John Borovac

John Borovac

John Borovac, 102, a lifelong resident of Hibbing, passed away on November 15, 2015, at Heritage Manor, Chisholm, with several of his children and a favorite nurse at his bedside.

Mr. Borovac was the beloved patriarch of a large family including eight children, and many grand and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his adored wife, Bernadine, who passed at 95 years of age.

His children include Joyce (Gregg) Borovac Reynolds, Olympia, WA; John Borovac, San Anselmo, CA; Michael (Carole) Borovac, Side Lake, MN: Mary Borovac Keele of Chisholm; Margaret “Peggy” (Lou) Borovac Corazza, Juneau, AK; and Clare (Chris) Borovac Scott, Hopkins, MN. Daughters Kathleen Borovac and Patricia Borovac preceded their father in death.

During the Great Depression, with no jobs to be found in the Hibbing area, John rode the rails across the country looking for work. Right after the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, he tried to enlist but was ineligible due to a back injury. Despite that rejection he returned monthly until war’s end trying to join up. His mining industry job was ruled “critical to the war effort,” thus disqualifying him permanently from service – much to his dismay.

He was a shovel operator in the mines for over 24 years, working at Bethlehem Steel’s Scranton mine, Hibbing, and Republic Steel’s mine, Liberia, West Africa, in the early 60’s. The Borovac’s youngest daughter, Clare, was born while the family lived there.

While in Liberia, John picked up golf, a game he enjoyed until his late 90’s.  He stayed active until he entered the nursing home at 99, walking and biking daily when the weather allowed.

Visitation will be from noon to 1:00 PM, with a memorial service at 1:00 PM and light refreshments to follow on Friday, November 20, 2015, at Dougherty Funeral Home, 2615 1 ^st Ave, Hibbing, MN.  Memorials can be sent to the Salvation Army, “Sally Ann,” who fed and cared for John during his days on the rails.  To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.doughertyofhibbing.com .