Michigamme- Wilson J. Boback, age 92, long time Michigamme resident, passed away
Monday, June 27, 2011 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans while under the care of
UP Home Health & Hospice.

Wilson was born December 16, 1918 in Iron River, MI to John & Ida (Frick) Boback. He
graduated from Michigamme High School, class of 1936. Wilson's first job was helping
his mother run her business, being in charge of sales. From 1936 to 1942 Wilson worked
various jobs from a meat cutter to a brief mining career with the Mary Charlotte Mine for
North Range Iron Mining.

In December 1942 Wilson signed up with the U.S. Army. Wilson began in Fort
Sheridan, IL and was selected with two others in his outfit for paratroop training. He
joined up with the 501st Airborne and later joined up with the famous 101st Airborne, the
"Screaming Eagles". Wilson and much of his 101st Airborne were dropped behind
German lines near Carentan, France, at 2 am on June 6, 1944, D Day. Wilson was
honorably discharged in December 1945 from Camp Atterbury, Indiana. He received
many decorations and citations including the Purple Heart for his service to his country.

Wilson eventually returned to Michigamme where he started his own business, Wilson's
Service station which he sold when his first child, a son John was born in 1948. Wilson
worked as a logger after that but had a few close calls so went back to work as a miner.
He worked at the Champion Mine, the Tracy Mine and later transferred to Minnesota
with LTV Mining in 1971. Wilson retired in 1975.

Wilson kept active in the town of Michigamme, being a caretaker for many camp owners
on Lake Michigamme. A story written by John Bartlow Martin titled "The Icy Taste of Winter" was published in Life
Magazine which Wilson Boback was a part of.

Wilson is survived by two children: John (Sue) Boback of Ishpeming and LuAnn
(Robert) Houg of Republic, a brother Harold Boback of Stillwater, MN; 10
grandchildren: Connie (Steve) Schultz, Becky Boback, Daniel (Deb) Sorensen, Jan
(Jeremy) Levi, Katie (Mike Lee) Sorensen, Bobbi (Craig) Rice, Shannon Chatman,
Gabrielle (Tim) Grunlund, Robert (Fawn) Houg and Breanna Houg, 19 great
grandchildren along with nieces, nephews, a special cousin Norma Potter of Potomac,
MD and many close friends and caregivers in the community of Michigamme. Wilson
was preceded in death by his wife Ida and a sister Luella Foster.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM Thursday, June 30, 2011 at the Bjork &
Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with Rev. Katherine Finegan officiating. Inurnment
will take place in the Lakeview Cemetery in Michigamme.

The family will greet relatives and friends at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on
Thursday from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm.

The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 380 will conduct Military Honors at the
conclusion of the service.

A luncheon will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 414 E. Ridge Street, following the
memorial service.

Memorial considerations may be directed to the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans, activity
fund in memory of Wilson Boback.

Wilson's obituary may be viewed at www.bjorkandzhulkie.com where his guest book
may be signed.