Cloquet Educational Foundation

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Introducing a new Endowed Fund!
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The Davis Family Legacy of Giving

Roger and Shirley Davis moved to Cloquet from Superior in 1961. Roger worked as a meat cutter at the local Red Owl Grocery Store, located across from the Chief Theater, while Shirley devoted her early years to raising their four children before beginning a career in both the Cloquet and Esko school systems.

Roger and Shirley firmly believed in hard work, perseverance, and the value of a quality education. They viewed Cloquet High School as a launching pad to greater opportunities and a brighter future for their children.

In honor of their parents' values and commitment to education, the Davis family is proud to support the Cloquet Educational Foundation. Through their generosity, they hope to help continue building the strong educational foundation that all young people need as they begin life's journey and pursue their dreams.

Cloquet Graduate
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Faith A. Wood, 68 of Cloquet, Minnesota passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Essentia-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. She was born November 6, 1957, in Cloquet, the daughter of LeRoy and Ellen (Vafias) Lane.

Faith grew up in Cloquet and was deeply rooted in the family-owned business, Cloquet Transit and LCS Coaches. She graduated from Cloquet High School and furthered her education attending Brainerd Community College and St. Scholastica obtaining her nursing degree. She worked as a registered nurse for St. Mary’s Hospital as an OB nurse and in hospice.

Faith was very dedicated to her profession, and it was evident in her nurturing love and care of her family as a mother and grandmother, as well as those she cared for. She enjoyed crocheting and was an avid antiquarian.

Faith was preceded in death by parents, LeRoy and Ellen Lane. She is survived by her sons, Anthony (Caitlyn) and Christian (Danielle Anderson) Wood; grandchildren, Aria and Rhea Wood; her siblings, Joy (Tom) Appell, Jeff (Sue) Lane, and Jack (Micki) Lane; and extended family and friends.

Services in honor of Faith will be held at New Life Community Church in Carlton, Minnesota. An evening visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The visitation will continue Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until the 1:00 p.m. funeral service. Lunch will follow. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet. Arrangements are entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.

Class of 1961
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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Karen Lou Carlson, who passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, at the age of 83, surrounded by her family.

Karen was the heart of our family—a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose kindness and strength touched everyone who knew her. She had a beautiful way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and deeply loved. Her laughter, wisdom, and spirit will be missed more than words can express.

Karen was a lifelong resident of Cloquet, MN. She was born to Clarence and Bernice Johnson on March 26, 1943. She graduated from Cloquet High School in 1961 and married her high school sweetheart, Gordon Carlson, on June 8, 1963. Throughout her life she devoted herself to her family and took pride in creating a warm and loving home. An avid quilter, crafter, and Skip-Bo player, she poured her creativity into everything she made. Her handmade quilts and treasured creations will remain lasting reminders of her talent, patience, and generous heart.

Karen was a longtime administrative assistant at Winterquist Elementary School in Esko, MN.

Whether through holiday gatherings, homemade meals, or simple everyday moments, she made life brighter for those around her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Gordon; her children, Sheri (Scott) Sorenson and Scott (Tamara) Carlson; grandchildren, Jared (Allison) Sorenson, Brooke (Cole) Heier, and Mackenzie (Caleb) Kirchhoff; two grandpups, Maggie and Remi; her brother, Dale (Katharine) Johnson; and many other family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful for the love and memories we will carry forever. She will always be deeply loved and never forgotten.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Aspirus St. Luke’s, especially Mandy, RN, and Marisa, Social Work Case Manager. Thank you for caring not only for Karen, but for all of us. Your kindness, patience, and compassion meant more than words can express.

A private family burial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Class of 2026

Gene “Geno” P. Fulton, 79 of Cloquet, MN, passed away surrounded by his family in his home on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026.

Class of 1965
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Gene was born in Duluth, MN on February 16th, 1947, to Russell and Elizabeth (Poirier) Fulton. He was raised in the Cloquet area and graduated from Cloquet High School in 1965. Gene was a great fan of the local music scene and dances at the Cloquet Armory.

Gene attended college at Bemidji State University and later pursued a career as an electrician, starting his career with IBEW Local 242. He married his first wife, Jacqueline Scofield, in 1972. They had two children and raised them in Cloquet until her passing. In honor of his wife’s passing from cancer, Gene was a co-founder of the Shoreview House of Hope, a home away from home for families seeking cancer treatment in Duluth. Gene later married his wife Barbara Jeffery Kingsley and together they raised their three girls, Sarah, Sara, and Lisa. Gene and Barbara recently celebrated 44 years of marriage.

Gene enjoyed a variety of careers during his life. Following his time as an electrician and assistant business agent for IBEW Local 242, he then wanted to work closer to home and changed to auto parts sales at a local automobile dealership. Over 30 years ago, Gene and Barbara purchased Outdoor Advantage in Cloquet, and “Geno” was the face of the business for many years.

Gene was active in the local organizations of Cloquet Youth Baseball/Softball Association and the Carlton County Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association serving as an active leader/board member for many years with both organizations.

Sports were a big part of Gene’s life. He loved going to his girl’s youth athletics events, especially softball. One of Gene’s greatest enjoyments was coaching women’s softball. He co-chaired the Carlton County Women’s slow-pitch league for a number of years. Gene lived and breathed Minnesota Vikings football and figured it all went downhill after Bud Grant retired and the old Met stadium was torn down.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Jacqueline. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Sarah Reppe, Sara Fulton, and Lisa Fulton; grandchildren, Payton Reppe and Justin Fulton; bonus daughter, Jenny Jarvinen Jukic; and beloved grand dog Bentleigh (Boo).

