John M. Kearney Jr.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the death of John Michael Kearney, Jr., age 79, of Duluth (formerly of Hibbing). John passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the Solvay Hospice House in Duluth after a courageous 2 ½ year battle with colon cancer.

John was born in Hibbing on November 3, 1945, to Evalyne (Hoganson) and John Kearney, Sr. He was a Hibbing graduate with the class of 1964. After high school, he spent 3 ½ years in the Air Force with service in Thailand and many other locations during the Vietnam War era. He received the Air Force Air Medal for meritorious service during one of his overseas assignments. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Hibbing to attend Hibbing Community College where he met his future wife, Mary Larson. They were married in August of 1970. John went on to receive his teaching degree at Bemidji State University and embarked on his 32-year teaching career.

John loved being a teacher and coach. There was not a single day that he wanted to be something else. His teaching career began at Cold Spring ROCORI Elementary School teaching Special Ed. He was fortunate to spend the rest of his teaching career in his hometown of Hibbing, teaching at Cobb Cook and Greenhaven Elementary Schools. He touched many lives and many of you touched him as well. He was blessed to coach elementary boys and girls basketball, boys and girls high school cross country and boys track.

He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, caring brother, compassionate teacher, and loyal friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Larson Kearney of Duluth, daughter Erin (Chris) Bellefy with children Alex and Grace of Hermantown; son Michael (Steph) Kearney with children Travis Portner and Ethan Kearney of Superior. Sister Karen Vesel of Hibbing, brothers Robert Kearney and Roger (Ilona) Kearney all of Hibbing. Brother-in-law Harry (Mary) Larson of Hibbing. One aunt, many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father John Kearney, Sr.; his mother and stepfather Evalyne and Robert Erickson, his sister-in-law Sharon Kearney, his nephew Bryan Patrick Kearney and uncles, aunts and cousins.

We wish to thank Dr. Nikcevich and the entire Oncology Unit for their care; the Essentia Hospice group for their patience and guidance and lastly the staff at Solvay Hospice House for their compassionate end-of-life care.

Graveside services for John, with full military honors at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 28, 2025, with a celebration of life to follow at The Androy Hotel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Animal Allies, or a charity of your choice.

He will be deeply missed but forever remembered with love and gratitude by all who were fortunate to know him. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.