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

Garry A. Tracy

Garry Allen Tracy, 69, lifelong resident of Forbes, passed away Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 peacefully in his home.  Garry was born September 24, 1949 in Grand Rapids to George and Virginia (Cheney) Tracy. After graduating from Grand Rapids High School, he went into the service during the Vietnam War. After returning home, he started a career at Minntac working 32 […]

Carolyn “Happy” Holkko

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Carolyn “Happy” Holkko, 58, of Britt, died peacefully with her loving husband and sister by her side on Thursday, Nov. 29th, 2018, at Essentia Health in Duluth after suffering a cardiac event. Happy was born June 29, 1960 in Virginia to Veikko and Judie (Benedix) Kivela. She was a 1978 graduate of Virginia […]

LeRoy Bernard Roos Sr.

LeRoy Bernard Roos Sr., 92, of Makinen died Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at his daughter’s residence in Aurora under hospice care. He was born November 4, 1926 in Alton, Iowa to Edward and Esther (Hyink) Roos.  LeRoy attended country school near Alton, Iowa and later worked on the family farm.  He enlisted with the US Marines during WWII.  He served […]

Roy Alvin Pedersen

Roy Alvin Pedersen, 82, of Cook, passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018. Roy was born to Alvin and Lillian (Anderson) Pedersen on April 4, 1936 in Duluth. Roy grew up in the Silverdale community. He attended Silverdale School and Orr High School. He enlisted in the Navy in 1954 and served honorably for four years as a Gunners Mate. […]

DeWayne Eugene Thies

DeWayne Eugene Thies, 84, died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 at Essentia Health – Northern Pines in Aurora. He was born Dec. 15, 1933 in Ada, MN. to Alfred and Lily (Vilmo) Thies.  DeWayne began working at Herman’s Grocery Store in Ada and later married Lois Braunschweig on August 15, 1953 in rural Ada. In 1957 they moved to Hoyt Lakes where he […]

Marie Rose Sertich

Marie Rose Sertich, 91, passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at Viewcrest Heath Facility in Duluth. Marie Rose (Hoffman) Sertich was born Nov. 11, 1927 in Buyck. She was the daughter of Stanley and Rose (Lasky) Hoffman. Marie attended elementary school in Buyck and graduated from the Orr High School in 1946. After graduation, she worked as a nurse’s aide […]

Zachary Richard Limanen

Zachary Richard Limanen passed away Tuesday, Nov. 27th, 2018 as a result of a recent illness. Zac was born to his loving parents, Rodney and Dorothy (Savela) Limanen on July 23, 1984 at Virginia Regional Medical Center in Virginia, MN. He graduated from Eveleth-Gilbert High School, Class of 2003. Throughout his high school career he developed many close friendships with […]

Children’s letters to Santa

    Dear Readers, It’s that time of year again… time for children’s Christmas wish lists and letters to Santa. Students at a number of area schools are sharing what they want (and more) with Hometown Focus this year. Here we start off with letters to Santa and Christmas wish lists from youngsters at North Woods School in Cook. Getting […]

Mrs. Jill Papin’s third graders share poetry and drawings

It’s holiday haiku time: Shared by Marquette Catholic School

CHRISTMAS DAY Do you like Christmas? I like to build a snowman. We drink hot cocoa. By Addy CHRISTMAS DAY Cookies are yummy. I like to open presents. I will play outside. By Audrey CHRISTMAS! I like Santa Claus. There are presents by the tree. I like hot cocoa. By Aylee WINTER Santa likes this milk. All my family will […]

Essentia Health volunteers share the joy this season

Essentia Health Virginia Volunteer Service Organization (VSO) is sharing joy this holiday season. Through their fundraising efforts, volunteers donated new Christmas décor to the Essentia Health-Virginia Care Center. Pictured (l. to r.) are Nancy Kearney, volunteer coordinator; Laura Mathieu, VSO board vice-president; Sandy Ledoux, care center volunteer; Val Wier, VSO board president; Sharon Strle, care center (activities); and Rich Cummings, […]