Clinton Kanipes

Clinton Henry “Hank” Kanipes

Clinton Henry “Hank” Kanipes, 93, Hibbing, died Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Chisholm.  He was born in Hibbing on Nov. 13, 1921, to John Henry and Marcella (Borzaga) Kanipes.  Hank graduated from Hibbing High School in 1939, and he served in the CCC Camps during his high school years.  After graduation, he worked for Oliver Mining Company and then was drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II.  Hank served as a B-24 pilot during the war.  Upon his honorable discharge, Hank returned to Hibbing and was united in marriage to Eva Pocrnich.  He worked for US Steel, retiring as a maintenance mechanic from MinnTac.  He was a lifelong baseball fan who also closely followed Hibbing High School athletics.  Hank enjoyed Monday night cribbage at the Senior Center as well as keeping up with business and politics.  He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Hibbing Horseshoe Club, and Minnesota Ore Operations Credit Union Board of Directors.

He is survived by three children:  Joann (Vergil) Ulrich, Hibbing, James (Patty) Kanipes, Hibbing, and Susan (Kevin) Kern, McGregor; by seven grandchildren:  Tina (Shawn) Oles, LaTisha (Darren) Gietzen, Janna (Greg Hunter) Ulrich, Gabriel (Stephanie) Kern, Kristi (Jason) Hicks, Joseph Kanipes, Anthony Kanipes; by two great-grandchildren Logan Gietzen and Sammantha Oles; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.    Hank was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Kanipes; by his parents; by a sister, Lucille Romani; and by a brother, Daniel Kanipes.

Visitation will be Friday October 23, 2015, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Hibbing, from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral Mass.  Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hibbing.  Memorials will be forwarded to the Hibbing High School Baseball Booster Club.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .