Obituaries

Al was born on April 1st 1937 & died December 24, 2024 at 87 years of age. He grew up in a northwest Edgebrook Chicago neighborhood. His family was a fabulous group of artists. His Grandfather, Bendix Taenzer was published in the “Saturday Evening Post.” His parents, Roderick and Marcella Taenzer were also artists who grew up in St. Louis, Missouri & graduated from Washington University. His brother, Jon, was born 4 years after Al & died in 2019. Al attended Illinois College in Illinois & graduated in 1959. He enlisted in the Army Reserves in College & prepared for active duty in Germany in 1960. He married his wife, Sandra Ayers, in 1960 & immediately deployed to Germany with the Army Security Agency at the Kassel-Rothwesten Airbase. He and Sandy lived in Germany for three years & travelled all over Europe. They also joined a small military theatre group that presented Stephen Vincent Benet’s: “John Brown’s Body” to United States military audiences in Germany. Their Daughter, Elizabeth & their Son, York, were born. Al was hired by Allstate Insurance Company where he worked as a Systems Analyst for 40 years retiring in 2004. Al was dedicated to singing, gardening & growing trees, volunteering, recycling & composting for more than 60 years. He sang with the Elgin Choral Union in Illinois for 30 years. He and Sandy retired in 2004 to the Arrowhead of Cook County Minnesota where they built a Timber Frame home on the shore of Lake Superior. Al volunteered hours and hours for the Grand Marais Lions Club & was a 2019 Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian service. He was also a member of the Hovland Area Volunteer Fire Department using his analyst skills to develop the Fire District’s Evacuation Plan & serving on the HAVFD Board. His Grandson, Garrick, has also joined the HAVFD & has Al’s firefighter number. Al was the most calm, fair, diligent, and precise person who always fulfilled his commitments. Al will be cremated & his ashes scattered to return to the earth. Al & Sandy believe the service of his life to the community & humanity fully celebrate his life. His wish was that family & friends donate to Cancer Research, the Grand Marais LIon’s Club, or volunteer for their community.

Ann Marie Lucke Knoll Downing was born on June 10, 1946, in Oakland, CA. She died peacefully at home in Rochester, MN on December 15, 2024, in the loving care of family. She was 78 years old.

Robert ('Bob') H. Hertzberg, 96, of Grand Portage, MN, died on December 5, 2024, from complications of an auto accident. Born in Stamford, CT to Marian Hastings Hertzberg and Dr: Reinhold F. Hertzberg, Bob grew up in Stamford and Rowayton, CT, with summers spent in Maine with his grandparents and brothers. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. After serving in the Merchant Marines and U.S. Nary, he graduated with an MBA from St. Louis University.

SJOBERG, Alan J. “Leroy” – of Henderson, died Sunday, November 24, 2024, at his residence. He was 76 yeas of age.

The Best and Most Beautiful Wife a husband could have and Extraordinary Mother to our children

1/23/38 – 12/9/24 Harlan Frederick Schwab, aged 86, passed away Monday, December 9, 2024.

Duane Joseph Schinn age 90 of Lutsen, MN passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 13, 2024. He was born in West Duluth, MN on October 25, 1934 to parents, Joseph Schinn and Bernhild Collander. Duane enlisted in the United States Navy when he was just 16 years old. He served in Korea and Vietnam where he received two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star for his courage and injuries sustained in combat. He retired as a BMCM Master Chief Petty Officer (E9) after 24 years of honorable service in the Navy.

Leland B James (Jesse), 81, of Grand Portage passed away December 6th, 2024 in the North Shore Health Hospital with his wife by his side.

Roger Livdahl (90), Child of God, husband, father, grandfather, and amateur harmonica player, passed away peacefully 11/27/24. Born to William and Ruth Livdahl he joined siblings; Amy, Buddy, Evonne, Eva, Jim, and later, Gerry on their farm in Rustad, MN.

Printha Ellen Moe (Hargis) age 77, passed away suddenly and without warning on the evening of Friday, November 29, 2024. Printha loved the outdoors, gardening, and spending time laughing and playing games with friends and family. So many memories were made at the family cabin in Longlac, Ontario, which was built where she met her loving husband. She was an amazing baker and cook, and kept friends and family in coffee, sweets, and meals every chance she had. Her laugh was well-known across Cook County and beyond, and she was always gracious and willing to help those who needed it.