Bernard Zupancich

Bernard John Zupancich, 71, died Thursday, Nov. 8th, 2012, at the Essentia St. Mary's (Hospice) Medical Center in Duluth.

He was born June 14th, 1941, in Ely, MN, the son of Edward and Molly (Merhar) Zupancich, graduated from high school in Ely in 1959 and attended Jr. College also in Ely for a short time.

Bernard married Sandra Leslie Elfving on July 13th, 1963. They resided in Ely, where he was employed at the Zup's Grocery Store. They moved to Silver Bay in September of 1964, where Bernard managed the Zup's Grocery Store from 1964 until 2012.

Bernard was also the president of the Zupancich Corporation for many years and was instrumental in the great success of the 6 grocery stores they have today. Bernard is also part owner of the Americinn Hotel in Silver Bay. He has held various Board of Director positions over the years. He has received many recognition letters from the Red Cross, City of Silver Bay, Beaver Bay and Finland for all that he had done for his community and the surrounding areas. Bernard was voted Lake County's Man of the Year, voted The Blue Line Club Fan of the Year and also was voted The "M" Club Fan of the Year. This past summer the City Council posted a sign at the beginning of the golf course road and at the end, in dedication to Bernard and his brother Edward for all that they have done in getting the road paved.

Bernard was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Silver Bay. He loved to hunt, fish, bowl, golf, play cards and attend high school sporting events. Anything that was happening in town - you would probably see "Bernie" there.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward, mother-in-law Eileen Elfving, and a brother-in-law, Joe Jamnick.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Sandra, his son, Brian (Theresa) of Silver Bay; three siblings, Theresa Jamnick of Ely, Paul (Pat) of Ely, Robert (Deb) of Ely; a sister-in-law Judith Zupancich of Silver Bay, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Thank you to Father Frank for anointing Bernard and Father Tom for your prayers and blessings at Bernard's bedside.

Service will be at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Silver Bay on Saturday, Nov. 17th at 11:00AM with visitation at 10:00AM. Lunch will be served at the Silver Bay Re-Union Hall after the service. Memorials are preferred.