James William Holenko, 77, of Prior Lake, Minn., and formerly of International Falls, Minn., died Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, surrounded by his loving children at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minn.
James was born Dec. 10, 1937, in International Falls, to Peter and Eugenia Holenko.
He graduated from Falls Senior High School in 1956.
On Sept. 27, 1958, James married Beverly (Sutherland), and together they celebrated 50 years of marriage Sept. 27, 2008.
They lived most of their lives in International Falls, with the exception of six years in the 1960s, in which they resided in Two Harbors, Minn.
James was a retired firefighter for the City of International Falls. Prior to that, he was an emergency medical technician for the City of International Falls, worked for Ballan & Jensen Furniture, and the National Tea grocery store.
Fishing was his passion, whether it be summer or winter, and he spoke of those memories and catching fish right up until the end.
He loved spending time at the shack with the guys, or friends and family, as he truly enjoyed the outdoors.
He loved the annual trip into the woods to help Jeff pick out the Christmas tree for the movie theatre.
James will be remembered for many things. He loved to clean and keep an orderly house, dishwasher, and pop fridge. He also loved to keep the family vehicles sparkling clean. You would always find him washing one of his family member’s cars at the fire hall while working midnights. James was well known by the Super One staff due to his daily shopping trips. His family loved the popcorn he routinely made that was “shaken” in one of his Super One paper bags.
James took great pride in his heritage, and made frequent trips to take care of his family’s gravesites.
He was so appreciative of his friends in International Falls, and how they had helped him during Bev’s illness.
He had a special bond with his nephew Tony, who always went above and beyond to help out.
James was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and served as a volunteer for Hospice.
He enjoyed reading, and typically had a book open.
He always had a pen nearby and was an avid list maker. Whether it was a grocery list, menus for an upcoming fish fry, or Bingo numbers, you could be sure there was always a list going.
James was an avid sports fan, and loved watching the Minnesota Vikings, as well as college sports.
James enjoyed his final years at Keystone Senior Living, where he was an active participant in the social events and entertainment programs. He often took the new residents under his wing to make sure they felt comfortable in their new surroundings. He took pride in providing feedback and making recommendations for entertainment he thought the other residents would enjoy.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly; son, Randy; mother, Eugenia; father, Peter; sister, Vera Bergvall; and brothers, Sam and Peter Holenko.
James is survived by son, Jeff Holenko of Shakopee, Minn.; daughters, Cindy Holenko (Rae Bentz) of Ely, Minn., Sandy Holenko of Urbandale, Iowa, and Michelle Holenko of Shakopee, Minn.; two grandchildren, Joseph Holenko of Fridley, Minn., and Michael Holenko of Elk River, Minn.; as well as nieces and nephews that were dear to his heart.
A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Zion Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials would be preferred to Borderland Humane Society, P.O. Box 543, International Falls, MN 56649, in Jim’s memory.
Cards and remembrances can be forwarded to: Cindy Holenko, 1862 Bobence Road, Ely, MN 55731.
Interment will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery. International Falls.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.
It is with great sadness that the family of Martin Grinsell announces his passing Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at the age of 79, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marty was born in Fort Frances, Ontario, on June 8, 1935.
He is survived by his wife Arlene of 52 years; children, Dawn (Kendall) Lundy, David (Tammy) Grinsell, Kerry (Lisa) Grinsell and Kristine (Jeremy) Hatfield; special niece, Kelly (Chris) Woods.
Also cherishing his memory are grandchildren, Jeff (Jade) Lundy, Andrew (RaeAnn) Lundy, Ryan Lundy, Jacob and Sydney Grinsell, Tyson, Dylan and Tyne Grinsell, Jenna and Mackenzie Hatfield and Kaleb and Marlee Woods; one great-granddaughter, Nadia.
He is also survived by his sisters, Valaire York and Patricia Lequori; sister-in-law, Rita Grinsell; and several nieces and nephews.
Marty was predeceased by his parents, Stephen and Lilly Grinsell; brothers, Dennis and Vernon (Buddy); sisters, Leola, Darlene and Rochelle; brothers-in-law, Ferris Replogle, Lawrence Arason, Dale Jorgenson and James (Jimmy) York; in-laws, Howard and Joyce Holmes; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Carol and Jim Perlett; and brother-in-law, Bradley Holmes.
