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1918
2016
Estelle U. Latkovich, nee Uzelac, late of Calumet City,IL, passed away January 30, 2016. She was born January 15, 1918 to Mildred Vukelich Uzelac and Dan Uzelac. Her mother died when Estelle was only four years old and she was lovingly raised by her father and step-mother Mildred Lovrich Uzelac. Estelle lived in Chicago and graduated from J.N. Thorp Grammar School and J.H. Bowen High School. After graduation she worked as a clerk in the five-and-dime store and at the steel mill. In 1941 she married Nick Latkovich and they were married for over fifth-six years. They operated a grocery store for many years in the South Deering (Irondale) neighborhood. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Estelle traveled to many European and Asian countries. She flew to London on the Concorde and marveled at its speed and all the amenities bestowed upon its passengers. Estelle was a parishioner of St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church in Lansing, a Sunday School Teacher, a member of the Church Circle of Serbian Sisters,Serbian Seniors Social Club, Serbian National Federation Lodge, and a supporting member of the Serbian Singing Society "Sloboda." Estelle patronized the arts and culture of the city shed loved - Chicago. She was a member of the Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and Lincoln Park Zoo. She was affectionately known as "The Valentine Lady", because of the great number of valentines she sent to relatives and friends. She contributed generously to her church, charitable organizations, and her beloved family. Estelle was the sister of Margie (the late Alfred) Kudar, the late Violet (the late John) Zack. the late Ann (the late Dragie) Zuzuly, and the late Sam Uzelac; sister-in-law to Mitzi (the late Chris) Gousetis, the late Dan and Ida Latkovich, the late Mitzi and Leon Ojeda, the late Mary and Clarence Frank, and the late Robert Latkovich; and is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews, great-grand nieces and Kumovi. Funeral Services will be held on February 3, 2016 at St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 1500 E. 186th St. Lansing,IL. at 11:00 a.m. Estelle will lie in state at the church from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, with the Very Rev. Dr. Milos M. Vesin officiating. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, Hammond,IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church of Lansing,IL, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements made by Kompare Funeral Home, Chicago,IL (773) 768-8800.
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OMG just yesterday, I was thinking that Valentine's day is approaching and we no longer have our great letter writer and Valentine lady. Thoughts of you always bring a smile to our heart.
Christine Navarro
Friend
January 27, 2019
ao mi je zbog vaeg gubitka. Nadam se da ete pronai mir i udobnost u Boju rije Bibliju.
Carlos
February 27, 2016
My mom, Mary Kristovic Williams was a long time friend. Missing Stell, and knowing that they are reconnecting in heaven. Missing the Valentine Lady.
Carol Bentivegna
February 7, 2016
Dear God, where do you start. My deepest sympathy to the family and close friends too. I am so sorry that I could not be there today. I had shoulder surgery and a doctor's appointment which I could not change. I have so many fond memories of both Estelle and Nick too. My gosh those are in my memory forever! Good memories that will stay with me until the day I die. You can't make people like them anymore. Just like my parents......the mold is broken. I loved them with all my heart and my sister is watching over them right now. My deepest sympathy to you all. Love, Nevi Rakich
February 3, 2016
May God bless you and may you rest in peace. When I was a young man you and Nick treated me with kindness and warm friendship, I will never forget that.
James Bendinelli
February 2, 2016
My sweet Aunt Estelle...I have so many wonderful childhood memories but my adulthood memory was one of my very favorites! Aunt Estelle came to Anaheim for a AARP Convention several years ago and I met her there. We went to the Lawrence Welk Museum and we spent the entire day and evening together. I learned so many wonderful things about her and Uncle Nick. When I asked her what the secret was to her aging gracefully, she responded, "Enjoying a martini every evening. I also like a good margarita or a beer with no head." We laughed and giggled all day and night.
I also couldn't believe that at her age, she still wasn't wearing glasses!
I am toasting to you my dear Auntie Estelle...may God bless you and keep you! Please tell my daddy that I can't wait to see him in heaven. xoxo
Lisa Krum
February 2, 2016
I loved you all my life. May you rest in peace, your niece Linda Ojeda Brzycki
Linda Brzycki
February 2, 2016
My family and I have great memories of Nick and Estelle. We lived in South Deering and best friend with her niece Linda Ojeda/Brzycki to this day. A few years ago we had lunch with Estelle when we visit Chicago. The best example of how to live life to the fullest. RIP
Christine Rangel/Navarro and family
Christine Rangel Navarro
February 2, 2016
My Aunt Estelle and Uncle Nick were in my life since I was a baby, which was 70+ years ago. As a little girl, I recall going to their little grocery store, which was around the corner from where I lived, when my mom would send me for groceries. Throughout all these past many years Aunt Estelle was always involved with our family, and we loved her so much. So many beautiful memories that I have would probably fill a book!
May God bless my aunt and may she rest in peace. I pray that she is reunited with Uncle Nick and all of her loved ones. She was a wonderful aunt. We'll always remember her. We'll always remember "The Valentine Lady" with great affection.
Phyllis Tarrant (Ojeda)
February 2, 2016
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