Cloquet Educational Foundation

10/23/2026

10/19/2026

Cloquet Graduate
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Debra Diane Koefod, 72, of McGregor died Sept. 25, 2026, at Little Hospice in Edina following a brief illness.

Deb was born Dec. 28, 1953, in Duluth, the daughter of Margaret Elizabeth Koefod and Robert William Koefod. She grew up in Cloquet and graduated from Cloquet High School.

Deb spent the majority of her career working in the business office and accounting department of Minnesota Power and Light in Duluth before retiring to care for her mother full-time. Following her mother's passing, she had a year-round home built in place of a family cabin in McGregor, where she lived for the remainder of her life. The lake was always her place of joy, and she would frequently say how "stupid happy" her life was there.

Deb was an introvert who cherished her solitude but who also had a wealth of friends she loved dearly. She had a tremendous caregiver's heart, especially for the elderly. As a young woman, she quit her job to move in with and care for her grandmother. Decades later, she made the same kind of choice for her mother, and throughout her life she cared for numerous friends in their times of need.

Deb was passionate about dogs, and her toy poodles Mindy, Katie, Annabelle and Daisy were great loves of her life and among her greatest joys.

Deb is survived by her brother, Robert Scott Koefod; and her dog, Daisy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Margaret Koefod; and her beloved dogs, Mindy, Katie and Annabelle.

At Deb's request, there will be no memorial service. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Deb may contribute toward the continuing care of her beloved dog, Daisy, who has found a loving new home. Helping to provide for Daisy was very important to Deb during her illness, and memorial contributions may be made through a GoFundMe established for Daisy's care.

10/19/2026

Class of 1978
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Kevin Albert Kersting, 66, passed away Sept. 23, 2026, at Harmony Place in Harmony, Minnesota, surrounded by friends who cherished him. Born July 22, 1960, in Fosston, Minnesota, Kevin spent much of his life in Cloquet, where he grew up and graduated from Cloquet High School in 1978.

His senior quote, “A man of few words,” was a fitting description of Kevin throughout his life.

Kevin spent much of his working life in construction and building before starting his own business, Precision Decisions. He later married Elizabeth, and they welcomed their daughter, Catlin.

In his mid-40s, Kevin was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Over the years, he lived in several states before returning to Minnesota in the spring of 2023. After returning to Minnesota, he eventually made his home at Harmony Place, where he formed friendships and meaningful connections with people who came to know and care for him.

Kevin enjoyed working with his hands and growing things. He continued to garden, taking pride in what he grew and sharing his harvest with others. His garden was a place where he could spend time doing something he enjoyed, and sharing what he grew became one of the ways he connected with those around him.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Adeline and Albert Kersting.

He is survived by his daughter, Catlin (Mike) Heinecke; his twin sister, Debra (Greg Mattson) Lundgren; his brothers, James Kersting and Ken (Terri) Kersting; his nieces, Karen (Bryan) Johnson and Kendra Kersting; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beaulieu, Minnesota, with Father Andrew Obel celebrating.

In lieu of flowers or memorials, donations may be made to a Parkinson’s disease organization or, as the family kindly asks, to Harmony Place in appreciation of the care, friendship and kindness Kevin received during his time there.

10/19/2026

Cloquet Graduate
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Julieann "Julie" M. Beal Obituary
Julieann Marie (Hella) Beal, 84, a warrior of love, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a friend to all. Julie passed away suddenly on October 1st from a brain aneurysm.

Julie was born with a natural gift for friendship. She connected easily with others and, more importantly, held those friendships close throughout her life. Her warmth and genuine interest in others drew people to her, and she made those around her feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

Wherever life took Julie, she had a special gift for touching the lives of those around her. Through every move and every new chapter, Julie created not only a sense of home, but a community of people she loved and who loved her in return. You always felt heard, seen, and loved after spending time with her. She opened her home, her heart, and provided support to so many people that they became her chosen family. She was a mother, who invited you in and let you stay in her heart.