Marty worked at Boise Cascade in International Falls, Minn., for 35 years, until his retirement in 1994.
Once he retired he was able to concentrate more of his time to fixing anything and everything for anyone that wanted help.
Marty enjoyed spending time with his family.
He loved to hunt, fish, carve on his “diamond willow” as well as metal detecting for treasures.
One of his favorite pastimes was spending time at Sister Kennedy Centre playing pool with the guys.
Marty will be missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Marty’s life will take place at a later date.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society, Rainycrest Long Term Care or Epilepsy Canada, in care of Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
Green Funeral Home, Fort Frances, is in charge of arrangements.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend a community forum on Tuesday to help vote on top priorities to make the greater International Falls area more dementia friendly.
The forum is the culmination of a six month planning process of the Greater International Falls ACT on Alzheimer’s initiative, a local effort following a pioneering statewide model to identify areas of need and then take action to address them.
Over this past summer and fall a volunteer action team conducted more than 100 surveys of community members, then collated the results and defined five major areas of need.
“Now we would like the community at large to add its voice to the choosing of a priority to work on,” said Myrna Meadows who is facilitating the project. “We will meet on Tuesday to review the project and the survey results. Those who attend will be invited to add their specific suggestions and then to vote on what they think is a doable, cost-effective way of taking action.”
The community meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons at Rainy River Community College. Local team members will anchor discussion topics at the meeting, working toward consensus about how to ACT on Alzheimer’s locally.
According to Meadows, Greater International Falls is one of 33 areas in Minnesota working to become a “dementia-friendly community” where safety, respect and appropriate services are available to the person who is diagnosed as well as to their family and friends. It is also an effort to educate community members about the realities of the disease.
Based on the community surveys and the vote at the community forum on Tuesday, a plan for action will be created. This will begin the fourth and final stage of the local Act on Alzheimer’s effort.
Questions about the meeting and ACT on Alzheimer’s may be directed to Meadows at 286-5622.
Patrick J. Roche Jr., 72, of Virginia, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015, surrounded by his entire loving family.
Though his life was unexpectedly cut short, he always expressed the sentiment that his life, however long, was full and blessed.
Memorial services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior.
Fr. Charles Flynn and Fr. Brandon Moravitz will officiate.
Memorials are preferred to the YMCA.
Arrangements are with Range Funeral Home, Virginia.
To sign the online guest book or to send condolences, please visit www.rangefuneralhomes.com.
Pat was raised in International Falls and graduated from Falls High School in 1961.
He graduated from St. John’s University in 1965 and from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1968.
Pat started his career at the law firm of Weaver, Talle, and Herrick in Anoka and Fridley, working there from 1966 to 1971. He joined the Trenti Law Firm in 1972 and did the work he loved there for 41 years. He was a highly respected arbitrator and mediator as well as a true counselor to his clients.
Pat was very involved in his community working with young people in youth hockey, the high school Mock Trial Program, and the Eshquaguma Country Club Golf School.
He served in leadership positions and as a member of numerous boards and foundations, but his most prized accomplishment was seeing the Mesabi Family YMCA constructed after years of his dedicated service as chairman of the Capital Fundraising Campaign.
Pat did everything with passion whether skiing, biking, or golfing. He was an avid sportsman and hunted waterfowl with skill and respect. He fished Minnesota and Canadian lakes with the same passion with which he hunted.
Pat was a true friend to many, a mentor to co-workers, a buddy to fellow hunters and fishermen, and a fierce competitor in all athletic events. But more than anything else, he loved and was dedicated to his family.
Patrick is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his daughters, Anne Barnes, Kate Roche and Kerry Fugere (Jason); his stepsons, Joe Cerar, Brian Cerar (Merideth) and Jeff Cerar (Pam); his brothers, Larry Roche (Audrey) and Tim Roche (Deb); his grandchildren, Kory and Mia Barnes, Cole and Jack Fugere, Frank and Mark Cerar, Katherine Cerar, and Brookelyn Cerar.
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Patricia Haglund, of International Falls, died Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015, at Ridgeview Assisted Living Facility.
A complete obituary and time of services will be announced when arrangements have been completed.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., Internatioanal Falls.
