Jelenko Simich

Jelenko (Jack) Simich
Jelenko (Jack) Simich was born on July 25, 1931, in DeKalb, Illinois. He lived his life in DeKalb as a young man attending elementary through high school in his hometown. He attended Northern Illinois University for his undergraduate degree. Jack spoke often of his wonderful years in DeKalb working at the early age in a grocery store, seven years on the railroad as a track laborer and later as a printer in Sycamore. His high school days were filled with sports and social events which he shared with his sister Desa. He always attributed his educational pursuits to his older sister Joanne who he considered the real student in the family.
Jack's parents came to the US from the former Yugoslavia. His father passed away when Jack was five years old, so his uncle became like a father to him. Family life was simple, and all three children started contributing to the family at an early age. His mother's teaching stressed honesty, hard work, respect for others, and kindness to all.
Jack and his sisters experienced many "firsts" including radio, furnace heating, a gas stove, refrigerator, and other modern-day appliances. Educational firsts included high school diplomas, Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees.
While in college Jack joined the Marine Corps and upon graduation from Northern Illinois University, he received a commission and went on to active duty. Two years later he married Doris Marion Phipps upon her graduation from NIU. They settled in Vista, California as newlyweds. The GI Bill provided Jack with the opportunity to resume his educational goals and move the family to DeKalb for a year and then on to College Park, Maryland to attend the University of Maryland and earn his PhD.
Jack's career included teaching (CA), Assistant Executive Secretary with the American Industrial Arts Association (Washington, Dc) and Educational Director at the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He also had the privilege of serving over 30 years in the Marine Corp Reserve and retired as a Colonel.
After retirement he had the opportunity to teach part time at Chowan University in North Carolina. He enjoyed volunteering at the Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Trolley Museum. He loved working on his four antique cars, gardening, and EXERCISE. He and Doris traveled all over the world during their lives together and all fifty states.
Jack loved his family and is survived by his adored wife Doris, children Desa (Richard) Voelker, Stephen (Karin), the late Stefan (Ulli) Schmidt. In addition, his special grand children Dakota and Trey Voelker and Annika, Max, and Hendrik Schmidt. Also, his dear sisters Joanne Moody and Desa Henn and many nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received on Tuesday, November 9th from 10:30 am until 11:15 am at Anderson Funeral Home, DeKalb. A graveside service will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery at 11:30 am with military honors.
In lieu of flowers please donate to charity of choice and extend a random act of kindness.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.