Dan Eugene Malkovic

Dan Eugene Malkovic, 79, died peacefully Thursday, December 19, 2024 after a visit with his nephews and niece at a care facility in Sun City, California.

He leaves his niece, Mary (Malkovic) Haire and son-in-law Andrew Haire; his nephews, Mark Malkovic and Matthew Malkovic; his grandnephews and grandniece, Benjamin, Emily, and Sam; sister-in-law, Janie (Armstrong) Malkovic; his cousin, Shirley Platt; and many friends and family.

His son, Dan Malkovic Jr., his brother, Michael and his parents predeceased him.

Dan was born on March 1, 1945 and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Mike and Betty (Thompson) Malkovic. His grandparents, Mike and Milia Malkovic immigrated from Yugoslavia.

In their early years, he and his brother, Michael would help in their father's automotive body shop where they both learned a lifelong trade. The family shared a love of drag racing, and Dan and Michael built and owned a funny car. Dan became a successful and well respected auto painter in the industry.

Dan graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1963. He then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps for two years during the Vietnam War era where he received a National Defense Service Medal. After his time in the service, he and his brother, Michael, owned and operated a body and fender shop called “Body Masters” in Huntington Beach CA for many years. He retired to Winchester CA.

Dan loved his dogs and was forever rescuing another one. He especially found companionship with his last dogs, Cricket and Goofy.

A private burial will be held at the Riverside National Cemetery.