Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home & Cremation

06/16/2026

Cleone Ann Boettcher

Mom's Life Story

Cleone Ann Boettcher, 89 years young, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 6, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. Her daughters, granddaughters and son, Tim were by her side throughout her last health struggle.

She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Boettcher [Linda Diane] her husband, Lawrence and beloved dog, PDQ.

Cleone and Larry Boettcher were married on May 7, 1955. In my Father's letters to Mom just before they were married he was quite ill for long time and so very much wanted to see her in Duluth but did not want her to get sick because of his illness. He explained that he would be there for the wedding and vowed to be her husband forever.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Rick) Lovold and daughter, Tina (Duane) Brown both located in Duluth MN, and Tim Boettcher, the eldest son, living in Esko, MN. Also survived by grandsons, Richard Lovold, David Lovold, Michael Brown and granddaughters, Janelle Lovold, Denise Brown, Katie Boettcher and Amber Boettcher.

Cleone was the only surviving daughter of Perry and Ilene Butler, a farm family of 2 siblings who had preceded her in death at childbirth. Although she had no brothers or sisters, she had many male cousins who she often referred to as her brothers and they were very close throughout their lives.

When Cleone and her husband Lawrence retired in 1987 they spent more than 20 years as "snowbirds" living in McAllen and Alamo, TX area. Normally they would leave sometime in October but would always return by April 15 the next year. There they enjoyed a quiet life, next to the Rio Grande River Valley and surrounding farms and smaller cities. They made frequent trips to Mexico for flea market items, fresh vegetable shopping and other things like haircuts and medicines. She enjoyed staying in touch with her many "snowbird" friends from McAllen and Alamo TX over many years many that hailed from Canada, Iowa and Minnesota.

On a personal note, my mother was the most determined woman I have ever known. She always supported me in everything that I did, and she was always my biggest cheerleader. I know that she will be watching over me and guiding me as I navigate through life without her.

Although my Mother is no longer with us in this life, I know that she lives on in the memories and photos that I have of her, and the love and support that she always gave me and my brother and sisters throughout her life. She was strong, kind, warmhearted and I will always treasure the time we spent together. She will never be forgotten.

I am so grateful to have had such an amazing Mom, and I know that I will never be able to forget all of the wonderful things she taught me throughout my life. We will cherish all of the amazing memories we have of her until we meet again someday.

She was loved and will be missed. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Her interment will be this summer at the Richville Cemetery in Richville, MN. Please send any gifts of money to Benedictine Living Community where she convalesced several times during the past year.

Tim Boettcher

View Cleone Ann Boettcher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/16/2026

Cleone Ann Boettcher

Mom's Life Story

Cleone Ann Boettcher, 89 years young, passed peacefully on Wednesday, June 6, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, MN. Her daughters, granddaughters and son, Tim were by her side throughout her last health struggle.

She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Boettcher [Linda Diane] her husband, Lawrence and beloved dog, PDQ.

Cleone and Larry Boettcher were married on May 7, 1955. In my Father's letters to Mom just before they were married he was quite ill for long time and so very much wanted to see her in Duluth but did not want her to get sick because of his illness. He explained that he would be there for the wedding and vowed to be her husband forever.

She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Rick) Lovold and daughter, Tina (Duane) Brown both located in Duluth MN, and Tim Boettcher, the eldest son, living in Esko, MN. Also survived by grandsons, Richard Lovold, David Lovold, Michael Brown and granddaughters, Janelle Lovold, Denise Brown, Katie Boettcher and Amber Boettcher.

Cleone was the only surviving daughter of Perry and Ilene Butler, a farm family of 2 siblings who had preceded her in death at childbirth. Although she had no brothers or sisters, she had many male cousins who she often referred to as her brothers and they were very close throughout their lives.

