John Michael Porubensky

John Michael “Johnny” Porubensky, age 85, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026. Johnny lived a life centered on family, service, hard work, and kindness to everyone he met.

Johnny was born on October 14, 1940, in Youngstown, Ohio, to immigrant parents whose roots traced to Eastern Europe. He grew up enjoying the outdoors and developed many of the hands-on skills that would stay with him throughout his life. As a young man he loved fishing, hunting deer, woodworking, and spending time outdoors. He was known for being friendly to everyone he met and always willing to lend a helping hand.

At age 17, Johnny joined the United States Air Force and proudly served his country for 22 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. During his military career he was stationed at several bases across the country, including North Dakota, Missouri, Montana, and South Dakota. After his service, Johnny and his family settled in Rapid City, South Dakota, where they built their life together.

Johnny married the love of his life, Bonnie Carleene Porubensky, on April 18, 1959. Together they shared more than six decades of marriage and raised two sons while traveling during Johnny’s military service before making their permanent home in Rapid City.

Johnny worked as a baker for a time and later spent many years working in plumbing. He was known for his strong work ethic, organization, and practical skills. Around home he enjoyed gardening, building things, and maintaining a tidy, well-kept household. He loved coaching Little League, participating in scouting activities, westerns, grilling for family and friends, and cheering for his favorite teams, including the Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.

Family was the center of Johnny’s life. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and took pride in supporting them in every way possible.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Bonnie, and two sisters.

He is survived by his sons Neil (Kathy) Porubensky and Mike Porubensky; six grandchildren: Ryan (Rachel) Porubensky, Aaron Porubensky, Jordan (Kallie) Porubensky, Amanda John, Brandon (Tabitha) Porubensky, and Brittany Porubensky; and seven great-grandchildren: Haddie, Carson, Theodore, Sage, Brianna, Halie, and Travis. He is also survived by his sister Beverly (Charles) Alexander, nieces Crystal and Laural Brock, and many additional nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Johnny will be remembered for his strong sense of duty, his quiet generosity, his love of family, and the steady presence he brought to those around him.

A joint funeral service honoring both Johnny and his beloved wife Bonnie, whom he kept close to him after her passing, will be held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home. Burial with military honors and color guard will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Family and friends are invited to a reception and celebration of life from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Moose Lodge to share memories and honor their lives together.