John Paver

Lifelong Hibbing resident John Paver passed away on Sept 25 at the St. Cloud Hospital,

succumbing to complications that began with a hip infection. He passed peacefully in his

sleep, with his children at his side in his final hours.

John was born in the Leetonia home of Anton and Frances (Briski) Paver as a younger

brother to siblings Mary and Albin. By all accounts, he enjoyed the typical upbringing of

a “Location” kid and developed enduring friendships and built many happy memories

with those he grew up with in the area.

John captained the Hibbing High School basketball team before graduating in 1950, then

passed on an offer to attend college (which he said he later regretted) to enter the

workforce. In 1955, he married a fellow Location kid, Marlene Krtinich, and they gave

birth to Jeff a year later, followed by Craig (1959) and Michelle (1966). They enjoyed 57

wonderful years of marriage together before Marlene passed in 2012. The house they

built in 1960 remained the family home the rest of their lives.

John retired from National Steel work life in 1991after 40 years working at various

ore/taconite mines in the area. He participated in fast/slow pitch softball and was a league

bowler in both Hibbing and Nashwauk for years. He deeply enjoyed his family, fishing

trips to Canada, canning, cooking and serving friends and family, reading his newspapers,

and gazing out at the lake from his cabin. He had a dry wit and a big heart that helped

temper his frustration following any Vikings loss. He was a member of Blessed

Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing and the American Legion in Keewatin as well as

the Hanna Retirees Club.

John is survived by two children, Craig (Kathy) Paver of Washington D.C., Michelle

(Alan) Redding of St. Augusta, MN; grandchildren, Rita, Jack, Abby, Ana, Alex, and

Jake; plus two great-grandchildren, Nolan and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his

parents and siblings, as well as wife, Marlene and son Jeff.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family of life-long Hibbing resident John A. Paver, will be hosting a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 18.

A brief service with officiant’s remarks will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home with visitation at 11 am, service 11:30 am.

Immediately following will be a casual gathering with lunch at the American Legion Post # 452, 207 N. 1st St., Keewatin, from 1 pm - 3 pm. Friends and

family of John are very welcome to attend either or both gatherings.