Michael Popovich

Funeral service for Michael Popovich, 35, of Aurora will be 2 pm Thursday, April 16, 2015 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora led by Jay Hansen. Visitation will be 5-7 pm Wednesday and continue one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Michael died Saturday, April 11, 2015 at Essentia Health – St. Mary’s in Duluth. Michael was born on March 14, 1980 to Carrie Oman in Virginia, MN. He grew up and attended Mesabi East High School, Class of 1998. He attended Mesabi Community College, the University of Minnesota-Duluth and subsequently graduated from Lake Superior College with a degree in broadcasting. Michael also studied abroad in Akita, Japan focusing on Japanese language, society, religion, and culture. This is where Michael honed in on one of his great skills, which became his true passion, the culinary art of sushi. Michael along with his co-workers, earned the honor of “Best Sushi 2010” from the Minneapolis Citypages.com. Michael was a true “Top Chef” to all he cooked for. Another of his loves in life was his music. Michael played electric and acoustic guitar as a member of numerous bands, including Johnny2Pump. Among Michael’s other interests was his Finnish heritage. He attended Salolampi Finnish Language Camp and had been a counselor at the camp. Michael’s love of children made him “Uncle Mike” to many. Michael is survived by his mother: Carrie Popovich; his father: Larry Popovich; his maternal grandparents: Albert and Doris Oman; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends; and his favorite furry friend, Katie Oman.