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Ernie (Ernest) P. Rousseau, age 67, passed away March 14, 2023 surrounded by friends and family. Ernie was a 1973 graduate of International Falls High School. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernie and Jeanne Rousseau, brother David, and sister Julie. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shari, son Ryan (wife Charlotte), grandchildren Grace and Elliot, brother Bob Rousseau, sisters Peggy Larson, Paula Gaffaney, and Teresa Rousseau. Celebration of life will be 2 pm March 29, 2023 at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th St., visitation 1 hour prior.

Stephen John Lucca, 65, of International Falls, Minnesota, died on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Rainy Lake Medical Center surrounded by family. Steve was born on January 29, 1958 in Fort Frances, Ontario, Canada.

Esther Elaine Lukenbill, 83-year-old long time resident of Big Falls, MN, current resident of Royalton, MN, died Thursday, March 9. There will be no funeral per her wishes; she will be laid to rest at the Gemmell Cemetery at a later date.

Ellen “Jean” Hilfer, 70, of International Falls, Minnesota, passed away at her home after an unexpected illness. Jean was born in International Falls on May 5, 1952, to Ann (Klymko) and George Sutch. She attended St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School, graduated from Falls High School in 1970, attended Rainy River Junior College (1970-72), and graduated from the College of St. Scholastica in 1975. She married Jerry Hilfer on June 10, 1977.

Hi this is Joannie. I am writing my obituary to help out my family and besides who better to do it than me! It is with great sadness that I have to leave but I truly look forward to being with my Lord and those who have gone before me. I was born on August 1st, 1946 in International Falls, Minnesota. My parents were Martin and Lucille (Treftlin) Nelson. We lived in what was referred to as “Vets Village”. My Father was an army veteran. I was pre-deceased by my mom (Lucille), my dad (Martin), my brother Jerry, my brother Jim, my stepmom Tootie and my favourite uncle Glenn Treftlin (Luvia). I also lost a nephew Garrick and my son Marty.

Ruby Marion Friend, 102, of International Falls, MN passed away on Tuesday March 7 at Rainy Lake Medical Center with her loving family by her side. Ruby was born in Crookston, MN on October 17, 1920 to Emil and Olga (Smith) Knaffla.

David was born May 24, 1939, in Bathgate, North Dakota to Joseph and Annetta (Windt) Scholler. His family moved to International Falls, MN from North Dakota when he was nine years old.