Mike Mike Krajnovich

Everyone’s life is the sum total of all of the people they have met, the things they have done, the places they have gone. Milan "Mike" Krajnovich was no exception. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, Mike will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

Mike’s life journey began on October 12, 1931. He first greeted the world at his parent's home in Melrose Park, Illinois. His parents' names were Mark and Dorothy Krajnovich who raised Mike in Melrose Park. Growing up for Mike was an involving experience. It allowed him to learn and grow and create all kinds of memories.

A lot of what shaped Mike’s life was how he was raised. He was raised with three sisters; Mickey, Vi, and Anne. Mike was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced the typical rivalries of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

Many things change when a person becomes old enough to go to high school; Mike was no different. He was a typical teenager who had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He graduated from Proviso East High School in 1949. Mike enjoyed, perhaps above all other classes in high school, his time in auto shop. Mike tried to be involved in a number of different activities, both in and out of school, during these years.

The teen years weren’t only about school, though. Mike also enjoyed other social aspects of his high school years. Mike learned a lot about responsibility back then.

Falling in love is a huge milestone for any person. Just knowing that you have met that special someone is a magical feeling. Mike experienced that with Betty Zwetzig. They exchanged wedding vows on March 7, 1953 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Melrose Park, Illinois.

Empathic and loyal, Mike was committed to making his new family happy. It is true that during those early years the couple lived modestly, but they were happy nonetheless. It can be said that you can tell a lot about a person by their friends. So it's little wonder that he took an active role in his neighborhood and community.

While everything a person does in life contributes to who they grow into, it is ultimately this same person who holds the most influence on the next generation. Mike worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Mike and Betty were blessed with two children; daughters, Michele and Melissa. They worked hard toward raising their children in a positive and nurturing environment.

Mike enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for him to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. He especially liked the Rockwood Fishing Lodge in Canada.

Later on, Mike and Betty were blessed with the gift of three grandchildren, Tiffany, Chad and Zachary and three great grandchildren; Haley, Payton and Michael.

How a person performs in the workplace can be a reflection on how they live their life. Fortunately, Mike enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Mike worked diligently and did his best to succeed in each of his jobs. While he worked several jobs over his life, Mike’s primary occupation was working as a foreman at Commonwealth Edison.

Though Mike didn’t work for accolades, he was recognized for a job well done. Mike always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done. Mike retired from Commonwealth Edison in 1991. In retirement, he found new pleasure in working on his kids houses and helping his son-in-law.

Mike entered into active military service in the United States Marine Corp on January 11, 1952. He was promoted to the rank of Sgt 1 in June 1953. He was honorably discharged in January 10, 1954. His fellow soldiers viewed him as a brother in arms and knew that he was as much a part of their family as their loved ones back home.

A person's hobbies often mirror who they have become. Mike enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in a number of different activities, especially fishing. He was usually willing to share his interests with others. Mike also enjoyed his pets. He had dogs; Moose, Noodles and Taffy. These dogs spanned 40 years.

A person’s faith says a great deal about him. Some people are raised with strong beliefs while others garner them throughout their life. Mike’s faith was important to him. Mike was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lisle for more than 50 years. During that time he served as an usher.

So this is Mike’s life, the sum of the man that he became. Simply stated, Mike was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being caring and giving, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Mike leaves behind him a legacy of lifelong friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life Milan "Mike" Krajnovich touched will always remember him with a smile.

Milan “Mike” Krajnovich, age 79, beloved husband of Betty; devoted father of Michele (Cort) Johansen, Jr. and Melissa Krajnovich; loving grandfather of Tiffany Johansen, Chad (Erika) Johansen and Zachary Wojcik; great grandfather of Haley, Payton and Michael; dear brother of Mickey (Rich) Pacioni and Vi Gilliland. USMC veteran of the Korean War. Visitation Tuesday 3-9 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34). Friends may meet at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1101 Kimberly Way, Lisle, for funeral service Wednesday at 11:30 am. Interment Clarendon Hills Cemetery.