William S. Bombich Sr.

William S. Bombich, Sr., 89, of Gilbert, passed away quietly on Friday, while surrounded by family. Visitation will be Monday from 5-7pm at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert and for one hour prior to the 10am Funeral Mass on Tuesday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gilbert. Fr. Frank Perkovich will be celebrant. Burial with military honors by the Gilbert VFW Post will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Bill (also affectionately called "Pops" or "B") was born August 17, 1923 in Elcor, Minnesota and graduated as president of his class from Gilbert High School. Bill served in the military as a mechanic responsible for maintenance and repair of fighter aircraft (P38) as well as keeping the aircraft log for flight time and engine run times. He served for three years in the Asiatic Pacific Theater of operation in India and Burma and was later promoted to airplane crew chief and staff sergeant, assigning men under him to jobs. On May 20, 1950, Bill married his sweetheart, Annabelle Dukich. He spent over 4 decades working for Erie Mining Company as a large equipment mechanic and was a member of the Gilbert VFW Post 4456. Bill was known throughout the community for the recycling business he ran for many years. An avid Vikings and Twins fan, Bill also enjoyed watching his sons play softball. Bill is survived by Daughters: Margie (Paul) Kent of West Eveleth, MN, and Beth (Paul) Anderson of Ham Lake, MN; Sons: Bill "Simba" (Sue) Bombich of Superior, WI, and Dave "Mule" or "Bomber" (Jeanne) Bombich of Virginia, MN; Three Grandchildren: Matthew, Katie, and Emily Bombich; Many nieces and nephews whom he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Annabelle; Two Sons in infancy: Robert and James; Parents, brothers, and sisters.