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

Jerry T. Lee



Jerry T. Lee, age 82, of Britt died Saturday, November 16, 2013 in his home surrounded by his family. He was born August 12, 1931 in Hermitage, AR, the son of James O., Sr. and Gladys (Thompson) Lee. Jerry was a Mechanical Engineer and a longtime employee of Potlatch Corporation working in Arkansas and Idaho prior to moving to the […]

Paul Jerome Johnson



Paul Jerome Johnson, 79, of Hibbing, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2013 at his residence.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 23 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran church in Hibbing.  Visitation will be Friday, November 22 at Range Funeral Home in Hibbing from6-7p.m. and Saturday at the Church from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.  Pastor Tim Yearyean will officiate.  […]

Victor Raymond “Gusty” Wirkkula



Victor Raymond   “Gusty” Wirkkula age 86 of Hibbing died Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in the Cornerstone Villa of Buhl. He was born December 27, 1926 in International Falls, MN the son of William and Anna (Anderson) Wirkkula. Vic married Shirley Jean Mattson on April 15, 1953 in Hibbing and was a longtime Hibbing resident.  He was a US Army Veteran […]

Bruce Norman Olson



Bruce Norman Olson,  age 69 a longtime resident of the Lakeview Residence in Virginia and the Merritt House in Biwabik died Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. He was born September 8, 1944 in Hibbing, the son of Arnold M. and Helen (Williams) Olson and attended Hibbing High School. Bruce had a passion […]

Dannel Craig Maratta



Dannel Craig Maratta, age 54 of Virginia, died Saturday, November 16, 2013. He wasborn October 6, 1959 in Mankato, MN the son of Jay and Eileen (Engdahl) Maratta. He was a graduate of Virginia High School attended Mesabi Community College and Minnesota State College – Mankato.Dannel  is survived by his mother: Eileen of Virginia; sisters:  Jaleen (Michael) O’Connor of Virginia, […]

SHOP Local

Small Business Saturday Local businesses are more than just a place to shop


Brick and mortar. Small and local. Those are descriptors of businesses that are the honorees of Small Business Saturday. This year Small Business Saturday is on November 30. The idea behind Small Business Saturday is to encourage people to support the small businesses in their communities. Shop small. Shop local. I have a great affinity for small, local businesses. I […]

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30

Audio Article
RIP: The Range’s Main Street businesses of past

  Editor’s note: I asked readers to go down memory lane and revisit some of their favorite small businesses that are no more. Below are their comments. Remember to give some love to your favorite small businesses today, so they’re sure to be here tomorrow. R.I.P., much-loved small businesses of the past! – Jean Cole Two that come to mind […]

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30

Contributors name some of their favorites

Editor’s note: I asked readers to share with us some of their favorite small, local businesses. There are so many great local businesses; those mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg. I hope you remember to patronize these, and all local businesses, throughout the holidays and EVERY day. Shop small, shop local! – Jean Cole My favorite small […]

A history: The Pine View Inn (Ski View Motel)




My grandpa and grandma, Jack (Levio) and Betty Bertolas, bought a 7-cabin “motel” in June 1951. They named it “Jack’s Cabins.” Back then motels were cabins, not huge units. In 1959 a 22-unit modern motel replaced the cabins. They changed the name to the Ski View Motel. Since the initial build there have been 2 more additions and there are […]

A saner rat race




Small town community life has sometimes been romanticized (particularly before the advent of so many technological advances), and for good reason. While some small communities may not have always been progressive or inclusive, they often had positive qualities that seem to be in short supply in the global age and are worth contemplating. Perhaps the most important, and increasingly rare, […]