Obituaries

James Leroy Forsyth was born in International Falls, Minnesota on November 17, 1938. He departed this life on January 11, 2023. He was eighty-four years old. Growing up on a farm in International Falls, he joined the U.S. Army when he turned 17. After his service was complete, he moved to Los Angeles, CA. He worked for Santa Ana Lincoln Mercury in the parts department, eventually working his way up to parts manager and then service manager. He worked at several Ford dealerships in Southern California during his career. After working more than twenty years for Ford, he became a prison guard in Desert Center, California, and in Arizona for both Kingman and Tucson. He is survived by six brothers and sisters: Donna LaJambe of International Falls, Minnesota; Jerry Dunbar of Washington, Utah; Joyce Lafreniere of Fort Francis, Canada; Jack Dunbar of Duluth, Minnesota; Bob Dunbar of International Falls, Minnesota; and Ted Dunbar of St. George, Utah. He is also survived by his three children: Shelly Peck of Tucson, Arizona; Brent Forsyth of Lakeland, Florida; and Curt Forsyth of Park City, Utah. He is survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

James Robert Scheela (JR) of Phoenix Arizona passed away at home on December 28, 2022 after complications from surgery. Born to Robert Scheela and Evelyn (Boe) Scheela on June 8,1949, Jim is survived by his son David J. Scheela, grandson Logan E. Scheela and daughter in law Jennifer L. Scheela all of Phoenix Arizona. He is preceded in death by his mother Evelyn E. (Boe) Scheela, his father Robert E. Scheela and sister Nancy L. (Scheela) Scott. Jim was originally from International Falls Minnesota and was one of the dirty dozen at Falls High School where he won first place for curling and was part of the graduating class of 1968. JR attended Bemidji State University and majored in graphic design eventually owning his own business Kachina Southwest printing and design. Jim was a wonderful father amazing grandfather and couldn’t ask for a better father in law or better friend. Jim will be loved and missed by his family and friends forever.

David John Cronin, 64, of International Falls, MN died Saturday January 21st 2023 at his home on Rainy Lake surrounded by his family after a courageous five plus year battle with kidney cancer. He was born May 26, 1958 to John Carroll Cronin and Catherine Marie (Sweeney) in Grand Forks, ND.

Born on August 14th, 1934 in International Falls MN. She passed on January 14th, 2023 at Ridgeview Assisted Living.

Randy Kent Bernard gained his Angel Wings on January 13, 2023 at his home in International Falls at the age of 64 from COPD. In recent years, Randy loved helping his neighbors with yard work, watching over his parents, riding his bike, taking the neighbor’s dog for walks, boating on Rainy Lake, spending time around bonfires, and last, but, not least, reading books.

Charles “Chuck” Lessard, born Charles James Lessard on January 30th, 1949 to parents, Charles E. and Marian Lessard in International Falls, MN, passed away at his home on January 15th, 2023 after a courageous battle with cancer. In Chuck’s early years, he attended St. Thomas parochial school from 1st through 8th grade. He then transferred to Falls Junior High and began his education in the public school system. While in high school he played baseball and was the lead singer in the Minor D’s band and has fond memories of playing at the Friday night dances. He graduated from high school in 1967. After high school, Chuck went to Duluth, MN and attended Duluth Area Institute of Technology, now referred to as Lake Superior College, to pursue a degree in Marketing.

January 15, 1932 January 8, 2023 Bonita “Bonnie” Swenson was born on January 15, 1932, in Trenton, Missouri, the daughter of Clyde and Lillian (Thompson) Mays. Bonnie was united in marriage to Benjamin Swenson in Raton, New Mexico.

Vicky Lynn Jones, 61, of International Falls, Minnesota, died on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Society. She was born on June 18, 1961 at Fort Frances, Ontario.

David W. Franko, 68, of International Falls, Minnesota died on December 24, 2022, at Rainy Lake Medical Center.