Obituaries

Barbara Ann Eastham Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:02pm

On June 16, 2025, at the age of 77, Barbara Ann Eastham passed away peacefully with her devoted husband of 57 years, Larry by her side. Born on Sept. 3, 1947, to Matt and Alice Butorac in Brainerd, MN, Barbara assumed the role of "Big Sis" seriously with a brother or sister tagging along wherever she went. She once said Marty was attached to her hip! There were many fun childhood memories from growing up in Crosby, MN. Picnics at Serpent Lake, get-togethers at the Steinke Ranch, Sunday dinners at Grandma's, car hopping at The Spot Drive Inn, and Christmas Eve with the cousins.

William "Bill" Dennis Johnson Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:01pm

WILLIAM "BILL" DENNIS JOHNSON, 72, of Crosby, passed away on June 8, 2025 at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby. He was born on July 23, 1952 in Brainerd to Dennis and Donna (Olson) Johnson.   Bill was a retired Ironton Fireman. He was responsible for the restoration of the 1910 fire truck. In 1985 he was awarded with Fireman of the Year.

Janice "Jan" Marie Bukovich Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:00pm

JANICE "JAN" MARIE BUKOVICH, 80, of Lake Shore, passed away at her home on May 30, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1945 in Little Falls to Nick and Martha (Czech) Brady.  Jan was united in marriage to John Bukovich on Aug. 5, 1993 in Lake Shore. Jan graduated from the Crosby-Ironton High School class of 1963.  She was a former employee of Potlatch Corporation in Brainerd with 20 years of service and the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby.

Edward "Eddie" Ray Atwater Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 11:59am

EDWARD "EDDIE" RAY ATWATER, 72, of Emily, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 8, 2024.   He was born in Crosby on July 2,1952, the seventh of nine children born to Randle “Kelly” and Ruth (Hite) Atwater. After graduating from Crosby-Ironton High School in 1970, Ed enlisted in the U.S. Army, receiving his honorable discharge in 1974.  He married Linda Boelter-Phillips in 1980 and worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Minneapolis for many years.     He loved to hunt and fish when he was able to do so.  He was an avid player of pool, horseshoes and golf.

John Kevin Mirau Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 08/19/2025 - 11:58am

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of John Kevin Mirau, 73. John K. died at home from cancer in San Marcos, CA, on June 14, 2025, with his loving wife Susan by his side as he peacefully slipped away.  During his illness, John participated in several clinical trials related to his type of rare cancer, that will undoubtedly be of benefit to so many suffering people. John was born June 9, 1952 in Chisholm to John H. Mirau and Audrey (Haselhurst) Mirau.

Bonnie Johnson Celebration

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 11:06am

A Celebration of Life for Bonnie Johnson will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 from noon to 4 p.m. at her home, 23913 Serpent Road in Deerwood.

Michael J. Gifford Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 11:05am

MICHAEL J. GIFFORD, 73, of Outing, passed away on June 11, 2025, at Essentia Health–St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth with loved ones by his side. Mike was born in 1952 in Pine City to Marjorie and William Gifford. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970. After his service, Mike spent decades on the road driving semi all over the country. He never needed a map or directions—he just knew the way. Mike was famously stubborn, with a tough exterior—but those who knew him best knew he had a heart of gold.

Janice "Jan" Marie Bukovich Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 11:05am

JANICE "JAN" MARIE BUKOVICH, 80, of Lake Shore, passed away at her home on May 30, 2025. She was born on April 11, 1945 in Little Falls to Nick and Martha (Czech) Brady.  Jan was united in marriage to John Bukovich on Aug. 5, 1993 in Lake Shore. Jan graduated from the Crosby-Ironton High School class of 1963.  She was a former employee of Potlatch Corporation in Brainerd with 20 years of service and the Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby.  She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Crosby.

Mary Teresa Gaviglio (Bonicelli) Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 11:04am

June 8, 2025, Mary Teresa Gaviglio (Bonicelli) passed away at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby after a 19-month journey with colon cancer. She stepped into the light of God’s everlasting presence, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, tenacity, and love. Mary was born on Jan. 11, 1950 in Oak Lawn, IL and is preceded in death by her brother, Donald Bonicelli and her parents, Geraldine A. Bonicelli (Beaumont) and Orlando Augustus Bonicelli.

Phillip "Phil" Carl Backberg Obit

Published by admin on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 11:03am

PHILLIP "PHIL" CARL BACKBERG, 87, of Mission, passed away on April 30, 2025 at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s in Brainerd. He was born to Carl and Alice (Juergens) Backberg on Dec. 26, 1937 in Bartlett Township. He graduated from Staples High School and attended Milwaukee School of Engineering. He married Myrna “Babe” Dobson on July 5, 1958 in Bartlett Township.