R.I.P. Coach I will always remember doing pushups poolside while you hosed me down with ice cold water because of my horseplay. Class of 1978

Coach Markulin was always a class act. A great teacher and mentor; I respected him highly. One of my personal favorites in my educational history. I was very sad to hear of his passing.  I reflect fondly on his stories and infectious enthusiasm to this day. He will be missed. May you rest in peace my friend. I wish the Markulin and Brother Rice family solace and peace in their time of mourning.

Thank you Pete Downey for pasting in a picture of the Sophomore (Class of 1979) team (nice haircuts and Pete is upper right hand corner!!).  My relationship with Nick was certainly strained while at BR,  but I saw Nick a few times post BR years and I felt we were on good footing!  As Pete stated, Tom Fleming kept us in stiches with his impression of Nick.  Nick's style was of passion and commitment; I really do treasure those days with Nick and my teammates. God Bless and RIP Nick.

Coach Nick Markulin was the consummate professional, whether it was in the classroom as my Biology teacher, or on the soccer field as my soccer camp instructor. His underrated sense of humor coupled with his determination to impart knowledge and determination in his students and players was unmatched. May he rest easy. God bless Coach. 

Had Coach Markulin first period P.E. swimm class. One day he had us shivering from the cold rinse we take before going to pool. (Usually had some instructions for what we would do and then get in warm water.) This day he had some funny as hell story to tell that seemed to last forever. Finally he tells to get in pool and he let us have some free day of fun & no swimm excersices. This was Coach Markulin, fun guy who always had a smile in the hallways. Never had him as an actual teacher but never forgot about those great stories of his before he let us get in the pool. Class of 98

I had the honor to play for Coach my senior year in high school at Brother Rice in 1975.

Nick not only taught me how to play soccer, but how to to be tough and compassionate at the same time.

Nick was always an inspiration with that twinkle in his eye and his love for the game and his love for life. He will be missed.

RIP Coach!

Brother Rice Class of 1975
I think we were the first class for Nick Markulin as a coach, and I am testimony to his skill at that.  In 2 years from scratch he taught me to play soccer, and to kick field goals for the football team to get me into a great college and playing soccer throughout.

But there's more to the reason that I have taken inspration from Nick so many times over the last 47 years.  Nick was the first person, to teach me to "put passion to it" whether it was sport or anything else we pursue in life.  And the passion he taught was a very disciplined passion which is what made it so effective.

At the start, Nick did not just bring soccer to Brother Rice.  He had to bring it to the the whole South Side by getting grade school kids to play and building his teams from the ground up.  He had a vision and all the energy to make it happen.

I only saw Nick a few times since graduation.  He carried that passion for sport and teaching throughout his life, being fully involved with whatever his current class of young men.

What could be the ratio: time Nick spent passionately teaching thousands of young men v. time Nick spent thinking about himself.  Lots to learn about a good life from that calculation. 

I have belived from the moment I met him that Nick Markulin was a  Great Man.


He gave me my first jug! All kidding aside, Coach called my house the summer before freshman year, at a time I didn't want to be bothered, to encourage me to be on the soccer team. I had already made up my mind that I wouldn't and had put it behind me. It was a decision I made shortly after he kept us after soccer camp one day and told us that sometimes we had to find our own transportation from away games, highlighting Evanston, a place I never even heard of at the time. The thought of that frightened me. The call he made should have lasted no more than two minutes. Instead, the conversation went on for another ten minutes. I'm sure he heard it in my voice that I was no longer interested, but he was persistent, mentioning scholarships and other things that didn't make any sense to me. I didn't think too much of my future at that age. So, I just shrugged it off figuring there must be something in it for him, especially when he told me that there was politics involved with getting on the basketball team, the only sport I wanted to play. It turned out he was sincere and looking out for my future at a time when I was just a scared kid. He was absolutely right about the politics. He had a good heart and I realized later that he just didn't want me to regret my decision. I will cherish those words of wisdom and the respect he gave me. I am forever grateful for his unselfishness. 

Nick was a great coach  and an honorable colleague with a fine sense of humor. It was an honor serving on the faculty with him. There should be a Last Post for soccer coaches.

