Bernard "Barney" Zubich

Bernard “Barney” Zubich

Bernard “Barney” Zubich, 79, Hibbing, died peacefully on Thursday, April 9, 2015, in his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Hibbing on Sept. 25, 1935, to Dan and Mary (Clemens) Zubich. Barney graduated from Hibbing High School and served in the National Guard. He had worked as a custodian for ISD 701 and as a warehouse manager at Mesaba Service and Supply. Barney was united in marriage to Claire Rodgers and they made their home in Hibbing.  The family wishes to extend special thanks to Gina, Sara, Megan and Joan from East Range Hospice for the wonderful care they provided for Barney.

He is survived by four children: Michele “Shelly” (Bret) Stenstrom of Hibbing, Kevin Zubich of Hibbing, Jean (Russ) Rancourt of Apple Valley, and Geri-Anne (Eric Crouch) Zubich of Golden Valley; by his companion, Deb Steadman, of Hibbing and St. Cloud and her three children: Greg Steadman, Melissa (Eric) Nystuen, and Krista (Chris) Braun;  seventeen grandchildren: Emily (Tyler) Schwerzler, Molly Stenstrom, Breanna & Callie Rancourt, Wyatt, Bianca, & Dina Crouch, Kaileah, William, & Harrison Nystuen, and Bailey, Landen, Kylee, & Beau Braun; two great-grandchildren: Marley and Reed Schwerzler (along with baby boy Schwerzler due any day);  his sister, Dessy Laurich, of Hibbing; sisters-in-law, Rosie Zubich, Patsy (Jerry) Vicari, Barbara (Mark) Plys, and Mary Kay (Stan) Venne; by brother-in-law Bill (Barbara) Rodgers and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Claire Zubich; by his parents; and by nine siblings: Mary (Joe) Baratto, Anthony (Ann) Zubich, Augustina (Fred) Schwartz, Julie (John) Edwin, Daniel (Beverly) Zubich, Frank Zubich, Charlie Zubich, Stanley (Lola) Zubich, and Barbara (Kaino) Hill.

Visitation will be Friday, April 17, 2015, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral Mass. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .