August 2022

Gerald Lloyd Morrison was born April 21, 1940, in Rat Root Township, Koochiching County, MN. Passed away July 24, 2022, at Carefree Living in Virginia MN. Preceded in death by parents Lloyd and Elsa Morrison and Gerald’s beloved wife Elisa Louise. Gerald is survived by many close friends. After leaving Minnesota, Gerald served in the U. S. Army in Germany. He then went on to spend most of his life in California where he was involved in law enforcement and ranching. Anyone who met Gerry was taken by his magnetic personality and wide array of interests. He was an actor, private investigator, violin and bow maker, yacht designer, horse breeder and most recently the founder of the C_6 Sheep Ranch in Cook MN. After leaving California he came back to Minnesota to live out his dream to be a shepherd on his C_6 Sheep Ranch. His health prevented him from fulfilling his dream but the friends he made in the Cook area will never forget him. Gerry taught all of us to dream. Thanks Gerry. A special thanks to all the caregivers at Carefree Living in Virginia. You took this colorful personality into your hearts and made him feel part of a family. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, August 1, 2022 at 2:00PM at Mlaker Funeral Home, Cook, MN. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM. Online condolences to www.mlakerfuneralhome.com

On July 18th, 2022, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, surrounded by his family at his home in Port Orchard, WA, Ray Olson peacefully left this life for his eternal life with God Our Father in Heaven.

James Skifstad, 72 of Esko went to be with his Lord Jesus, surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 14, 2022, after a struggle with COVID-19. Jim was born in Fort Frances, Ontario to Reverend Earl and LaVerne Skifstad. He was raised in Big Falls, MN until his senior year, graduating from Northome High School in 1967. Jim met his future wife at Covenant Bible College in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. After graduating, he worked at Boise Cascade in International Falls until 1970 when he married Joy Peterson in Ellsworth, WI. They then moved to Milwaukee, WI where Jim earned his AAS in Telecasting at Milwaukee Area Technical College. They settled in Duluth, MN where Jim worked at WDIO until being hired by the DM&IR Railroad. It was a good fit, and he enjoyed the variety of his work there, first in the Track Department and later in Bridge and Building. He retired 26 years later.

Donavan Skifstad went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 12, 2022. He passed surrounded by his loving family.