Dr. Milton J. Dakovich

Days after celebrating his 100th birthday, Dr. Milton John Dakovich, (Doc), passed away peacefully on June 21, 2023 at his residence. Milton was born in Norwoodville, Iowa, June 18, 1923, to parents John and Lucy Dakovich. He graduated from East High School, attended Drake University, graduated from University of Iowa and is a graduate of Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery. On June 10, 1950 he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Baschnagel at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage until Shirley's passing on October 21, 2017.
He served in the U.S. Civil Service Commission at the Pentagon in Arlington County, VA, prior to his WWII Military Service, where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
He then enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a physician fulfilling his childhood dream. Some highlights include: Professor at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery where he was awarded for his scientific research; Many years of private practice in Beaverdale, Iowa; Vice-President of Medical Affairs at Des Moines General Hospital, where he served on the Board for more than 20 years, chairman for 9 years; Merit Award of the American Osteopathic Association, in recognition of outstanding contributions to osteopathic medicine and surgery; President, Des Moines Hospital Consortium; Board of Directors of Blue Cross of Iowa for 9 years and President of the Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association.
He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Equestrian Order of Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, American Osteopathic Association, American College of Osteopathic Internists, Iowa Osteopathic Medical Association, Des Moines Golf and Country Club, Forth Degree, Knight of Columbus, Dowling Assembly, No. 263. Milton enjoyed playing golf and cherished time with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and always had a kind word to say.
Milton is survived by children; Ann (Rocco A.) Pigneri of Louisville, KY and Bob (Shannon) Dakovich of Waukesha, WI; daughter-in-law Kim Dakovich of Waterloo, Iowa; 10 grandchildren, Austin, Chance, Brigette, Rocco J., Danielle, Andrea, Scott, Stephanie, Grant and Cole; 5 great-grandchildren, Benji, Annabelle, Ann-Marie, Chloe and Claire. He was proceeded in death by his loving wife, Shirley Ann Dakovich and his son Milton Joseph Dakovich.
Visitation will be held from 9:00-10:00 am on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Glendale Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com.
Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel
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