Julie was a woman of deep faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, and it was not only something she believed in, but something she shared generously with those around her. She was a lifelong, active member of the Lutheran Church, where she lived out her faith leading Sunday school, in leadership positions and small group ministries. Her faith was a source of strength throughout her life and an important part of the legacy she leaves behind. To Julie, Love is God and God is Love.

Julie believed deeply in creating a better world for those who would come after her, especially her grandchildren and the generations yet to come. She chose to look for the good in the world and, in turn, did what she could to help that goodness grow. Her generosity reached far beyond her own community, touching lives around the world through the many causes she supported and believed in. Julie had a remarkable ability to recognize the everyday kindness, beauty, and grace that others might overlook. She believed that even the smallest acts of goodness mattered and throughout her life, she quietly added more of that goodness to the world.

Julie was immensely proud of her Finnish heritage and cherished the family, friendships, and traditions that connected her to Finland. She maintained close ties with Finnish family and friends, both at home and in Finland. She embodied the Finnish spirit of SISU, a quiet strength, determination, and perseverance that carried her through life’s joys and challenges. It was a strength that those who knew and loved Julie recognized well.

Her love of art began at a young age and remained an important part of her life. One of Julie’s greatest masterpieces was the home she created with Dave. More than simply a house, it was an expression of Julie’s heart and creativity and a work of art lovingly created over a lifetime. She had a gift of breathing life and love into everything she created and styled. This canvas became a welcoming place where family and friends gathered, memories were made, and those she loved always felt at home.

The legacy she left is as great as the love, support and guidance she showed each of us. She loved her husband, David Beal; her children, Heather (Jim) Sysimaki, Jon (Sandra) Beal and Erika Thurston; her grandchildren, Kaija (Ben), Ari, Kyra, Matti, Leah, Avery and Garrett, and great grandson, Will.

Memorials can be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet, MN, Second Harvest Northland Food Bank, or First Witness Child Advocacy in Duluth MN.

10/19/2026

Cloquet Graduate
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Robert "Bob" Mitchell Obituary
Robert Fredrick Mitchell, age 91 of Esko, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. Bob was born on October 6, 1935, to Wallace and Lorraine (Brown) Mitchell in Cloquet, Minnesota. He grew up in Cloquet and was a graduate of Cloquet High School. Bob made his home in Esko, Minnesota, and was united in marriage to Diane West. He worked as a pipe fitter for Local 11.

Bob was a proud masonic member of the Dalles Lodge #181 in Cloquet. He enjoyed music, archery hunting, and fishing for walleyes (or anything he could catch). Bob especially enjoyed spending time with his family.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Diane; parents; brothers, Ronald, Lawrence, and Wally “Jr.”; and sister, Louis. Bob is survived by his sons, Steven Mitchell and Daniel Mitchell of Esko; grandchildren, Stormi Mitchell of Duluth and Nicole (Bryan) Darst of Esko; step daughters, Kamee, Kari, and Kristin; many step grandchildren; great grandson, Cooper Darst; brother, David (Linda) Mitchell of Esko, and many other family and friends.

A celebration of life for Bob will be on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. until the time of his Masonic Service at 2:00 p.m. at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet. Inurnment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet.

10/13/2026

Your donations make a difference.

🛶 Adventure on the St. Louis River Estuary! 🌿

Last Friday, more than 60 CHS 9th graders showed their adventurous spirit as they paddled huge North Canoes through the St. Louis River Estuary!

With the support and guidance of the ever-incredible staff, our students spent the day exploring our local waterways, working together, and making memories they won’t soon forget.

A huge THANK YOU to the Cloquet Educational Foundation for funding this incredible experience and giving our students the opportunity to get outside and explore right here in their own community! 💜💛

And the wildlife sightings did not disappoint!

Students spotted:
🦅 Bald Eagles
🪶 Great Blue Herons
🐦 A diving Kingfisher
🐟 Sturgeon
🦢 Swans and geese
🌾 Restored areas of wild rice

We are so proud of our students for stepping outside their comfort zones, working together as a team, and embracing the adventure!

