Ferdinand “Buck” Secola Jr.,

Ferdinand “Buck” Secola Jr., 61, of Orr, passed away on Friday, April 29^th, at Essentia-St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth .

He was born in Virginia on May 16, 1949 , to Ferdinand and Clara (Porter) Secola. He grew up in Virginia , graduated from Virginia High School , and attended college in Minneapolis . “Buck”, as he was known to all, was a charter pilot in Bismarck , ND , a conservation officer for Bois Forte, and a construction millwright who worked in nuclear power plants throughout the country.

Buck was a member of the construction Local 548 Union in St. Paul and a volunteer Fire Warden for the DNR for 25 years. He had a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing. He duck hunted-including guiding, went several times to Alaska for fishing, was on many successful moose hunting trips, and even adventured to hunt in England , Wales and Scotland . Buck was in the master class in sporting clay shooting, and earned many trophies for his skill.

He and Pam traveled extensively throughout the country in shooting competition, making long lasting friendships. He was a member of Udovich Sporting Clays of Greaney, Hibbing Trap Club, Zim Skeet Club and the Virginia Trap Club. He loved to tell stories, and had a natural gift to get people to chuckle and laugh and feel at ease. He was a great cook, and will be especially remembered for his excellent spaghetti. As in life, he continued to give after death, in that he was an eye donor that would give others the gift of sight.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Buck is survived by his soul mate of 22 years, Pam Carlson of Cook; aunts, uncles and many other special relatives, along with many, many friends.

SERVICES: Funeral services will be at 12 Noon on Wednesday (May 4^th) at the Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook, where visitation will begin at 11 AM . The Rev. Mr. Dennis Anderson will be the officiant. Special music will be provided by Keith Secola. The casket bearers will be Tom Cramer, Casey Sunsdahl, Mike Secola, Greg Padgett, Al Hanson and Mark Tomonavich. The honorary bearers will be Wes Plath, Joe McHenry and Jerry Palmer. Interment will be in the Field Township Cemetery . Lunch will follow at the Trinity Lutheran Church social hall.