John Pocrnich

John G. Pocrnich (Potsie)

John G, Pocrnich,  91, died October 2, 2017 at Lustila Alternative Senior Living in Hibbing, MN.  Potsie was born on April 23, 1926 in the location of Carson Lake, MN. When the mining company expanded the mine into Carson Lake Location the family moved to Leetonia where he resided until September 2017. His parents, Joseph and Francis (Hecimovich) Pocrnich came to the US from Perusic Croatia.

Potsie served in the US Army during WWII. He was in the Rainbow Division and involved in the liberation of Dachau in April 1945.

He worked on the ore boats and had some great tales of his experience to tell. He also worked at Hanna Mining Company as a vulcanizer. He retired in 1988 and soon after Pots and his brother Anton and two nieces took a trip to Croatia. They visited the family homestead. They even found some long lost cousins!

He enjoyed hunting and fishing and 4-wheeling and anything outdoors. He spent time traveling to the various casinos on the Iron Range. He especially enjoyed making pancakes and sarmas and brownies for family events. He loved spending time with his many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Mandy Polich, Anna Madeoy, Michael Pocrnich, Eva Kanipes and Anton Pocrnich. He is survived by two sisters-in-law: Patricia Pocrnich and Charlotte Pocrnich and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home on: Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with
the Rev. Fr. Frank Perkovich officiating. Visitation beginning at 1:00 pm.

Burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery with full military honors accorded by Mid-Range Honor Guard. Memorials are preferred to Mid-Range Honor Guard, P. O. Box 495, Keewatin, MN  55753

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