When Cleone and her husband Lawrence retired in 1987 they spent more than 20 years as "snowbirds" living in McAllen and Alamo, TX area. Normally they would leave sometime in October but would always return by April 15 the next year. There they enjoyed a quiet life, next to the Rio Grande River Valley and surrounding farms and smaller cities. They made frequent trips to Mexico for flea market items, fresh vegetable shopping and other things like haircuts and medicines. She enjoyed staying in touch with her many "snowbird" friends from McAllen and Alamo TX over many years many that hailed from Canada, Iowa and Minnesota.

On a personal note, my mother was the most determined woman I have ever known. She always supported me in everything that I did, and she was always my biggest cheerleader. I know that she will be watching over me and guiding me as I navigate through life without her.

Although my Mother is no longer with us in this life, I know that she lives on in the memories and photos that I have of her, and the love and support that she always gave me and my brother and sisters throughout her life. She was strong, kind, warmhearted and I will always treasure the time we spent together. She will never be forgotten.

I am so grateful to have had such an amazing Mom, and I know that I will never be able to forget all of the wonderful things she taught me throughout my life. We will cherish all of the amazing memories we have of her until we meet again someday.

She was loved and will be missed. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Her interment will be this summer at the Richville Cemetery in Richville, MN. Please send any gifts of money to Benedictine Living Community where she convalesced several times during the past year.

Tim Boettcher

View Cleone Ann Boettcher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

06/15/2026

Dexter Larson Memorial Service

06/09/2026

Diane Mary Doty

Diane Mary Gooder Doty passed away on June 7, 2026, in Duluth.

She began her life’s journey on Mar. 13, 1941, in Hibbing, where she was born to William John and Evelyn Margaret (McKeever) Gooder. Having lived most of her young life in Duluth, she graduated from Cathedral High School in 1959 and received her Associate degree at age 51.

Diane married Ralph Russell Doty on Aug. 18, 1962, and loved being by his side, living in five states and visiting over 20 countries. She enjoyed volunteering and was a supporter of all of Ralph’s endeavors. She especially loved time with her children and grandchildren. Her other life joys included her childhood Labradors, Winkie and Jet, and more recently, Baby Girl Star. She also loved figure skating, stained glass, needlework, making jewelry, fishing, and genealogy.

Diane was a kind and loving sister and sister-in-law to Elizabeth Krezowski (Jim, deceased), William C. (Katie) Gooder, Edward (Korlyn) Gooder, Annabelle Genereau (Dennis, deceased), and Sandra (Tom) Kemp; and to Willard (Marge) Doty, Don Mendoza (Jeanne, deceased), Linda Bashaw (Edwin, deceased), Gary (Marcia) Doty, Daniel (Jeanne) Doty, Peggy (Tim) White, and Barbara (Dave) Juntune. She was a wonderful and loved aunt to 44 nieces and nephews & 116 grandnieces and nephews.

Diane was preceded in death by Ralph; her parents; her grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth (Supple) McKeever, and William C. and Magdaleina (Trautner) Gooder; and her granddaughter, Madison Diane Vincent.

She is survived by Grant R. Doty (Pamela Owens)-grandchildren Ian, Elisabeth, & Alexander; Tani Ann Vincent (Dan)-Payten & Makenna; and Corey William Doty-Samantha & Savannah.

The family visitation will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at Holy Family Church, Mass at 11 a.m. and 12 noon lunch. She will be buried with Ralph at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, she requested memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer's Association.

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06/08/2026

Jean M Kirby (nee Pederson)

Jean M. Kirby, a lifelong resident of Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, at the age of 91.

Jean was born on August 12, 1934, in Duluth to Robert and Ruby Pederson. She grew up in the close-knit community she would call home for her entire life. Jean graduated from Denfeld High School, where she excelled academically and was a proud member of the flag twirling team.

On May 1, 1954, Jean married the love of her life, David R. Kirby. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, faith, and family, raising five children: Mark (Kathy), Matthew, Daniel (Lori), Samuel (Annmarie), and Beth (Kent Peterson). Jean and Dave worked side by side for most of their working lives, operating Home Garbage Service — remembered fondly by many for its distinctive garbage truck with a racing stripe winding through neighborhood streets and alleys.

