Phyllis Tan, age 93 - was born on 11/28/1930 to Swan & Alma Peterson. She grew up on an 80-acre farm in Esko, MN, the youngest of six children. Following her graduation from Esko High School, Phyllis attended UMD and received an elementary education degree in teaching. She was united in marriage to Mel Tan, her high school sweetheart in 1954. Her 32-year teaching career included the elementary schools of Nettleton, Morgan Park, Garfield, and Churchill. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority, P.E.O., member of the Cloquet Presbyterian Church and Journey Christian Church and served for many years on the Cloquet Young Life Board. She was a voracious reader, avid card player (hand & foot), major extrovert with an exceptional ability to ask questions and listen, which left people feeling valued. She loved Jesus, family and serving others.
Paul Ryan Heaslip, age 68, died peacefully on October 4, 2023, after a good lunch and his usual afternoon nap at his home in Harding, MN. Paul was born to Helen and Paul Heaslip, in Duluth, MN, on January 18, 1955, and was the oldest of 7 children. He attended Esko High School and after a brief time in the Army, Paul was honorably discharged. Paul led a simple life that was riddled with the anguish of Schizophrenia. From a young age, his mind was not his own. Despite his difficult life, Paul loved his family and loved to study God’s word. Paul can now walk in heaven with his Lord and Savior whom he loved. As a family, we are happy to know that mental illness no longer defines him and that he is able to think with clarity.