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Christopher Nicholas Milodragovich
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Christopher Milodragovich Obituary
A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Chapel on Thursday, June 29, 2006, at 7 p.m. Visitation will be at Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte on Friday, June 30, 2006, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., with services following at 7 p.m. His funeral will be at the Serbian Orthodox Church on Saturday, July 1, 2006, at 11 a.m. Schnider Funeral Home and Dugan/Dolan Mortuary are handling the arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara (Menghini) Milodragovich of Great Falls; sons Steven Milodragovich, David Milodragovich, and Nicholas Milodragovich, all of Great Falls; his mother Ann (Varelia) Milodragovich of Bozeman; brothers Sam Milodragovich of Butte, Bob Milodragovich of San Dimas, Calif., and Mark Milodragovich of Seattle.
He was preceded in death by his father, Nick Milodragovich.
Christopher Nicholas Milodragovich was born, son of Nick and Ann (Varelia) Milodragovich on June 24, 1954, in Butte where he was raised. He graduated from Butte High School in 1972 and was an all-state football player. Upon graduation, he attended the United States Air Force Academy, where he was captain of the football team. He graduated in 1976 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Air Force.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Menghini, in Butte on June 26, 1976.
Upon completion of pilot training he was stationed at Fairchild AFB, Wash., as a KC-135 (tanker) pilot. He continued his military career at Minot AFB, ND, Castle AFB, CA, Offutt AFB, NB as the commander of the SAC Command Crew, and ended up at Malmstrom AFB in 1992 as the director of operations in the 91st Air Refueling Squadron later becoming chief of standardization and evaluation in the 43rd Air Refueling Group. He retired as a lieutenant colonel from his position of chief of plans and programs of the 341st Missile Wing in 1999. In 1998 he became the state director of the Montana Civil Air Patrol, and retired from that position in 2004.
Chris loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time hunting, fishing, and ice fishing. His favorite place to be was at his cabin or "the ranch" in Elk Park. His sons were the joy in his life, and being there, sharing in their accomplishments kept him going in his tough battle with cancer. He set a constant example of loving and giving to his family and friends, and his courage and toughness will be remembered with amazement.
Memorials are suggested to the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, 2100 Continental Dr., Butte, MT 59701 or Montana Wing Civil Air Patrol, United States Air Force Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1887, Great Falls, MT 59403-1887.
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Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Milodragovich
Kim Krampitz Dougherty
July 26, 2006
Barb and family, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I flew with Milo at Minot and Castle, where he was always known for his professionalism in aviation. He kept many Lieutenants out of trouble during brutal winters and numerous ORIs. I'm sure the impact of the flight training he provided is still being felt in the AF today. Out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Steven Flynn
July 26, 2006
I knew Chris as an evaluator in STAN/EVAL at the 93rd. He was the fairest guy I know. Let an evaluatee dig out of his problems and will miss him. When he went to Offutt to fly the CINC's plane we were out there for some other reason and gave us a tour of the plane. I shall miss his soul.
Bill Dea
July 25, 2006
GODSPEED, MILO
Fellow '76er
Pamela (Lawrence) Shires
July 24, 2006
Barbara,
I was so sad to read about the passing of Chris. You and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers. May the Lord give you strength and courage to get through this difficult time.
Larry and Nancy Brockshus
July 24, 2006
Barb and boys,
So sorry for your loss. I had the honor to work with Milo at a couple of assignments. He was a great pilot, mentor, and a great American. All of us who worked with him and knew him are better because of the person he was.
Ray LaPorte
July 10, 2006
My wife Carol and I had the privilege of working and flying with our dear friend Milo while stationed at Castle AFB, CA. He and his family will always be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
Joe Rohret
July 6, 2006
My deepest smpathy. Chris was a great Man and patriot.
Joe Rohret, Col, USAF
Dep Chief AMC Stan/Eval
Tony Hinen
July 6, 2006
Barb & Family,
I met "Milo" in 1990 at Castle Air Force Base, CA when he hired me into the KC-135 Combat Crew Training School Pilot Academic Branch. He was an amazing man, a charismatic leader & incredibly talented officer & pilot. He had an uncanny ability to "connect" with everyone he met. He certainly made a lasting impression with me. I was saddened to hear of his passing....
