Nick Obradovich

IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. - Nick Obradovich, 61, of Iron Mountain, passed away Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, at his home.

He was born March 26, 1956, in Wakefield, son of the late Nick and Arlene (Toomey) Obradovich. Nick grew up in Mountain Iron, Minn., Stoddard, Wis., and Ramsay, Mich., and graduated Bessemer High School, Class of 1974. He played football under the guidance of coach Pat Gallinagh and received all-conference honors with the Speedboys.

Upon graduating high school, Nick received a football scholarship and attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Before completing his engineering degree, Nick was accepted as an apprentice in the pipefitters union and was an exceptional welder.

He proudly served in the U.S. National Guard Engineering Battalion, Ironwood, and completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., serving as platoon leader.

He was the former president of UA Pipefitters Local 806, Ironwood, and the head of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee. Nick worked for many mechanical contractors over the years on industrial construction, ranging from installing all ice making piping at the Pat O'Donnell Civic Center in Ironwood to overseeing 700 different tradesmen and women on a gasification plant in North Dakota. Nick was a proud member of the pipefitters union for over 43 years. Following his retirement through Local 111, he continued to work as project manager or piping superintendent throughout the country for Jamar and CR Meyer.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Rogers on Aug. 25, 1984, in Watersmeet.

On his down time, Nick loved spending time at his hunting camp, the "Serbian Lodge" in Watersmeet, which was the center of many family gatherings. He was a talented, mechanically-minded individual and could fix anything. He was extremely proud of his sons, a wonderful partner to his wife, and a dependable patriarch to his entire family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy; two sons, Mike Obradovich, Menomonee Falls, Wis. and Tim Obradovich (Kathryn Genoa), Ann Arbor; two brothers, Tom Obradovich, Ramsay, and Dan (Susan) Obradovich, Wakefield; one sister, Mary (Jeff) Senk, Lake Gogebic; in-laws Mike (Connie) Rogers and Greg (Susan) Rogers of Watersmeet, and Carolyn Rogers of Grosse Pointe Farms; nieces and nephews, Shane, Nick Rachel, Mary, Tina, Joe, Billy, Lisa and Justin; and his dog, Bella.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 4, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Pastor Doug Johnson will officiate. After the service, the family will host an hour of fellowship and remembrance of Nick at Bimbo's, Northside Iron Mountain.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Nick or leave a condolence for his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron Mountain, to honor Nick's legacy of life.