After a long battle with cancer, Russell K. Rask, also known as “Bozo” in International Falls, Minn., passed away Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at his home in Spokane, Wash. He was 63 years old.

Russell was born in Littlefork, Minn., and was a Falls High School graduate.

Russell was a patent draftsman for the law firm Wells St. John in Spokane.

He was a very accomplished guitar player as well as steel guitar player. He played weekly with The Black Hills Gold Band. His music will live on in the hearts of many people!

Russell is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ruby; his children, Michele Martin-Rask, Debbie Rask and Billy Rask; six grandchildren; sisters, Cathy Walker and Scoots Ysen; and brothers, Larry Arnold and Gary Arnold.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty J. Arnold; father, Marvin Rask; and brother, John Rask.

A memorial service was conducted Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Eagles Club, Spokane Valley, Wash.

Merwin Wallner Peterson died Monday, Dec. 1, 2014, in Berkeley, Calif.

He was born July 7, 1927, in Koochiching County, Minn., to Nettie (Eide) Peterson and Henry W. Peterson.

He served in World War II, stationed on the Aleutian Islands.

He attended the University of Minnesota and worked as an assistant attorney general for the State of Minnesota.

Merwin enjoyed science, Eastern thought, and politics as well as sailing and downhill skiing.

He is survived by wife, Florence Peterson; daughters, Erica Peterson and Ingrid Peterson; son-in-law, Aziz Jeng; and granddaughters, Fatou Jeng and Awa Jeng.