Tony & Lou Anne
Chase Mohney
July 3, 2006
Dear Milos,
I was so sorry to hear about Chris' passing. He was a great role model for all his sons, all of whom I have the greatest admiration and respect for, and for those of us lucky enough to grow up around them. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Barb and Jim Cashell
July 3, 2006
Mitzi,
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Stan Zezotarski
July 2, 2006
I cannot express how sad I am to hear about Chris. Even after three decades of seeing very little of him, he remained and still remains a profound influence in my life. If I had to write about all the times my memories of how his leadership, courage, and inspiration in the classroom, on the football field, or on the sportsfield have inspired, encouraged and pushed me in my own lifetime--it would fill a book. I have to echo what many others have expressed, "Chris was a great man." I personally believe that his life will continue to inspire generations of people through the people he touched in his lifetime. I am so grateful that I had one last chance to talk with him last year and catch up on some memories. My prayers are with Barb, her and Chris' children, Sam, and the entire Milodragovich family. Personally, I would have loved to seen him one more time, but I'm so grateful that he was part of my life journey. My memories of him has never, and will never, fade.
Viola Cerise
July 2, 2006
Mitzi & all of your family....I want to express my sorrow for the loss of Chris from your family but as I've always said--Thank God for Memories God bless you all
The Cerise Ranch
Elk Park.MT
Mike Rhynard
July 2, 2006
Barb & Milo,
Barb, I only met you once, when I rode back to Helena with you from the soccer tournament in Boise (son Sean Rhynard). Since I'm a '66 USAFA grad, we had a lot to talk and laugh about. Of course, I've bumped into Milo several times over the years. I was very sad to hear of Chris's passing, and wanted to express condolences, but also say that, even in that short period with you guys, Chris was a man I wished I knew better and had been able to spend more time with. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Mike Rhynard
Jill Tonn
July 2, 2006
Barb and family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know your special memories of Chris and strong support from family and friends will be a great help.
Jill (Ost) Tonn BHS Class '72
Theresa McCune
July 1, 2006
Sam and family,
So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. He was far too young to be needed upstairs already. You must all be proud to have been honored to have known a man that was such an asset to all who knew him. Try to remember back on the healthy and happy memories you all hold dear. God bless and take care.
Theresa McCune (GF Northwestern Energy)
Sheila Connell-Fowler
July 1, 2006
Dear Ann, Sam, Bob, Mark, Barbara and sons,
As a neighbor that grew up next to Chris, my heart is saddened more than I can say. I remember Chris as being special....set apart... from the time he was a small child. I saw Chris on rare occassions over the years, and was always glad to see him. I moved away many years ago, and would only hear once in awhile something about his life. When I read his obituary and the accomplishments of his life, I must say that he is more than an inspiration. Chris was always a hard worker, kind, and on task with whatever he was doing, all the time we were growing up.
I can just see him being a great husband and an exemplary father. I respected Chris. It was easy to see he had vision, dreams and the tenacity it took to achieve them.
My heart was struck harder than it has been in a long time, when I read of Chris' passing. I was devastated, and it took me back to all the memories of him playing basketball in his driveway, and mostly kicking or throwing the football with Sam in the street. On any given evening he could be seen doing his homework in the window. Chris always showed discipline and commitment to anything that he did.
Chris was intelligent, kind, and his character and integrity were of very high quality.
You know, many people have gifts and talents that are never expressed.....they go to the grave with them. Chris truly robbed the grave! He gave his utmost for His highest! May Christ give Chris eternal rest, comfort his beautiful family, and bless his offspring with his courage and greatness!
Mona Neary Kriskovich
June 30, 2006
The Milodragovich Family: My sincere condolance on the death of Chris. May God shine on him and may he give you strength & courage to over come this sorrow.
Tony Belford
June 30, 2006
Barb and Boys,
I was just a "greenhorn" from back east when I met Chris at Fairchild. As his first co-pilot he taught me about "Louis L'amour", Montana, what is was to be a KC-135 crewmember, a real AF officer, and many other things to numerous to mention. On our first crew leave with Chris as the AC, he invited Mary and I to spend a week at Elk Park staying at "The Cabin" - we had a wonderful time. Years later when Chris re-qualified at Castle he spent time with us. Mary and I will never forget how Chris swept up and facinated our boys with his "western cowboy Montana" way. Our boys were very young, but they still remember the man called "Milo". I thank God for the time that we all had with Chris, and I know that he is at peace in the only place better than Montana!
