Lives Remembered

Lorna “Mickey” Vale Shell, 82, of Grand Marais died Wednesday, November 4, 2009.

She was born September 17, 1927 in San Fernando, California to Winifred Alwilda (Vale) and John Simpson.

She lived in California and Alaska before retiring to Grand Marais to be near family.

Mickey lovingly raised her four children and worked as a researcher, welder, realtor, and accountant for the state of Alaska. Among other things she was a musician, artist, writer, and political activist at heart.

She is survived by her brother Jack (Laura) Simpson of West Plains, Missouri; sons Robert (Hallie) Swanson of Van Nuys, California, David (Holli) Swanson of Simi Valley, California; daughters Lauren Graham of San Francisco, California and Julie Anderson of Grand Marais; grandchildren Chelsea, Carmen, Elric, Ruth, Julie, Liam and Red Bear.

Jean Ann Loh was born March 1, 1929 to Norwegian immigrants, John and Cecilia Eide Loh, in Lutsen. On Friday, December 4, 2009, Jean passed away at Providence Place in Minneapolis after a long and productive life.

Jean attended elementary school in Lutsen. She graduated from Grand Marais High School in 1947. She was a high achiever and active in school life. Jean was a cheerleader for the Grand Marais Vikings during their dominance in the Polar League.

Following high school, Jean began working for the telephone company. She first worked in Grand Marais as an operator and moved on to Duluth with additional responsibilities. After two years in Duluth, Jean transferred to Minneapolis and continued her long affiliation with the telephone company. She was member of the telephone company’s Pioneer group. Her work with the phone company provided her with the opportunity to meet many wonderful and long-lasting friends. After her retirement, Jean enjoyed ocean cruises and the sunny warmth of Florida during the winter months.

Jean was a long time member of Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She participated in church activities over the years and was

particularly fond of the Christmas season and its

Pizza • Sandwiches

Lutefisk dinners.

Specialties

Jean leaves two brothers, Elwood (Bubs)

(218) 387-1713

and Gerald (Jerry); nieces Joan Ward, Sheryll Soderdahl, Janine Brissie, Melissa Conforti, and Jennifer Backstrom. She also leaves a very special friend of many years, Joanne Eklund.

Steven Ojard

She was preceded in death by her parents, a (218) 834-5733

P.O. Box 34 sister, Myrtle, and a brother, Edmond. Knife River, MN 55609

• Water Wells • Water Conditioners Her winning smile and willingness to help will • Design & Installation of Water Pumping

• Well Sealing & Abandonment be missed. As will her quiet call, “hoo hoo.” She • Hydrofracking

was a friend to everyone. Serving the North Shore from Duluth to

Canada since 1943