John B. Pouchnik

John B. Pouchnik, 77, of Ely, passed away on September 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth. He was born in Eveleth on August 15, 1948 to parents John J. and Lillian E. Pouchnik. He went to Ely High School and graduated in 1966. He was a state champion downhill skier in high school. He then went into the Air Force on October of 1966 and was honorably discharged in June of 1967.

After the service he went to the Minnesota School of Business and graduated as a court reporter. He started working in Ely and later worked in New Ulm and in St. Paul as well as other locations. He worked for the Minnesota Supreme Court before returning to the Iron Range in Virginia.

He was very musically inclined and played keyboard and accordion for many special occasions. He sang with the Apollo Choir in Minneapolis and spent 15 years singing with Father Perkovich’s Polka Mass. One of the performances was at the Vatican with Pope John Paul II in attendance. He also sang with the Ely Slovenian Choir for many years. 

Many will remember John and Mary Jo singing “I Got You Babe” at Zaverl’s on karaoke night.  He and his wife loved to travel and visited many locations throughout the United States.

John married Mary Jo Gornik in 1997. They got together in Slovenia and were later married. They lived in Roseville, MN for about ten years, then moved to Scottsdale, AZ for15 years and summered in Ely. John had a polka show on Ely TV for five years while in Ely. The show can still be seen on Ely TV. They moved back to Minnesota in June of 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Bonnie Dargis and Judy McPherson.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo (Gornik) Pouchnik, sister in laws Nancy (Doug) McReady, Karen (Pat) Jankowski, brother-in-laws Bob (Carol) Gornik, Tom McPherson, along with two nieces and four nephews, and multiple cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely with visitation one hour prior and lunch to follow.

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home in Ely.

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