Laura Jane Chelesnik (nee Zbacnik), age 83, of Ely, passed away on June 16, 2024 at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth.

Laura was born on February 1, 1941 to Anthony “Red” and Vera (Rickard) Zbacnik. Laura was a proud graduate of Ely Memorial High School and married her high school sweetheart, David Chelesnik on June 4th, 1959.

Together they raised their two sons, Steven and David Jr., in Ely. Laura was a devoted wife, mother and friend, well-known for her potica, cookie baking, and beautiful yard. Laura and Dave spent countless hours outdoors together harvesting wild rice and picking blueberries.

Laura is survived by her beloved husband of 65 years, Dave Sr., of Ely, a son, Steven (Tamara), and granddaughter, Alex of Eden Prairie, a sister, Carol Norby, a brother, Tom Zbacnik, and in-laws, John and Sandy Chelelsnik, all of Ely, and many nieces and nephews.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her son, David “Chas” Chelesnik, brother-in-law Sheldon “Nobby” Norby, sister-in-law Robbie Zbacnik and in-laws John and Laverne “Lovie” Chelesnik.

A service for Laura will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely. Memorials can be made to the Ely chapter of the American Cancer Society or the University of Minnesota Baseball Program.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.