Zijad Cacan

Zijad Cacan, 80, passed away peacefully at home on October 6, 2025, surrounded by the family he so deeply loved. Born on April 30, 1945, Zijad lived a full and remarkable life defined by perseverance, devotion, and community. Originally from Bosnia, Zijad's journey took him across Macedonia, Croatia, Germany, and Austria before he made his way to the United States in 1971, a move that would shape the rest of his life. He began his career as a line cook in the kitchen at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN, where his strong work ethic and natural leadership quickly became evident. Through hard work and dedication, he rose to become Director of Nutritional Services at Lutheran Hospital, also in Fort Wayne, retiring with the respect and admiration of countless colleagues and friends whose lives he greatly impacted. Outside of his professional life, Zijad's greatest passions were his family and the game of soccer. He played minor league soccer in Bosnia and later became an NCAA Soccer Referee, sharing his love of the sport with younger generations. His enthusiasm for the game mirrored his approach to life: full of energy, fairness, and heart. Additionally, Zijad spent much time volunteering for a myriad of charitable organizations, always eager to share his energy and knowledge with others. Zijad was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love and guidance were permanent fixtures in his family's life. For 59 years, he shared an enduring and beautiful partnership with the love of his life, Cvetanka. Together, they built a life rooted in love, selflessness, and resilience. Known for his hard work, generosity, and storytelling, Zijad brought warmth and humor to every room he entered. His stories, filled with history, wisdom, and a touch of mischief, will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love, family, and dedication that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life. He is survived by his wife, Cvetanka Cacan; his daughter, Jasminka Markovski (Zlatko); his granddaughter, Isabella Markovski-Dickey (Aaron). Zijad's legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the friends he inspired, and the countless hearts he touched along the way. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Per the family's wishes, services will be private.