Robert “Bob” Lippert, 90, of Duluth, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 29, 2022, following a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Bob was surrounded by family his entire journey, and transition to heaven. Bob was born in March of 1932 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Christian and Wilhelmina Lippert. After moving to Duluth in 1946, Bob’s parents also included Herb and Elsie Schuman, and Edward Sutton. He was a 1951 graduate of Duluth Denfeld High School, and worked in the automotive industry for decades at Grover Motors and Kolar Buick. Bob married his wife Juanita in August of 1969 where they spent over 40 years together until her death from cancer in 2010. Bob’s entire life was dedicated to service. He served 33 years in the Army National Guard, and over 50 years as one of the founding and longest serving members ever in the St. Louis County Sherriff’s Rescue Squad. Additionally, Bob served as a treasurer in the United Auto Workers Union, Property Board Committee member a
Maria Barlau, born January 19, 1942 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, died peacefully on May 29, 2023 in Duluth, MN, her home for close to 50 years. Maria was loved by many, and all that knew her. Her love of her children was unquestionable and considered her hundreds of nieces and nephews, her own. “Grandma” was an unwavering supporter of her grandchildren. Maria was a foster parent to 43 children over the years and many continued to feel her love and appreciation decades after leaving her home. Maria is preceded in death by her parents; five brothers and two sisters; many nieces and nephews; and the love of her life, Duane Barlau. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Skurich and son, Michal Barlau, both of Duluth, MN; grandsons, Bradford and Matthew Skurich, both of Minneapolis, MN; granddaughter, Rachel Schultenover (Nathan) of Eden Prairie, MN; foster daughters, Shelly O’Neal of Minneapolis, MN, Kathy Markovich of Cloquet, MN and Patty Ramone of International Falls, MN. Her t
Debra “Deb” Slatten, 63, of Midway Township, died suddenly Thursday, June 29, 2023 of a cardiac event. Deb was born on April 1, 1960 in Cloquet, MN to Theodore and Marjorie (Seboe) Hillman. She was thin, athletic, and seemingly in perfect health when something went catastrophically wrong. Deb’s law enforcement career started at the age of 15, with the Carlton County Sheriff’s Office as a clerk. Deb graduated from Wrenshall High School and earned her Law Enforcement degree from Bemidji State University. She worked for the Carlton County Sheriff’s Department for 10 years and retiring as Sergeant from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department after 26 years of service. Deb was a pioneer. She was the first female on patrol in Duluth, the first female criminal investigator and the first female sergeant in Duluth. Deb married Richard Slatten on October 6, 1990 in Duluth and built their home in Midway Township. After retirement in 2014, she joined the St. Louis County Rescue Squad
Colleen “Coke” Sellon, 74, of Gateway Tower in Duluth, died Sunday, June 25, 2023 at Heritage Haven. She was born in Hibbing, MN on December 2, 1948 to Rev Henry and Geraldine (Nickeson) Sellon. Coke was a secretary for Goodwill and Brown & Bigelow Publishing Company for many years. Crafting and music were very important in her life. She owned Sellon Hobbies in Duluth and in her younger years, she sang in choirs and many weddings and funerals. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Paul H. Sellon Sr. Coke is survived by a sister, Jacquelyn Deal of Oregon; many nieces and nephews; and her four-legged companion, Cheyenne. Memorial service 1 p.m. Friday, June 30, 2023 at the Alliance Community Church. 2621 West Arrowhead Road. Pastor Bob Hepokoski officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Refreshments will be served following the service. Arrangements by Williams Lobermeier Boettcher Funeral home.
Gaylen Olson, 82, of Superior, WI, died Thursday, March 16, 2023 at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Hospital Duluth, MN surrounded by his family with a bedside service.