Dwain Dale Staples, 89, of Grand Marais, died October 9, 2017 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Born January 22, 1928 in Grand Marais, Dwain was the seventh and youngest child of Daniel and Elmie (Ghoslin) Staples. He grew up on a small farming homestead on Cook County Road 6 and spent his childhood hunting, fishing, and exploring the woods with his three brothers.
He married his childhood sweetheart, Joanne Ingram, in April 1949. Together, they built a home on the outskirts of Grand Marais and raised three children. Dwain spent his career working for the Cook County Highway Department as a highway maintenance worker and he especially enjoyed getting to know Gunflint Trail resort owners on his winter plow route.
Music was an important part of Dwain’s life. As a member of the First Congregational Church, he sang in the choir and he often provided music at gatherings with friends. In 1991, Dwain was recognized with his friend, Axel Haavisto, as Cook County Senior Citizens of the Year for their volunteer work playing music at the North Shore Care Center.
A firearms enthusiast and skilled hand-loader, Dwain had a lifetime love of the outdoors and relished time hunting and fishing. Airplanes, dogs, long drives, travel, woodworking, and spending time with friends and family were among his many interests.
In their retirement, he and Joanne spent many winters exploring the American Southwest, eventually establishing a winter home in Marble Falls, Texas. He played in the Gunflint Hills Golf Club and served as a member of the Homestead Cooperative Board. After Joanne’s death in 2008, Dwain shared his life with Patricia Backlund and was warmly welcomed into her family.
Dwain is survived by his children, Robert, Mary Igoe (Peter), and Peggy Jo, all of Grand Marais; his grandchildren, Ada Igoe (Andy McDonnell) of the Gunflint Trail, and Peter Igoe (Ashley) of Grand Rapids, Mich.; his dear friend Patricia Backlund and her family; and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Joanne, and his six siblings, Evelina, Frank, Neva, Alice, Obern, and Vernon.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 21 at the First Congregational Church, Grand Marais, at 11 a.m. Private interment at Maple Hill Cemetery.
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