God Bless & Keep You,
Richard and Terri Kaudy
June 30, 2006
Dear Barb and Family,
While Chris has been called home prematurely, there must be a higher calling or duty that requires his presence. We've known you and Chris since East Junior High School School. Chris inspired others even then, encouraging them if not to win the race at least finish the contest. He was a fighter, then, and certainly a true hero when he served his country protecting us from despots abroad. He has huge shoes to fill and leaves a legacy for you and your family to cherish. Chris was never one to surrender. Death cannot be proud by Chris succumbing to this devastating disease. Chris always deferred to you. We still recall at the class reunions how he credited you as the backbone of the family and the true key to any successes he had achieved. Despite your sorrows you must have lasting peace knowing that Chris served with distinction and set a high example for others.
Sue & Rick Seefried
June 30, 2006
Dear Milodragovich's,
We were so sorry to hear the news about Chris Our prayers are with you daily. He will be with us always~ his big smile; and memories will be live forever. It is unfortunate we cannot be with you tomorrow~ Our love to Mitzie, Barbara and the entire family.
We love you,
Let Chris's memory live on forever
Sincerly,
Rick & Suzie Seefried (Jankovich)
Sam Jankovich
June 30, 2006
Words cannot express how I personally feel in regard to the passing of Chris. What a wonderful human feeling who comes from a great family Everything Chris did in his short life he succeeded. A wonderful husband, father, son, brother etc. Throughout the years my family and relatives have been very close to the Milodragovich family: one of the real special fmailies ever to come out of Butte. Chris dedicated his life to this country. He lived by the motto do as I do not as I say. He will be sorely missed but never forgaotten. I feel so badly I could not be with his passing due to a family reunion that has been planned at my home for a long time.
May Chris rest in peace hefought a long tough battle My condolences to the enite Milodragove family.
Mark & Deanne Zora
June 30, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Milodragovich family. Chris was a very special individual. He was a natural leader by example and accomplishment. We will all miss him.
Cindy Sparing
June 30, 2006
Nick and family,
Jim and I were saddened to read of the death of your father. And yet...what a joy to read about his life and his love of family and country. You are a part of your father's great legacy. Carry that in your heart. God speed you all through this time of sorrow.
Steven J. Azure
June 29, 2006
My condolences to the Milodragovich family, the class of 72 had some fine people and Milo was certainly one of them. May Creator bless him and may he soar with the eagles.
Sandy Jones
June 29, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Gene Marquez
June 29, 2006
Barb and family,
Please accept my family's condolences. I'll always remember Milo and his crew taking me under their wings when I showed up TDY as their sub nav (mid-Jan and just signed in to Minot the day before)...kept a green butter bar out of trouble and even gave me a nickname (The General) that stuck. From keeping me out of trouble as a new -135 crewmember to Castle and a flight or two together with students to just shaking his head years later at Malmstrom when I could swear I was on his wing in a two-ship only to have ATC tell us we were more than a couple of miles apart; even surviving the ATSO part of the ORI in Savannah when we donned chem gear for two weeks, Milo helped me keep perspective and laughed at my little ordeals. A great pilot, leader, and friend whom I share stories about with my family. We will miss him and we will pray for strength for you in during this time.
Katie Ranta
June 29, 2006
Steve and Family-
I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. My father passed away just 2 weeks ago, so I can relate to your sadness. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know, day or night.
Tom Roberts
June 29, 2006
Dear Barb and Family; I was saddened to learn of Chris'passing, he certainly lived life to the fullest and was admired and respected by all of us..Please know that he will be in our prayers. God bless you and your family.
Mick, Dina & Alicia Davis
June 29, 2006
In time, the heart heals, leaving us with memories not of our sorrow, but of the love we have known.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kurt Raffetto
June 28, 2006
I will never forget the man who helped drag me and my first buck out of the Little Belt Mtns. He also made me a better pilot and officer. God speed, Milo!
Andrew Davis
June 28, 2006
When I saw that Chris had passed I could not understand why all of this happened. I grew up near the home of the Milo's and it was a sad day for me. My hope is that all of the Milo family will band together as I have to as my father is dieing of cancer and I can relate. He was the best and made good old Butte proud. Accept my sincere condolences at this time.
