JEROME FRANCIS "JERRY" NEMANICH

Jerome Francis "Jerry" Nemanich, 71, of Ely, Minn., died Tuesday, Dec. 18, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, after complications from heart surgery.

He was born on Aug. 19, 1941 in Soudan, Minn., the son of George and Ann Nemanich.

Jerry was a 1959 graduate of Tower-Soudan High School. After serving three years in the United States Army, Jerry continued his education at the Ely Junior College and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, where he also continued with graduate level work.

Jerry married Darlene Preshiren on July 25, 1964 in Ely, Minn. They lived in the Twin Cities when Jerry was completing his degree and while he taught business at Robbinsdale High School, returning each summer so he could work in the road construction industry. Jerry, Darlene and their young family returned to Northern Minnesota in the early 70s when he accepted a regional position as Vocational Educational Coordinator for school districts throughout the area. Jerry entered into the road construction industry when he founded Ely Blacktoppers which evolved into Mesabi Bituminous, Inc. where he served as President since its inception over 30 years ago. He was incredibly proud of the projects that the company completed throughout the Arrowhead region.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Darlene of Ely; his four children Margrette (John) Newhouse of Edina, Minn., Jerelyne Nemanich of Coon Rapids, Minn., Jerome Jr. (Kristine) Nemanich of Sartell, Minn., and Tom (Jennifer) Nemanich of Eveleth Minn.; seven grandchildren Benjamin John Newhouse, Jerome William Newhouse, Josephine Pauline Nemanich, Thomas Stephen Nemanich Jr., Anna Kristine Nemanich, Anthony Frank Nemanich and Emma Margaret Nemanich; brother George (Ann) of Golden Valley, Minn.; sister Kathleen Paulson of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and brother-in-law Franklin Preshiren (Debbie) of Hoyt Lakes, Minn., and seven nieces and nephews.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22 in St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely, Minn., with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Ely Cemetery. Memorials are preferred and may be directed to the Ely Educational Foundation.

Family arrangements have been provided by Kerntz Funeral Home, Ely, Minn.

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