Norman “mike” Mihaljevic Obituary (1923 - 2013)

Born May 10, 1923, Norman “mike” Mihaljevic attended Zion-benton High School in Zion, IL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Norman “mike” Mihaljevic.

Graduation Year	Class of 1941
Date of Birth	May 10, 1923
Date of Passing	Jan 10, 2013
About	"Mike" 89, of Lake Forest, Illinois was taken home by the Lord on January 10, 2013. He was born on May 10, 1923 to parents Nicholas and Lydia Mihaljevic in Des Plaines, Illinois. The family moved to Zion in 1929. Mike attended Zion Parochial School and graduated from Zion Benton Township High School in 1941. In December 1942 he joined the US Army and served as a Sargent with the 89th Infantry Division, 340th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery B.; in the European Theater until January 1946. Following his return to civilian life, he took advantage of the GI Bill and completed a Plumbing Apprenticeship Program and went to work for Koetz and Barton Plumbing for the majority of his career. He married his first wife, Christine McCleary, raised a family, and was very active in his church and the community. He served as a Boy Scout Leader, School Board Member, Election Judge, Church Trustee, and Usher as well as a member of many church committees. Mike was a "people person" and a joy to be around. He enjoyed many years of square and round dancing with the Saints & Swingers as well as fishing, camping, and traveling and the many friends he made along the way. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and was a true friend to all who knew him. Mike is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lynda; his children, Richard (Rita) Mihaljevic of Lake Zurich, Illinois, Janet Paxton of Waukegan, Illinois, and Alan (Cindy) Mihaljevic of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois; grandchildren, Nicholas, Joseph, and Connor Mihaljevic, Philip (Debra) Paxton, Krystle (Paul) Welch, Jennifer (Tony) Lamb, Justine (Derek) Carruthers; and great-grandchild, Joseph Welch. He is also survived by his sister, Betty Kerner and many nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Christine; his parents, Nicholas and Lydia Mihaljevic; brother, Don Mihaljevic; grandson, Jarrod Mihaljevic and step-grandson, Jason Richardson.