Nathan Pipinich
June 28, 2006
Steve and Family:
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. He was a great person and will always be well respected by my family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Laurie and Ray Mohney
June 28, 2006
Dear Barb, Steve, Dave, and Nick,
I am working in Boise all this week and Ray is with me. Our hearts were very heavy this morning when we were reading the Trib on line and learned of Chris's passing. As I thought of you throughout the day I realized that his pain is finally gone and now he can forever joyfully watch over the family he loves so much. I found myself smiling, remembering particularly how much he enjoyed quietly cheering the boys on as they all accomplished such wonderful things. What a beautiful legacy your love produced, Barb. Chris's life was much too short, but so very rich. We feel blessed to call him and all of you friends. I also spoke to Chase in Boston tonight and he wanted me to tell you that his heart and thoughts are with you all. Ray and I hope to be able to get back to Butte in time for Chris's service, but if we are unable to get there in time, please know that our hearts and prayers are with you.
joe Pipinich
June 28, 2006
The thoughts of my whole family are with the Milodragovich family right now. I have sons that are the same age as Chris and Barb's boys and I had the opprtunity to coach them in a number of little leage sports. If every parent could be a Chris or Barb we would have a much better world. We will miss him but never lose respect for him.
Pipinich Family - Great Falls
Ken, Anna & boys Dockter
June 28, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family - Mitzi, Sam & family, Mark, Bob and their families; our deepest regard to the loved ones - he was a special man and will always be remembered for athleticism but also kindness. May you know you are in our prayers at this time.
Joe Miller
June 28, 2006
Our deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to Barb, the boys and the entire Milodragovich family. Milo was a great mentor and close friend. I owe all of my knowledge of what it takes to be a successful USAF officer to him. Milo was and always will be my first pick to fly with especially when the situation became intense. I was lucky to have known him and will always remember the camaraderie shared on alert and our deployments while stationed at Minot. I’ll never forget listening to the Lone Ranger and going airborne in his truck on one of our many bird hunting trips. Or going fishing with him and making fun of his trout lures only to watch him catch three nice trout…then humbly asking him if we could borrow one of his lures. Or playing touch football with his boys in his backyard while stationed together in Merced. Arlette and I will miss you and may God Bless.
Michael Moran
June 28, 2006
Mitzi, Barb, and family,
Many of my enjoyable times as an Academy Instructor and Assoc. AOC was the time my family and I spent with Chris and you Mitzi. Chris was a credit to the AF, his family and himself. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. (Lt Col) Michael Jerry Moran & family
Dave Boyd
June 28, 2006
So sorry to hear of your loss. Chris was a great man and a great class-mate. My prayers are with you all!
nanci taylor
June 28, 2006
Barb, I am so saddened when I read the paper today, I know this has been a struggle for all, He was a good man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,,, my respects nanci Taylor
Kyle Kingsford
June 28, 2006
To The Milodragovich Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathies from the Kingsford family in Colorado Springs, CO. Milo was my first Instructor Pilot in the Tanker. I have fond memories of those times with impressions he left on me that I’ll never forget. I’m also from Montana (Polson) and an Air Force Academy grad so we hit it off right away. I remember he would always give me a ride to work (Milo was a Major, I was a 2Lt) when we had those horrendously early morning show times at Castle AFB and we would talk nothing but flying. Our path’s came back together at Malmstrom where we worked together on various issues. The thing I liked most was that he always found humor in difficult situations I’ll never forget Milo for all he taught me about the Tanker, life in the Air Force and the endless Montana stories we swapped. He was one of the kindest guys I’ve ever known…a great Pilot, a true Montanan, and personified the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back. Our Prayers are with you all.
Kyle, Bridget, Brian and Jacob Kingsford
1st Lt Rita Reck
June 28, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Malmstrom Cadet Squadron
Vicki Van Vliet
June 28, 2006
Barbara,
My utmost condolences to you and your family. Through the Class of 72 grapevine, I heard you and Chris had a wonderful life together.
Tom & Tomi Briggeman
June 28, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Gary Marks
June 28, 2006
I am saddened by Chris's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the Family. I met Chris up at the cabin, and I could tell he loved that place. May he rest in peace.
John Kovacich
June 28, 2006
Barbara & Family,
I am sadden by the passing of Chris, he was such a prominent person to all that knew him and left an ever-lasting impression, please accept our deepest sympathy.
Due to pre-planned events we will be unable to attend services, however; please know that we will be with heavy hearts and our thoughts & prayers will be with you all.
Sincerely,
John & Johnna Kovacich
Earl Genzberger
June 28, 2006
With our sympathy and prayers to the family.
