Thomas Bombich

Thomas Edward Bombich, 79, of Eveleth died Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at The Waterview Woods in Eveleth. 

Thomas was born on July 1, 1945 to Anthony and Sophie (Koroshec) Bombich in Eveleth. He graduated from the Gilbert High School and then attended Eveleth Junior College. He furthered his education at UMD where he earned a master degree in education. Thomas taught in Fosston, MN, Cranden WI, Stockridge and Marion, IN. In 1976, Thomas returned to the Iron Range and taught at the Eveleth High School.  Polka music was Thomas's passion. Thomas wrote a weekly column in the Gilbert Herald for many years known as the “Polka Pulse,” and was known throughout the United States as the “Polka Ambassador.” Thomas knew most of the individuals in the United States in the polka business and included their activities in his column. Thomas played in the Tony Menart Orchestra, with his father, Anthony E. Bombich, and at Polka events such as the Ethnic Days in Chisholm. He worked for the Mesabi Polka Party Radio Show for listeners in Hibbing, Grand Rapids and Ely. He was also on the radio for WEVE AM Radio with Bobby Aro and Joe Cvar. Thomas was a member of the Iron Range Polka Association, St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gilbert, the KSKJ Lodge and the Croatian Fraternal Union.

He is survived by his brother, Anthony A. Bombich (Rebecca) of Clinton, MS; nieces: Shannon Bombich Champion and her family and Nada Palmer of Blaine, MN; nephews: Mark Bombich and family of Clinton, MS, Thomas Karl Bombich, of Jackson, MS, and Darren Bombich (Tami) of Brooklyn Park, MN; cousins: Mary Ann (Norman) Setnicker of Mahtomedi, MN, Kathy Halfaker of Virginia, Mary (Robert) Nanti of Gilbert, Sharon (Michael) Bonkosky of Blairsville, GA, Jo Ann Steeves of  Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada, Kevin Koroshec of Johnson, KS, Frank (Sharon) Koroshec of Newhall, CA, David (Chuck) Koroshec of Pasadena, CA, Gregory (Sherry) Koroshec of Ludson, SC and John (Carrie) Koroshec of Plantation, FL

 Thomas was preceded in death by a brother, Francis Robert; and his parents.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Gilbert with Fr. Brandon Moravitz celebrating. Visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home of Gilbert.