Obituary of Norman Mihaljevic

Norman "Mike" Mihaljevic, 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 & 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, & Alan (Cindy) Mihaljevic of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois; grandchildren, Nicholas, Joseph, & 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 & nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his first wife, Christine, his parents Nicholas & Lydia Mihaljevic, brother Don Mihaljevic, grandson Jarrod Mihaljevic & step grandson Jason Richardson. Visitation will be held Thursday, January 17, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, Ill and Friday January 18, 2013 from 10:00 to 11:00 am with the funeral service at 11:00 am at Memorial Untied Methodist Church, 2935 Sheridan Rd., Zion, Ill. Interment will follow at North Shore Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Memorial United Methodist Church in Mike's memory may be made.