William Magajna

William “Bill” E. Magajna
William “Bill” E. Magajna, 91, of Hibbing, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 2, 2017.  Bill was born August 6, 1925 to Joe and Mary Magajna in Mountain Iron, MN.  He graduated from Mountain Iron High School in 1943 and was drafted into SEABEES Naval Construction Battalion at Camp Perry Virginia, in November of that same year.  His tour during WWII included overseas assignments in New Guinea, Philippines, Guam, and Japan.
After his honorable discharge in 1946, Bill attended Virginia Junior College, University of Minnesota Duluth, and finally University of Minnesota receiving his Masters Degree in Administration Vocational Education.  Bill started his career teaching Business Education at Baudette High School.  He then taught accounting and was the Vocational Coordinator, and Director of Adult Education at Brainerd Junior College.  In 1962 he moved to Hibbing and he established the Hibbing Area Vocational Technical College and was the Director under the Hibbing School district for 24 years until his retirement in June of 1989.
He was active in many clubs and organizations including: The Kiwanis Club, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mesaba Country Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Hibbing Curling Club.  Bill was also a member of The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church parish.
Bill married Rose Pagliarini on September 3, 1949.  Together they had two children Dr. William Albert (Re Nae) Magajna of Side Lake, MN and Deborah (Tom) Varichak of Side Lake, MN.  Rose passed away at the age of 71 years in 1997.  He then married Dorothy Rosenquist on September 12, 1998 and gained stepchildren: Judy (Phil) Bergerson of Duluth, MN, Jane (Nick) Ouke of Eveleth, MN, Jerry Rosenquist (Terry) of Eveleth, MN, and James Rosenquist of Iron, MN.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his son, and stepchildren; grandchildren: Jennifer Tintor of Maple Grove, MN, Jessica (Rob) Russo of Hibbing, MN, Dr. Patrick (Stephanie) Magajna of San Diego, CA, and Joe Magajna of Bozeman, MT; great grandson Jacob Russo, a sister Marjorie (Quinto) Bocci of Minneapolis, MN and numerous nieces, nephews, step nieces and step nephews.  Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose, his daughter Deborah and sisters Esther Cerar and Dolores Cerar.
Service for Bill will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 11 am at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church of Hibbing.  The Fr. Rev. Beau Braun will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.  Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the Church on Saturday.  Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.  Memorials may be made to North Star Hospice.
To leave an online message of condolence please visit our website at www.doughertyofhibbing.com

---