North Star Port

DULUTHPORT.COM | 13 Edward A. Ruisi, 93, formerly of Duluth, a long-time ship agent with Guthrie-Hubner, died Nov. 29, 2024, at a care center in North- field, Minnesota. He was born and raised in Westerly, Rhode Island. After graduating from high school, he served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, much of that time aboard the USS Tarawa. Ruisi started his career as a ship agent on the East Coast. He moved from New York to the Twin Ports to join Guthrie-Hubner in 1959, the year the St. Lawrence Seaway opened. Known as "Eddie" to friends on the water- front, Ruisi worked long, hard hours on the docks and in Guthrie-Hubner's waterfront office, earning a reputation as one of the best ship agents in the business. According to a 2003 profile in North Star Port, "(Ruisi) thrived on being on the spot—watching over his ships, taking care of his captains and crews, getting vessels unloaded and loaded, fighting rain and wind and fog, coordinating tasks being done by inspectors and state and federal officials and laborers, work- ing seven days a week." He shared a long friendship with former Duluth Seaway Port Authority Director Davis Helberg, who he met when Helberg was also a ship agent at Guthrie-Hubner. Ruisi retired in 2003 at the age of 72 to focus on his health, family, and interests that included reading, listening to music, and serving as an active member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. He is survived by his son John (Katie) Ruisi, four grandchil- dren, and numerous other family members. Dennis Medjo, 78, of Duluth, an advocate for preserving the Great Lakes' rich mar- itime history, died Oct. 18, 2024. Medjo's diverse career included raising animals as a zookeeper, playing in bands and running entertainment venues. He served as a man- ager of AMC movie theaters in the Midwest and opened several theaters across the country. He was the inaugural director of Duluth's OmniMax theater when it opened in 1996 at the Duluth Entertainment Con- vention Center (DECC), and he also over- saw the DECC's William A. Irvin ore boat, a floating museum. In retirement, Medjo dedicated significant time as an active member and president of the Lake Superior Marine Museum board and volunteered to help restore the West Theater in Duluth. His wit, generosity and resourcefulness will be missed by many. James "Jim" Lee Woodard, 81, of Duluth, a longtime Great Lakes sailor, died Sept. 26, 2024. Woodard was born in Escanaba, Michigan, and moved to Duluth with his family as a grade school student. He sailed on the Great Lakes for over 25 years with the Columbia Transportation Company Fleet (part of Oglebay Norton Company), retiring as a first mate. In retirement, he and his wife Corrine split their time between Duluth and El Frida, Arizona. He is survived by his son Jim Woodard Jr., two grandsons, and many other family members. Former Guthrie-Hubner ship agent Edward A. Ruisi was considered one of the best in the business. Daniel "Dan" Rey Ericksen, 55, of Duluth, died unexpectedly Nov. 19, 2024, at Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center. Born Dec. 27, 1968, in Duluth, Ericksen was a lifelong resident of the city he deeply loved. At the time of his passing, he served as vice presi- dent of the International Longshoreman's Association Local 1037, with which he had worked since age 17. Ericksen was known for his great sense of humor and ability to make people laugh, which made his job and life more enjoyable. A 1987 graduate of Duluth Central High School, Ericksen excelled in basketball and remained an avid sports fan throughout his life. His greatest joy was his son, Dominic, with whom he shared cherished memories of hunting, fishing and sporting events. Ericksen is survived by his mother, Diane; son, Dominic; brothers Tim, "Rocky" (Tracy Davey) and James (Stephanie); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley, and his grandparents. + PORT PASSINGS In Memoriam

• Cover