Earl and Ramona Genzbrger & family
Harry E. Dziak & family
June 28, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
fred paoli
June 28, 2006
i knew chris and always held him in the highest regard. we played football agaist each other, he at butte high and i at cmr. then, from '72-'76 we fought again while he was at the air force acadamy, and i at colorado state. what a man! he was a legend on the gridiron, and a hard, stoic man off it. he was looked up to by all of his peers in those days. he was the complete man-smart and savvy, a good student, and tough as nails. i envied him in many respects. while i hadn't seen him since '76, i kept track of him through mutual friends. i was again proud and envious of his bravery in the mid '80s when i learned of his libia mission. he was paul horning and tom cruise [top gun] all in one. i will morn the passing of the man i always looked up to and tried to emulate.
fred paoli
June 28, 2006
i knew chris and always held him in the highest regard. we played football agaist each other, he at butte high and i at cmr. then, from '72-'76 we fought again while he was at the air force acadamy, and i at colorado state. what a man! he was a legend on the gridiron, and a hard, stoic man off it. he was looked up to by all of his peers in those days. he was the complete man-smart and savvy, a good student, and tough as nails. i envied him in many respects. while i hadn't seen him since '76, i kept track of him through mutual friends. i was again proud and envious of his bravery in the mid '80s when i learned of his libia mission. he was paul horning and tom cruise [top gun] all in one. i will morn the passing of the man i always looked up to and tried to emulate.
Gary Sells
June 28, 2006
I was so sorry to hear about Chris. What a loss. Although I have not had contact with you all since Butte High School, I was very touched about this great loss to your family and Montana. Gary Sells
Joe Roberts
June 28, 2006
On behalf of my family, I would like to send our deepest sympathy to the entire Milodragovich family. Chris was a remarkable person with the highest character and he will be missed by all.
Dave Manovich
June 28, 2006
To the Milodragovich Family:
It has been many years since I have spent time with Chris or his family but I will remember him always. He was great friend, athlete and patriot for his country. My deepest sympathy to Barb and the boys and my dear friend Sam.
Beth Downey
June 28, 2006
He was a wonderful man and set a great example for his three sons. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bob Samardich
June 28, 2006
Barbara, Mitzie and Family
My prayers are will all of you. My Father thought the world of Chris, I can remember him saying he is a "Mans Man", I think that is quite a tribute. Treasure your family and take comfort in you memories.
God Bless. Bob Samardich
Robert Hoffman
June 28, 2006
Chris was an amazing man. He was always there when you needed help, he never said no to a request, and he was the best Civil Air Patrol State Director I have ever met. He will be missed.
Jim & Leanne Orlich
June 28, 2006
Dear Mitzi, Barb & family,
We send all of you our deepest sympathy. May wonderful memories help you through your loss.
Roxie Larson
June 28, 2006
Barb, Mitzi and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Our hearts are heavy as we loose a dear old friend. Our memories of Chris will always make us smile. No more pain so rest in peace dear old friend.
Andy & Roxie Larson
Mark Pesanti
June 28, 2006
Barbara
I am sad to hear of Chris,s passing. He and I spent many days in Butte High as fellow wrestlers. I have many fond memories of Chris and had the utmost respect for him as a friend and classmate. It sound like you both have been blessed with a great bunch of kids and hope you all fair well during this trying time.
Gary and Jennifer Shea , Steve & Bryce
June 28, 2006
Our love and prayers go out to the entire family of Chris.
Chris was a very kind and caring person who we all loved and admired. He will be missed by all who knew him.
May his Memory be Eternal.
With Blessings and Sympathy,
Zorka Sagin
June 28, 2006
The grandparents of Chris were one of our best friends. This was in the 1930s and on. Please accept our deepest sympathy. God Bless you.
Brittany Stubbs
June 28, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Steve Nachtwey
June 28, 2006
Milo was a pilot's pilot. He was a larger than life character who deeply touched those who knew him. Many of us would not have reached goals or dreams without his help and guidance. We all knew of his love for Barb and his family. Milo will be missed and remembered by many.
Milt, Mary and Garrett Bradford
June 28, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
GARY HALE
June 28, 2006
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Pat Kelly
June 28, 2006
Barb and Family,
Chris and I met at Boys State and later became friends at the Academy. He was a special guy and I will always remember his sense of humor and his true kindness as a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
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