Obituary of John Martin Polich

John M. Polich, 97, of Cromwell, MN, formerly of Arrowhead Township was called home and passed peacefully on July 4, 2022 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth, MN.

John was born on November 24, 1924 at home in Arrowhead Township, St. Louis County MN. He was the youngest of 11 children, born to Joseph & Anna Polich. He grew up and lived on the farm that his family homesteaded and built in 1914.

John graduated from Floodwood High School in 1942 and exceled at Football. After graduation he stayed and helped run the family’s Dairy Farm business. John spent 12 years working at the Super Wood Plant near Floodwood while also being a self-employed logger until his retirement in 1985.

He was a very gifted mechanic. His ability to repair and make any tractor, engine or piece of equipment operate was simply amazing.

During his retirement he met his best friend and life companion Lila Niskanen. They spent 35+ years together until her passing in November of 2019.

John was dedicated and cared deeply for his family. It was important for him to stay connected with family and was proud of the family’s Century Farm legacy.

John was a great area historian, a friend to all who knew him and a father figure to many.

John was a resident at the Cardinal Court Assisted Living in Cromwell, MN since June of 2018.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Joseph Jr. (Roko), Anton, Michael, Nickolas (Helen Clark), Sylvester, sisters; Katherine (Nicholas) Zauhar, Laura (Arthur) Miller, Sophie (Robert) Maley, Francis (Willard) Dalbacka, Louise (Walter) Whitrow.

John will be sadly missed and is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Steve (Lynn) Polich; his extended family Marlys (Tom) Piontek, Lois Aho, Rodney (Adele) Niskanen, Kathy (Phillip) Stenson.

A Graveside service will be held at Hope Lutheran Cemetery in Floodwood, MN on Sunday July 17, 2022 at 2:00 pm with Father Pio Atonio presiding.