So sorry to announce that we lost Tony Rippel to Cancer, last week.

We will surely miss him.

Anthony Rippel Jr., age 58, lost his battle with cancer on April 11, 2020, at his home with his sweetie Dianne of 12 years by his side. Tony was a very supportive son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many. 

His biggest joys in life were music, electronics and Lake Superior. Tony had many jobs in his life including repairing hearing aids, his favorite was working at a Game Farm, 1^st mate on his family’s charter fishing boat and worked as a local plumber for many years. Tony also a passion for fireworks. He was responsible for the amazing 4^th of July firework shows of Cornucopia and Madeline Island for many years. Most recently he was a self employed repair man, fixing everything from electrical to furnaces to hot tubs. He was there for anyone at anytime. 

Survived by mother Roberta (Bobbi) Rippel, brothers Nick (Maryann) and John, nephew Zachary, Tony’s sweetie Dianne and her family including her 3 grandchildren which he enjoyed very much. 

He was preceded in death by his father Anthony Sr., special aunt Bobbi and uncle Joe Nosko of South Carolina, several special friends. 

No services will be held at this time, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

BRATLEY FUNERAL HOME

Dear friends and family of Welcome Drive,

We have suffered a great loss. On February 18th, our brother, band mate, and inspiration in all things musical and in life, Tom Koch, passed away.

We all knew this was coming, but that does nothing to soften the blow; the shock, pain and emptiness that we all feel.

Tom was our musical conscience in so many ways, and to the very end he always left us with one marching order: “Keep having fun!”

So this is for you, Tom. And for the rest of us, your music and inspiration will live on forever.

We love you.

We will never forget you.

Welcome Drive

Koch, Dr. Thomas J. March 25, 1953 to February 18, 2020 Husband, brother, uncle, son. Passionate educator for the Hopkins and Wayzata School districts and the University of St. Thomas. Talented guitarist and song writer.

Committed to the mission of NAMI of Minnesota. Survived by wife, Diann; brothers, Jim (Debbie), Mike, Bob (Marsha); sister, Nancy Bresnahan; and many nieces and nephews.

Private interment Lakewood Cemetery. A memorial concert will be held later this year. If interested in attending, email concertfortom@outlook.com to receive information as to date and venue. Memorials to NAMI of Minnesota, 1919 University Ave. West, Suite 400, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Star Tribune

On a really sad note, Dave Fechter died last week after a long fight with cancer.

When there was nothing left for them to do, Dave went to Cabo San Lucas to be with his parents, during his last days.

A message from Al:

“A good friend, Dick Draheim passed away earlier this year.  He was a logger and an avid antique bottle hunter and collector.  Dick had very close ties to Baystock.  He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Bayfield in 1978.  He was at all the early Baystocks and did a lot of work.  When Baystock moved from my house, Dick hosted Baystock at his farm on Stage Road for two years.  During that time, we looked for a new place in the woods.  Dick and I found Baystock land while cross country skiing in the spring.  We knew as soon as we saw the bowl that this was the perfect place.  So thank you, Dick.  You are greatly missed.”

Richard “Dick” J. Draheim, age 61, of Cornucopia, WI, passed away at his home on April 9, 2019. Dick was born on August 21, 1957 in Marshfield, WI, the son of Wilmer and Ethelynn Draheim.

Dick is survived by his daughter Megan and her husband Nick Colberg; grandson Brody; many other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Dick’s life will be held at a later date in August.

BRATLEY FUNERAL HOME

RYAN KEITH MARTIN

Ryan left us too soon on May 15, 2018 at the age of 53. He was born in Duluth, MN to Keith and Lorna Martin. He was the youngest of six children. Ryan attended Morgan Park High School and graduated from the last class before the school closed in 1982. Ryan graduated as a machinist at St. Cloud Tech. He was a member of ABATE, United Sportsmen Club, the National Rifle Association and the United Protestant Church. Ryan was the driving force behind the Diabetic Memorial Run which raised money for juvenile diabetes for 20 years. “Rain or shine it’s scooter time”. Previously, Ryan worked for RJ Sports and Cycle, Superior Motorcycle, and Arrowhead Machinists. Over the last 10 years Ryan was a maintenance mechanic at Sappi Paper Mill where he was proud to be part of their brotherhood.

Ryan was a spiritual man who found God in the lakes, rivers and streams. He was a family man who spent his time with his daughters, friends and loved ones. He was a wonderful son, father, brother, friend and partner. His passion was fishing and spent every moment he could enjoying the outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Frank and Ethel Martin, Charles and Lorna Mullen and niece Shana Holt.

Ryan is survived by his parents Keith and Lorna Martin; daughters Melissa, Catrina and Kierdra; brother Randy (Ann) Martin; sisters Jill (David) Gordon, Terri (Jeff) John, Tracy Grandi, Robin (Mike) Motley; his first mate Lisa Gould (Cameo Torok) and dog Chi Chi. He will be greatly missed by his nephews and nieces Jessica, Harlan, Sean, Patty, Rebecca, Willie, Alex, Kelly and Joe. Ryan also had a large circle of extended family and friends. He loved you all as we do.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 23rd at 10:00 am with a visitation beginning at 9:00 am at Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN.

From Duluth News Tribune