What a memorable day on the water!

10/13/2026

Cloquet Educational Foundation 2026-2027 Board of Directors

Back Row: Sarah Buhs, Tom Proulx, Karrie Osvold, Molly Stone, Adrienne Strickland, Jennifer Lewandowski

Second Row: Mary Jane Lundberg, Karin Sabyan, Makenzie Stafford, Chelsey Angell

Front Row: Jen Owens, Annie Saboe, Jenny Blatchford

Not Pictured: Nate Knutson, Del Prevost, Matt Yorston

10/12/2026

GATHERING & REMEMBRANCE

Please join us in gathering as family, friends, and community to honor the life and legacy of Dakota Koski.

October 24th at 10:00 a.m.
Cloquet High School Auditorium
1000 18th Street
Cloquet, Minnesota

Light refreshments will be served in the school cafeteria following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be used to continue Dakota’s legacy.

10/06/2026

Welcome Annie Saboe - new CEF Director

Annie is a dedicated organizational leadership professional with more than 20 years of experience serving businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. She currently serves as Financial Manager for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Health & Human Services Division, bringing experience in budgeting, grant management, compliance, and finance operations. She previously worked in commercial insurance as an account manager, and for the prior 10+ years, held a leadership role with an affordable housing nonprofit organization, where her focus was on organizational operations – including administration, financial oversight, fundraising, event planning, marketing, human resources, nonprofit leadership, support to a board of directors, customer service, and community engagement. Beyond her professional work, Annie is deeply committed to her community and local schools. In addition to her role as a current board member for CEF, she has served in other board and volunteer roles – both within the school district and with other nonprofit organizations. Annie brings a collaborative, thoughtful, and people-centered approach to her work. She believes strong organizations are built through responsible leadership, proactive communication, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to the people they serve.Annie is a class of 2003 Proctor High School grad – but has called Cloquet home for the past 10 years – putting down roots here in the Cloquet community with her husband (Eric – who works for the City of Cloquet) and two sons (Colben, age 14; 8th grade & Crosby, age 10; 5th grade – both at CMS this year!)While she didn’t know this opportunity with CEF would arise at the time of filing for school board election earlier this summer, Annie pro-actively confirmed with superintendent, Dr. Cary, and school district legal staff that there is no conflict of interest to continue running for a seat on the school board while holding the role as Executive Director for CEF.“I have always had a passion for education. Growing up, my answer to the “what do you want to be when you grow up” question was always “teacher – specially, preschool teacher.” I started my college career working towards a degree in Elementary Education but realized along the way that I actually really loved the administrative and planning work the most – and that I truly thrive in a career where I can work towards improving processes and helping people. I was an active volunteer during my sons’ elementary school years – serving as the president of Washington Elementary P.I.E., volunteering with the Power Lunch program (this will be year #6 as a reading buddy!) and even temporarily working for the district as an unlicensed substitute during the pandemic – because I saw a need and decided I could help out on my days off. This passion for education and experience within the Cloquet school district drove me to apply as a candidate for the CEF Board. When I met with current Executive Director of the foundation, Jody Acers, to discuss board membership, I was energized as I learned more about the work being done by CEF and left our interaction to tell friends, family, and colleagues – ‘I’m really excited to have the opportunity support the important work of this foundation, and… I think she might have my dream job.’I am very honored and enthusiastic to have accepted the role of Executive Director for the Cloquet Educational Foundation. Simply put, my goal as I begin this role with the foundation is to help more people. CEF has an incredibly impressive history of financial support and providing opportunities for students – and my hope is that I not only help continue to fulfill the mission of the Cloquet Educational Foundation, but also help increase community awareness and support – therefore, increasing opportunities for our students. I look forward to working with the CEF Board to help better define the vision for the foundation and I look forward to establishing goals and plans to ensure continued growth and success for CEF.”