Jean was a devoted and active member of The Lutheran Church of the Holy Trinity, where she shared her faith through teaching Sunday school and volunteering generously. Later in life, she continued her spiritual journey at Zion Lutheran Church.

Above all else, Jean’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother, proud grandmother of 12, and great-grandmother of 11. She had a special gift for making everyday moments memorable—whether it was during a trip to the lake, a nature hike, time in Duluth, or each 10-year-olds trip to anywhere the child wanted to go in America. Her grandchildren knew they were always in for a wonderful time with “JB” (Jeany Babe)—though, as she liked to remind them, “no pop until both hands on the clock stood straight up.”

Jean remembered all the children’s songs, stories, and books and taught them all to the kids. She also shared with them her passion in the kitchen. Her 15-bean soup and roasts were always a hit, and there was never a piece of pie, a cookie, or a bar left over if she had baked it.

Jean is preceded in death by her beloved husband, David; her parents, Robert and Ruby Pederson; and her younger brother, Robert Pederson.

She will be remembered for her warmth, character, strong faith, and the joy she brought to her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and the generations she loved so dearly.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12pm on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Spirit of God Lutheran Church, 2431 W 3rd St, Duluth with a Visitation beginning at 11:30am. Burial at Oneota Cemetery.

Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home, 218-624-1059.

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06/03/2026

Dexter Milton Larson

Dexter Milton Larson, 98, of Hermantown, died Monday, June 1, 2026 in Viewcrest Health Center. Dexter was born on August 9, 1927 in Duluth to Philip and Marie (Erickson) Larson. He was a graduate of Minneapolis North High School and attended UMD. He was a Navy veteran serving in World War II and Korea on the USS Capricornus where he was a baker. During his working career, Dexter owned and operated Wandex Bakery in Minneapolis. Dexter returned to Duluth where he was a baking instructor at Duluth Vo-Tech, now Lake Superior College. He was a member of the Retail Bakers of America where he was a workshop coordinator. He was also a member of the Dirty Dozen Bakers of Minneapolis. Dexter was a member of First Covenant Church where he was past council chairman and taught Sunday School. He enjoyed baking, woodworking and golfing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son and daughter-in-law, Clyde and Anne; a brother and sister-in-law, Dwight and Jane; former wife, Wanda.

Dexter is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joann; children, Karen Larson, Kathy Dosch, Cheryl (Rick) Borndal, Tim (Sue) Cragin, Joel (Sue) Larson, Mikkel (Beth) Larson, and Kelli (Shawn) Veech. 16 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren and one on the way. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dexter’s funeral service will be live streamed starting 10 minutes prior to the service, visit https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057452890892.

Visitation 10 am until the 11 am memorial service Monday, June 15, 2026 at First Covenant Church, 2101 West Second Street. Pastor Jenny Armstrong officiating. Burial with Military Honors at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery-Saginaw, MN. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

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06/01/2026

Edward Allen Christiansen

Edward Allen Christiansen, 84, of Cotton, MN, died Thursday, May 28, 2026. Edward was born in Duluth on October 4, 1941 to Edward G and Mary Madeline (Murphy) Christiansen. He was a graduate of Duluth Central High School and enlisted in the Army, serving in the medical field for 20 years. Following his service in the Army, he was a machinist for 13 years while in Colorado Springs, CO. Edward then worked for the Department of State where he served as a Consular Associate for 10 years before fully retiring. Edward was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cynthia Severson and his granddaughter, Amanda McKenna. Edward is survived by his wife, Ellen, his three children, Allen (Patsy) Christiansen of Elk River, MN, Dianna Christiansen of Rio Rancho, NM and Shannon (Christopher) Bateman of Castle Rock, CO; five grandchildren: Zachary Christiansen, Whitney Osborne, Melissa Rains, Jacob Bateman, Kelsey Bateman, and six great-grandchildren Olivia Osborne, Khalon McKenna, Jaykin McKenna, Teagan Rains, Everly Rains, and Lachlan Rains; brothers Gordon and Mark, and many nieces and nephews. Military Honors 11 am Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 4777 Hwy 53. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

