) Smith.  She was a graduate of Fulda High School […]

FROM THE WATER TO THE WALL

Taxidermy preserves your fishing memories


MAKINEN – Clear blue skies, calm water, the sound of a loon calling to its mate, a perfect day to be on the lake. And then the sudden cry, “FISH ON!!!” These words echo across the boat and make everyone sit up at attention. Your heart is racing, the pole bent and the fight is on; the drag on the […]

Celebrating 50 years

Northern State Bank: Character with a capital ‘C’


VIRGINIA – You have to climb 20 steps (with two landings) to get to Kurt Sundquist’s office on the second floor of Northern State Bank. It’s worth it, though. He’s got a great view – a straight shot looking east down the entire length of Chestnut Street, with the green and rust hills above the pit as a dramatic backdrop. […]