Service for Gene will be held at Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet, MN on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, with visitation starting at 9 AM until the Celebration of Life at 11 AM. In recognition of Gene’s life and interests, friends are welcome to wear their Minnesota Vikings or Outdoor Advantage attire. The luncheon that follows the service will feature the B & B “Weenie Wagon” serving Gene’s favorite foods- the hot dogs that “snap”, Cokes, Little Debbie Apple Pies and other treats. His final resting place will be at Hillside Cemetery in Carlton, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Carlton County Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (https://www.facebook.com/carltoncountymdha/) or the Carlton County Animal Rescue (https://www.ccarescue.com/).

James “Jim” W. Nelson, age 76 of Cloquet, Minnesota passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Viewcrest Health Center in Duluth.

Class of 1967
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Jim was born on November 19, 1949, in Duluth to Walter and Mavis (Burkett) Nelson. From a young age, he had a natural talent and passion for mechanics; he built his first minibike by age ten and bought his first project car before turning 16. Jim graduated from Cloquet High School in 1967 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1971, where he was honored as battalion “Marine of the Month”.

Jim married the love of his life, Linda Tuomi, on October 24, 1970, and together they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He was a lifelong member of Zion Lutheran Church and dedicated many years of service to the congregation.

Jim spent his career doing what he loved most - working on engines and restoring vehicles. After 32 years as head mechanic for the City of Cloquet fleet service, he retired in 2007 but never slowed down when it came to classic cars, Cub Cadets, or his beloved ’97 Ford diesel truck. He also loved volunteering with the local Friends of Animals, walking dogs five days a week for 10 years. He enjoyed attending the annual Iola car show, traveling with family, camping and boating on Cross Lake. Jim also supported his fellow veterans through Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.

Above all, Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who loved his family deeply and will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Renee (Andy) Syring of Baldwin, WI and Ryan Nelson of Portland, ME; grandsons, Drew and Ethan Syring; siblings, Judy (Paul) Frankki, Jan Lodico, Charlene (Paul) Tapscott, and Bob Nelson; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Cheryl Marie; infant brother, John William; siblings-in-law, Carol Briner and Todd Lodico; and nephew, Chris Janeczek.

A celebration of life for Jim will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Cloquet. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will continue until the 12:00 p.m. funeral service. Interment with military honors will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cloquet. A luncheon will follow at the church.

The family would like to thank Inter-Faith Care Center, Viewcrest Health Center, and St. Croix Hospice for their excellent care of Jim these past few months. Arrangements have been entrusted to Nelson Funeral Care in Cloquet.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

It’s Class Reunion Season in Cloquet!

The CEF would like to welcome all “Lumberjacks” back home as classmates gather to reconnect, reminisce about high school memories, and catch up on life’s adventures. Reunions are a wonderful reminder of the friendships, traditions, and community spirit that make Cloquet so special.

If we missed your reunion, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help share the information. Be sure to spread the word about these special events and check Facebook to see if your graduating class has a reunion page set up.

55th Reunion Class of 1971
Saturday, August 8 – 5:00 pm
Hank’s Bar and Grill Banquet Room
Contact: Todd Erickson

50th Reunion Class of 1976
Saturday, June 27th – 4:00 pm Happy Hour
Cloquet Armory
Dinner to follow
Contact: Sandra Morgan

40th Reunion Class of 1986
Saturday, October 17th – 5:00 pm
The Jack (Upstairs), Cloquet
Contact: Kay Gerlach

35th Reunion Class of 1991
Saturday, July 18th- 5:00 pm Social,
6:00 pm Dinner
The River Inn, Scanlon
Contact: Deb (Wold) Carter

30th Reunion Class of 1996 TBD

20th Reunion Class of 2006
Saturday, August 8th- 5:00 pm Social, 6:00 pm Dinner
The Jack (Upstairs), Cloquet
Contact: Megan Della Rossa

10th Reunion Class of 2016
Saturday, July 11th – 6:00 pm
The Jack (Upstairs), Cloquet
Contact: Joey Gotchnik

ISD #94 Thank YOU

We wanted to take the time to recognize and thank Cloquet Transit and the Lane family for their many decades of service to the community and to our district. They have worked hard over many years to ensure that everyone’s most precious cargo, our children, are safely delivered to and from school each day. Student transportation is a massive undertaking, and we are grateful for the role the Cloquet Transit family has fulfilled for our students and schools.

We would also like to take a moment to introduce you to our new transportation provider for next year. We are excited to have them join our community. They bring many years of school bus transportation experience and have served a growing number of school districts across the state of Minnesota. Please see the following message from Palmer’s CEO, Jenna Fromm:
We are honored and excited to join the Cloquet community as your new student transportation provider starting this coming school year! At Palmer Bus Service, our mission is simple: to serve our communities by safely transporting students. We understand that we are stepping into a role held by the Lane family and Cloquet Transit for decades, and we want to assure you that we intend to honor that tradition of service. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible. You can expect to see many of the same familiar faces behind the wheel, as we are working closely with the current driving team to keep those important relationships in place.
As a family-owned, Minnesota company serving 28 districts across the state, we bring many resources focused on safety and service. While we provide the administrative and technical support of a larger organization to navigate today’s transportation environment, we have the community engagement of a local partner. We are committed to getting your children to school safely and efficiently every single day, and we look forward to a wonderful partnership with the Cloquet Public Schools.

Please keep an eye out for communication throughout the summer from the district regarding our change in transportation. We will share updates for families who rely on busing services to ensure a smooth transition.