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05/29/2026

Christopher "Chris" Dale Jacobson

Christopher “Chris” Dale Jacobson, 44, of Duluth, died Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital. Chris was born on July 27, 1981 in Duluth to Larry and Nancy (Russell) Jacobson. Chris was a 2000 graduate of Proctor High School, attended Lake Superior College and received his Welding certification from Fargo, ND. He was very inventive, always fixing something and always willing to help. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nels Jacobson, Gail Jacobson and Harriet and Harvey Russell; a cousin, Amy Jacobson and aunt, Barb Jacobson. Chris is survived by his parents; a sister, Marci Jacobson; aunts and uncles, Darrell Jacobson, Lee and Marion Ford and Pat Russell; cousins, Amanda Applegate, Marilee Ford, Sarah Marchand, Laurie Carlos and Kristi Olzeske. Private family services will be held.

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05/28/2026

Miles "Jon" J. Holets

Miles J. “Jon” Holets, 84, of Duluth, passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Essentia Health, surrounded by family.

Jon was born February 4, 1942, in Duluth to Miles and Janet (Almer) Holets. He graduated from Toivola Meadowlands High School in 1960, attended Hibbing Junior College where he played football, obtained his bachelor’s degree at UMD, and later earned his master’s degree in education from UWS.

Education was never simply a career for Jon; it was a calling. He believed deeply that every child deserved the opportunity to receive the best education for their individual needs and abilities. Over the years, he taught in Solon Springs and Superior, served as principal in Ely and Biwabik, and later worked as principal and administrator in the Hermantown School District. He also worked for the Minnesota Department of Education. Following his retirement in 2001, Jon taught at the American School of Bangkok, Thailand for a short time.

Jon married Carol Polzin on July 21, 1979, at Zion Lutheran Church in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Together they built a life centered around family. The two loved to travel, visiting relatives across Europe, living and traveling in Asia, and building houses with Habitat for Humanity in Central America. Jon and Carol spent the last 15 winters in Green Valley, Arizona, and split their summers between their home in Hermantown, Minnesota, and their cabin in Spooner, Wisconsin.

Jon loved being around people and could strike up a conversation nearly anywhere. If there was someone he had not yet met, he probably intended to. He genuinely listened to others and felt especially drawn to spending time with elderly people. Whether delivering Meals on Wheels, volunteering with Fishing with Seniors on the St. Louis River, or simply stopping to talk, Jon believed people deserved connection and dignity.

He enjoyed fishing, although those close to him knew he may have loved eating fresh-caught walleye even more than catching it. He also enjoyed golfing, playing cribbage, hunting, and watching sports (especially UMD Bulldogs hockey, Arizona Wildcats basketball, and his grandchildren’s school sports). He had a green thumb when it came to raspberries and cucumbers, and he enjoyed making jewelry.

Jon loved learning and the pursuit of knowledge. He enjoyed a good discussion on almost any topic and had a calm, intelligent, and thoughtful way of arguing a point that often left others unexpectedly agreeing with him. He read frequently, especially history and historical fiction, and enthusiastically passed books along to others. He may have been best known for his quick wit and a great sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his life.

Jon was a longtime member of Grace Lutheran Church, a past HOA Chair and board member at Keene Creek Townhomes, and a semi-professional loon counter for the DNR.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Michael; and great-grandson, Sean.

Jon is survived by his wife, Carol; three children from his first marriage, Mark (Tina) of Hill City, MN, Patricia (Tim Stalboerger) Debeltz of San Marcos, TX, Julie (Ron) Mitchell of Cary, NC, he and Carol’s son Jonathan (Kaylyn) of Hermantown, MN; grandchildren Dana, Serena, Amber, Matthew, Amelia, Sydney, Taraji, and Tatiana; nine great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, Jon would have preferred a donation to Second Harvest Northland or Grace Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy. Visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church, 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, with Pastor Peter Schmidt officiating. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral Home.

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