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FUNERAL HOME

Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes - Delta Chapel

6301 W. St Joe Hwy.

Lansing, Michigan

Mijo Kovac Obituary

Mijo Kovac Lansing Mijo was born in Bukova Gora, Yugoslavia on March 1, 1950. He came to America in 1972, after serving in the Yugoslavian army. He worked at Fisher Body for a short time and didn't like that, so began his restaurant career as a dishwasher at Lights Restaurant in Lansing. He opened his first restaurant, Mike's, in the Logan Shopping Center in 1976. Shortly after he moved to a bigger location down the road, Mijo's, on South Logan/MLK. In 1980, he opened Mijo's North on US-27, where he met Carole. In January of 1999, he opened Mijo's Diner on North Grand River Ave. in Lansing. He will always be remembered for everything he did, and especially what he did for his family. He passed away Sunday, September 4, 2011 in Lansing. He enjoyed spending time with his Golfing Buddies at Highland Hills Golf Course, The Noon Game League and The Maverick League. He was so grateful for his many devoted and loyal customers and employees. He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Mara (Budic) Kovac; brothers, Tade and Mirko; twin sister, Anica; and nephew, Marcus. Surviving are his beloved wife, Carole of 28 wonderful years; beloved son, Tony; beloved daughter Mara; brothers: Ivan (Marica), Frano (Kaja), Luka (Mara), Ante, Pere (Franjka); sisters: Iva (Frano) Masijar, Ana (Petar) Grbesa; father- and mother-in-law, Henry and Gladys Dreps; brothers-in-law, Dan (Judy) Dreps and Pat (Tracy) Dreps; and many loving nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He loved his "Doggies" Chloe and Oliver. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. John Klein as celebrant. Rite of committal will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday and Wednesday 5-8 p.m. at the Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes, Delta Chapel, where the Rosary will be prayed Wednesday at 7:30 p.m Memorials can be made to the Oakland University Mens and Womens Golf Team, MSU Veterinary Hospital who saved little Oliver's life a year ago. Condolences can be made at www.palmerbush.com.

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Published by Lansing State Journal on Sep. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Mijo Kovac

20 Entries

Donna Richey

September 20, 2011

Carole and Family,
I have been up north and just learned about Mijo. I was in schock as I had seen him before I left. Who can ever forget him and his Chef's Hat peeking out from the kitchen with a big smile. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Donna Richey

September 11, 2011

Carole, Tony and Mara,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time. Mijo's big smile and kindness to everyone will be dearly missed. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help you at this very difficult time.

God Bless you all,
The Reids, Tom, Joan, Alex and Beth

September 10, 2011

Dear Carole and family,

We where out of the area and returned to hear about your loss. You have our deepest sympathy, we thought the world of Mijo and his good food. We was always so friendly and loved by all.

Richard and Nancy Smith
Lansing, MI

Ron Applegate

September 7, 2011

Mijo was a golfing friend who I had the pleasure of spending time with other than on the golf course. He was a role model for everyone who knew him and he will be missed by all that had the good fortune to spend time with him.

Pauline nerio

September 7, 2011

Carol,Tony,Nara; We are sadden to hear of your loss!I have been to every Resturant Mijo owned, and he has always been such and up spirit person!! He will be missed so much! He touched many of our hearts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Arnold,Pauline Nerio

Carla S.

September 7, 2011

We were saddened to hear of Mijo's passing. I have eaten breakfast with my dad at the restaurant every Thursday for a few years. Mijo, when he had a few minutes to greet the customers, always had a quick smile and a friendly conversation with us. He made us feel welcomed. You are in my prayers for God's comfort to surround you during this time of sorrow. Carla (& Fay)

James & Daga Gray & Family

September 6, 2011

Carole, Tony and Mara~
Our hearts are saddened for you've suffered such a loss. May God bless and give you strength to find solace in the loving memories you hold. Mijo was truly an incredible man.

Rick Johns

September 6, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Mijo's passing. My condolences to the whole family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Tom and Sheila Dreps

September 6, 2011

Carol, Tony, Mara and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Mijo's kind heart and bright smile. He was a great husband and father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to you, Uncle Tom and AUnt Sheila

September 6, 2011

Carol So sorry to hear about Mijo passing, Jim and I spent a lot of time at Mijo's including one of our Anniversary parties. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. The Eiseler's Jim and Joy

Deborah & Jerry Ecker

September 6, 2011

Our condolences to your family. Only the good die young.

Penny Bulock

September 6, 2011

Our deepest sympathy and condolencense to you and your family. Mijo will be greatly missed by many. He was a wonderful and caring person, not only for his customers, but also for his employees (my son). He always had time and a smile for everyone which has created fond memories for many of us that will not soon be forgotten.

Pat and Chris Albright

September 6, 2011

Dear Carole, Tony and Mara, We are deeply saddened by Mijo's passing. Know that our love and prayers surround you at this sad time.

Tom and Linda Buskulic

September 6, 2011

Dear Carole, Tony and Mara,

We are so saddened by the loss of our Mijo. He was a great and loyal friend to so many of us and will be sorely missed.

Nan Farhat

September 6, 2011

Dear Carole and family,
Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. The few times I have had the pleasure of talking with him he was always so pleasant to talk with. I am so sorry.

Officer Luke Mironiuk

September 6, 2011

Dear Kovac Family,

Mijo will be missed! He was a caring man who was passionate about what he did!

I remember one early morning when Mijo's (N Grand River) was broken into over night. I was working the road and could see that all his customers still piled in for breakfast. As luck would have it, his waitress also did not show up for work. A horrible situation for many, but Mijo just started taking orders, and pouring coffee. It's a testament to how much he cared for others! When the going gets tough, Mijo grabbed his spatula!

God Bless your Family!

Sincerely,

September 6, 2011

Carole, Tony and Mara - Our hearts are so full of love for all of you, and our prayers constant. Mijo was a truly wonderful man who will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched. We know that we will see him again someday, but for now........... his absence will be deeply felt. Please know how much love is surrounding you all. Mark and Kim Wright

Steve & Linda Bretz

September 6, 2011

Wishing our deepest condolences to Mijo's loved ones.

Steve and Linda Bretz

Mike and Joy Ryan

September 6, 2011

Carole,

I'm so sorry to hear of Mijo's passing. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

I'm sure the angels are singing their praises as they eat their first delicious Mijo breakfast.

May Mijo rest in peace.

Jim Naffziger

September 6, 2011

Frank, Sorry to hear about your brother Mijo. Your old partner from Fisher Body, Jungle Jim.

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