Miroslav Trifunovich Obituary

Trifunovich, Miroslav Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 15, 2009, after a long and eventful life. Age 84. Born June 7, 1924, in Pozega, Serbia, Yugoslavia, to Vladimir Trifunovich and Andjelija (nee Djurisic). Loving husband of Dafina (nee Cvetkovic) for 46 years. Beloved tata of Andjelija, Dragoljub (Akiko), Vera, Desanka (Thomas) Elwell, and Aleksandar. Proud and loving deda of Catherine "Kata", Sophia "Soka", Nikolas "Bata" Elwell, and Kseniya Kisa Trifunovich. Further survived by sisters, nieces, nephews, other relatives, kumovi and friends here and in Serbia. The youngest of nine children, WWII would bring tragic loss of many immediate and extended family members. Joined the Serbian Royalist Chetniks led by Gen. Drazha Mihailovic, Europe's first guerilla forces to resist the Nazis. Captured by the Nazis in 1944, he survived two concentration camps, finally escaping from one in France. A childhood fascination with airplanes lasted throughout his lifetime. Enlisted in the US Army Air Corps, participated in the Berlin Airlift, served with the US Air Force in the Korean War, joined the Wisconsin Air National Guard 128th Air Refueling Group, rising to rank of Master Sergeant. Also retired from American Motors / Chrysler. Miroslav loved and supported Serbian Orthodox churches, cultural organizations and charities. A keen conversationalist, he enjoyed discussing history, geopolitics, aeronautics, natural history, and medical innovations. His greatest joy was his family and time spent together. He taught his children and grandchildren Serbian folksongs, poetry and idioms, which came in handy as he happily drove countless miles to many Serbian events. If he had won the lottery, he would have built hospitals and schools in Serbia. His love of travel was a passion that is shared by his family. He felt blessed that his children and grandchildren love Serbia as he did and travel there often. The family would like to extend special thanks to doctors Nunag, Co, Delahunt, Howard, and Zaworski, and VNA Hospice team Linda, Sandra, Erin, Gail, Alina and Jack. Funeral service will be held Wednesday from St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, S. 51st and W. Oklahoma Ave., at 10AM (meet at the Cathedral). Interment Most Holy Mother of God Serbian Orthodox Monastery Cemetery, Thirdlake, IL. Visitation Tuesday at Schaff 4:30-8PM. Mali Pomen 7:30PM. Memorials to the family appreciated. SCHAFF FUNERAL SERVICE 5920 W. Lincoln Ave. 414-541-7533

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Jan. 18 to Jan. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Miroslav Trifunovich

9 Entries

JIM McNeil

January 21, 2009

MIKE was a caring and dedicated man not only to his family,,but to every organization he was ever associated with, plus his sense of humor made him fun to be around.
My deepest sympathy to the family
JIM McNeil

Dorothy Olson

January 21, 2009

Dear Dafina and family:

We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Miroslav. It was a joy to hear him share his experiences of proudly serving the country of his youth and as an American citizen. Reading the other guest book entries, I am pleased to see he has made an impression on others who serve their country.

May God bring Miroslav much deserved rest and may He also bring comfort to the beautiful family left behind.

Memory eternal!

Dusanka and Bernie Olson

julie Dozier [moran]

January 21, 2009

Dear Vera
I have no words to express my condolances. God has been reminding me our friendship, and how much you and your family have blessed me not only when we were growing up but the years since. I hope to get back to Wisconsin soon. I hope we can get together, without Mr wetzel finding out . I also hope we can get back in touch with each other. I am praying for your entire family that you will feel Gods embrace, and know that your Father has blessed his children with great love and strengh.
Peace and understanding
Julie[moran] Doxier

Teresa Padilla

January 20, 2009

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.

Tom Livesey

January 20, 2009

My memories of Mike were when I was a young boy. My grandpa, Ray Gallagher was a very close friend of Mikes. I still remember him visiting us when my grandpa was alive. He called my mom "Picaso" because she and my dad were painting our home and she had paint all over her. I have fond memories of many of my grandpa's friends from the 128th. My memories of Mike are some of the fondest memories I have from a long time ago.

I'm very sorry for your loss but I'm so happy he lived a long life; my God he earned it.

Don Roberts

January 18, 2009

Mike was a "Hell 0f a Nice" guy and I really enjoyed talking to him at "Guard Meetings"
He was a credit to his Serb background & a great American!!!

Michael Wilson

January 18, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mike Trifunovich. I served with Mike in the Guard and spoke with him many times over the years. I considered him a war hero and humanitarian and our country lost a great patriot.

Norman Poberezny

January 18, 2009

To the family of Miroslav Trifunovich:

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mike.
We were both in the Wisconsin Air National Guard and also attended the Retiree meetings.
I also had the opportunity to be at his home and meet some of his family.
We had some good conversations about his past and you can be very proud of his accomplishments.
My wife is from Munich, Germany and had many good political conversations with Mike when she was present at one of the functions.
He was a very strong person.

Sincerely,

Norman and Berta Poberezny

Julian Bates

January 18, 2009

It was an honor to know and serve with a man like Mike. I always looked forward to seeing him at Guard drill or later at the retiree luncheon.

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