Lifelines

Matthew John Miner 9/24/1958 – 8/22/2020

Matthew John Miner, 61, died unexpectedly at the place he loved best, his beautiful home on Island Lake, after a battle with cancer. Matt was born in Grand Rapids, Minn., the third of James and Luciya Miner’s seven children. He grew up in Duluth’s Woodland neighborhood near the family’s Piggly Wiggly grocery store. He attended St. John’s School and later graduated from Cathedral High School. After graduation, Matt began his 44-year career in the fam-ily business. Matt began as a meat cutter at the Piggly Wiggly and Miller Hill Super One stores, and went on to join the Miner’s, Inc. corporate team as a member of the Board of Directors and as the Facilities Director. He had oversight of 41 retail locations, wholesale distribution center, transportation de-partment and shopping locations. He showed great pride in watching his children Patty, Luke and Hunter as they became fourth generation members of Super One Food. Matt’s truest joy was his children and grandchildren. He leaned on his family for inspiration and strength during his battle with cancer. He will be sorrowfully missed. Due to COVID concerns, private family services will be held. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.

Sarah ‘Sally’ Lemker 11/13/1931 – 8/23/2020

Sarah Isabel “Sally” Lemker, 88, died peacefully with her husband Alfred by her side at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Duluth. Sally was born on November 13, 1931 in the South Side of Chicago during the height of the Great Depression, but also spent many of her childhood years in Saint Louis. She graduated from Saint Louis University with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy and worked for McDonnell Douglas and General Electric before moving to Duluth with Al in 1956 where she was the Civilian Master Planner at the Air Force base. In her later years, she found her true calling as a U.S. Coast Guard licensed charter sailing captain in the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior, which will forever be known to close family and friends as Sally’s Lake. She was also a licensed pilot. She was a true free spirit, a proponent of the Equal Rights Amendment, and aided in the campaign of her friend Rosalie Wahl, the first woman in state history named to the Minnesota Supreme Court. Love was the foundation of everything Sally did, and we will cherish her memory and live her inspiration, always. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Benedictine Living Community, also in Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 Second Street, Duluth.

Connie Carl 1936 – 8/11/2020

Connie Carl, 84, Ocala, Fla., died peacefully with her husband Ed and sons Tim, Dan and Jared by her side in the Ocala Florida Trauma Center. She had just celebrated her 65th wedding anniversary on July 23. Connie and Ed were originally from Duluth where she worked as an executive secretary at UMD in the Placement Department and retired in 1998 when they moved to The Villages Florida Retirement Community where she spent the last 21 years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Connie Carl’s name has been set up. Donations to St. Jude Children Research Hospital would be appreciated.

April A. Lobb 2/16/1959 – 8/22/2020

April A. Lobb, 61, of Austin, Minn. and formerly of Superior, died unexpectedly at home. She was born in Chicago, daughter of Charles and Marlene (Doolittle) Pattee. For many years, April owned a home daycare business in Superior. In recent years she worked as a receptionist at the Family Eye Care Center in Austin.

Jerrold M. Peterson 1/5/1940 – 8/23/2020

Jerrold M. (Jerry) Peter-son, 80, of Duluth died with his loving wife, Carol, by his side. His passing ends a long struggle with Lewy Body Dementia. Jerry was born in Minneapolis to Melvin L. and Ruth E. Peterson. When he was 6 years old, his family moved to Lombard, Ill. Jerry graduated from Glenbard High School and earned a B.A. in Economics from Knox College. It was there that he met Jory Henwood Henry, and they were married on Sept. 8, 1962. Jerry and Jory moved to Duluth the summer of 1969, where Jerry joined the Economics faculty at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). Over the years, Jerry authored more than 250 professional articles, books, and other publications. He also directed the Bureau of Business and Economic Research, was instrumental in establishing the Natural Resources Research Institute, served as the Institute’s first acting coordinator in 1984, and taught economics to some 20,000 UMD students before he retired in January 2007.

Steven G. Robarge 5/22/1948 – 8/15/2020

Steven G. Robarge, 72, of Duluth died after fighting a long battle with cancer. He was born to Harvey and Elizabeth Robarge. He graduated from Clovervalley High school and after was drafted to the Army where he fought in the Vietnam War and received a Purple Heart. He married his wife Nancy of 41 years in 1979. He went on to master many trades, including logging for many years. He ultimately worked at the BNSF railroad. His pride was his family, working and always wiling to help others.

Albert C. Rehrer, Sr. 9/5/1944 – 8/24/2020

Albert C. Rehrer, Sr., 75, of Superior, died at Superior Rehabilitation Center. Al was born in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Veronica (Golic) and Charles M. Rehrer. He had worked as a security guard in Fort Meyers, Fl and also worked at the Superior Vocational Center. He was a member of the Superior Moose Lodge. Al enjoyed fishing, going for rides on his electric scooter, playing Bingo, and going to the 4 th of July Parade. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10-11 am at Downs Funeral Home, Superior. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 am at Graceland Cemetery.

Suzanne M. Salo 11/25/1952 – 8/27/2020

Suzanne M. Salo, 67, of Superior, died peacefully at Superior Rehabilitation Center after a long illness. She was born in Superior, daughter of Melvin and Helen (Maki) Swanson. Suzanne loved music and especially enjoyed attending live concerts. She also loved to write. She was an avid antique collector and a great cook. Her favorite thing to do was just to be outdoors enjoying nice weather. She was very witty and had a contagious sense of humor. Visitation will be at p.m. until the 3 p.m. service, Sept. 3 at Downs Funeral Home, Superior. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at The Capri, 1224 Tower Ave.

James Settergren 8/13/1935 – 9/16/2020

James Settergren, 85, died after a lengthy progression of Parkinson’s disease. He was born to Carl and Vera (Erickson) Settergren in St. Paul, Minn. Jim grew up in south Minneapolis where he shared many adventures with his older brothers. He graduated from Roosevelt High School then went to the University of Minnesota and graduated with a business degree. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1961. Upon leaving the Army he worked with his Dad and brothers for a short time in the family hardware business. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Werhan. In 1971, Jim and Carol settled in rural Gnesen Township where they raised their family and made lifelong friends. His kind character always made for excellent company. Jim’s strong will and loving, helpful manner will be dearly missed by all who knew him.