Frank Michael Modich, 62, of Hibbing, died peacefully but unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 19, at his Hibbing home. Frank was born in Keewatin, Minn., and raised in Keewatin and Hibbing. Frank attended Cobb Cook Elementary and Hibbing High School. He was a proud member of the United States Navy from 1963-1967, specializing in metal work. While on the USS Ogden he made several tours of Vietnam, Hawaii and the Phillippines. Frank graduated from Itasca Community College and the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in industrial education and social studies. On May 3, 1969 he married the love of his life of 40 years, his wife, Claudia Holmbeck. Following this, his life took him down many paths. Previous employment included Sabin Brothers Blacktopping, Irathane Systems, School District 316 as an industrial arts teacher, Town of Stuntz tax assessor, Hibbing police officer, Hibbing Taconite Training and Safety Director, Hibbing Taconite Fire Chief, Hibbing City Councilor, owner of Range Blacktop, Hibbing Wagon Wheel, and Modich Farms, his beloved cattle farm in Little Swan, Minn. Frank was currently employed at Hibbing Taconite Company as a welder. For 20 years Frank also served as assistant coach and head coach of the Hibbing Golden Gloves, providing boxing skills and mentorship to many Range boys. He was also a proud member of Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and Minnesota Trappers Association. Frank's favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, bird watching, and spending time with his family and friends at the Deer Shack. Frank loved his family and many friends who shared his interests and passions. All who knew Frank will remember his strong work ethic, his ready offer to lend a hand to stranger or friend, and his ability to "strike up a conversation" with everyone he encountered. He loved his wife, his son, his special brother and friend, Mike, his loving sister, Anne, his family, and his friends who will be lonely without him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Frank Modich; numerous aunts and uncles; and his beloved dogs, Bozo and Brutus. Frank leaves behind his wife, Claudia Modich of Hibbing; son, Frank Modich of Hibbing; sister, Anne Marie (Delbert) Reich of Balkan Township; brother, Mike (Patricia) Modich of Side Lake, Minn.; and many close extended family and personal friends. Frank, you will be dearly loved and missed but never forgotten. May angels hold you in their loving embrace. FUNERAL SERVICE: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2009 in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. The Rev. Fr. Peter Muhich will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 22, 2009 in the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing. Interment will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery of Hibbing. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.
Frank Modich SMF2
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Plank Owner