By DAMIIAN LANG [email protected] WAKEFIELD - There's something deeply touching about honoring a veteran of war with a handmade quilt, especially in his hometown, surrounded by family and friends. The particular quilt that was placed Saturday on the shoulders of Sgt. Aaron DeMarte of Wakefield is not just any quilt. It was made by 20 different women from eight different states. Michelle Royal, who organized the related ceremony at VFW Post 9084 in Wakefield, is also a leading member of...

By DAMIIAN LANG [email protected] BESSEMER - On a beautiful, sunny evening on June 26, folks began gathering with lawn chairs and sat on the sidewalk in front of Bessemer's main street Pocket Park. Then, more and more people arrived, and soon a crowd of some 150 had filled the street. It was a great show of respect in honor of America's military service members. And it also served as the kick-off for the Bessemer Blast, the city's 9-day celebration of the Fourth of July holiday. "I was...

By MEGAN HUGHES [email protected] HURLEY - Members of Little Finland have dedicated themselves to preserving local Finnish roots for 60 years. That's the word from Ken Hannula, board president of Little Finland, which is a National Finnish American Festival Cultural Center. To celebrate those 60 years, Little Finland held a gathering on Sunday, complete with live music, good food and tours of the historic structures surrounding the main hall. According to Hannula, Little Finland began at...

By PAMELA JANSSON [email protected] BESSEMER - The 35th annual Bessemer Hometown Run drew 195 participants on Saturday while managing to avoid rain that had threatened to spoil the day. In the 10K division, Jared Joki, 26, took first among men at 38 minutes, 33 seconds, and Paulette Niemi, 56, took first among women at 50.47. They are both from Ironwood. The 10K route stretched all the way to Harding Road in Bessemer Township. Overall, spirits were high, and family units were in full...

HAYWARD, Wis. - Darryl D. Pricco, age 82, of Hayward, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Aspen Acres Assisted Living in Hayward. Darryl Dante Pricco was born April 5, 1942, in Campbellsport, the son of Dante and Geraldine (Baumhardt) Pricco. He was raised in Bessemer, Michigan, and in his youth was a gifted athlete who played football, basketball, baseball and track. He graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in 1960 and then attended Gogebic Community College and then Michigan State...

IRONWOOD - Robert "Bob" Champion, 63, passed away on June 11, 2024, after an extended illness. He was loved by all who knew him and leaves behind a legacy of kindness and generosity. Robert was born in Ironwood to the late Bill and Jean (Strand) Champion. After attending Luther L. Wright High School, Gogebic Community College, and Fox Valley Technical College, Robert went on to pursue his many passions in Wisconsin. Through the years, he held a variety of skilled positions. Robert later settled...

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Mary C. Strelcheck, 88, a long-time resident of Gogebic Medical Care Facility, formerly of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 2023. Mary was born on April 1, 1934, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Hornick) Grasso. Mary graduated from Hurley High School in 1953. On Aug. 27, 1955, she was united in marriage to William H. Strelcheck at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal, Wisconsin. They were happily married for 58 years. Mary was employed at...

DICKINSON, Mich. - Donna Marie Van Holla, 84, of Iron Mountain passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center - Dickinson. Donna was born Sept. 9, 1939, in Ironwood, daughter of the late Wilho and Florence (Swanson) Oja. She graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer in 1957 before earning her Bachelor's of Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior (formerly Wisconsin State University-Superior) in 1961. Donna married Kenneth Van Holla on June 27, 1959, at...

COROLLA, N.C. - Stephen Harrell, 66, passed away at his home in Corolla, on Monday, June 17, 2024. Steve was born in Norfolk, Virginia. He is predeceased by his parents, Jim and Marge Harrell of Virginia Beach, Virginia. His survivors include his wife of 41 years, Debbie of Corolla; son, Joey, of Kill Devil Hills. He is also survived by in-laws, Dave and Sandy Machesky of Gile, Wisconsin; sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and Jim Simmons of Ironwood, Michigan; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry...

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Kenneth "Red/Fletcher" Paul Heczko, 79, of Ironwood, passed away on Feb. 28, 2024. He was born on March 7, 1944, in Ironwood. Kenneth attended Norrie School for primary education and graduated from Luther L Wright High School in the Class of 1963. He furthered his education at Gogebic Community College. Ken married the love of his life, Virginia L. Phillips, at Salem Lutheran Church on Oct 2, 1965. They made their home in Ironwood, where they raised their three children....

SOUTHBRIDGE, Mass. - Phillip Gordon Jacquart, 87, of Southbridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at home on June 23, 2024. Born March 14, 1937, to Gordon and Gertrude Jacquart in Ironwood, Michigan, he is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; her two children, Lisa and Scott; and his children, Kendall and Kathy. He was preceded in passing by his son, Robert, who died in February 2023. Phillip graduated from Luther L Wright High School in Ironwood, class of 1955. He was a radarman in the...