I was fortunate (and sometimes intimidated) to encounter Nick as the coach of rival St. Laurence from '78 to '81.  The games were intense but he was always a gentleman after the final whistle despite the outcome.  I also worked many Brother Rice games as a referee and learned to respect his compassion for the game.  During those years we became friends.  Whenever possible, we would end up at Bakers Square or a nearby restaurant for coffee and pie another one of his passions.  Nick made me a better coach and referee but more importantly a better person.  Thank you my friend. Rest in peace!

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Nick Markulin.  I was the varsity soccer coach at Quigley South in the 1970's and 1980's.  Quigley South and Br. Rice had some epic soccer battles on the south side of Chicago.  Nick's teams were always well prepared and his team always left everything  on the soccer pitch.  I left Quigley South in 1986 and moved to St. Louis due to my wife's job transfer.  I would continue to follow Chicago area soccer, in particular, Quigley South, Br. Rice, St. Ignatius, Marist, H-F, and others.  Nick was so dedicated and committed to the game, his players, and Br. Rice.  They don't make coaches like Nick Markulin anymore, God Rest his Soul in Heaven.   

Coach Nick Markulin was a legend, a well respected “gentle giant” and was a mentor to all.  He touched all lives that crossed his path at BRHS and I’ll never forget him. This Crusader will be missed! 
Matt Bradley, Class of 1978. 

Memories of Coach Markulin are flooding  our minds. I'd be criminally negligent not to mention that our  '79 teammate Tom Fleming did an impeccable impressiion of Coach...gestures, colorful language, Croatian accent, etc. Had our whole bus in stitches! 😎⚽️💪

God bless, Nick. A lasting memory goes back to '98 when I went to Denver to take the KNVB Advanced Match Analysis course. When arrived, I saw that Nick was in the course! At the beginning of our first outdoor activity, at altitude and 98 degrees, Nick's hand shot up first when the group was asked for demonstration players! Respect! Also one of the funniest and most entertaining gentleman that I have met in the Game. God speed, Nick!

Dragi Nick, duboko smo potreseni viješću o tvojoj smrti! Pamtimo te kao dragu i  vedru osobu ,bio si veliki prijatelj,veliki čovjek kako bi to u Hrvatskoj rekli "Ljudina". Drago nam je što si bio dio naše obitelji i što smo  unatoč kilometrima daleko bili uvijek bliski. Bio si čovjek koji je svoje riječi pretvarao u djela, a takvih je malo...  Hvala na svemu...
Počivaj u miru Božjem,  nedostajati  ćeš nam ,zauvijek češ  ostati u našim srcima,  voljeni nikad ne umiru... 
Dear Nick, we are deeply shaken by the news of your death! We remember you as a dear and cheerful person,you were a great friend ,a great man ,as they would call it "Ljudina" in Croatia. We are glad that you were part of our family and that despite the miles away we were always close. You were a man who turned his words into deeds , and there are few of them... Thank You for everything. 
Rest in the peace of God,we will miss you,  you will stay in our hearts forever,  loved  ones never die.
Croatian family loves You. 
Marino, Leon, Biljana ,Željko, Jaga i Stanko Kireta

BR Class ‘84
Coach thanks for the laughs in home room and swimming. Loved your crazy demeanor and sayings
Peace  and God Bless

Rest in peace Coach! Thank you for being a tuff coach and mentor!
To the Markulin family, may God the Father bless you, May God the Son heal you, May God the Holy Spirit enlighten you and give you all you need: eyes to see with, ears to hear with, hands to do the work of God, feet for walking, mouths for preaching words of saving power. May the Angel of Peace watch over you and lead you, by God's grace to the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen

Jordan Brown '16

He was larger than life wasn't he Gents! Miss him and many of you as well. Godspeed Legend! Pete Downey '79

Coach was always approachable, always had a smile, a story, a song, or some pretty good advice.  He always had time to talk to a student and would be seen around school after hours just talking to his kids.   That laugh, that smile.......he left us way to soon.  A true Christian Gentleman that taught generations in the classroom and soccer field.  Without question one of best that Brother Rice ever had has been taken from us.  Rest in Peace Coach MARKULIN!!!!!
MPD. '94


Dear friend and colleague, you are remembered as a great teacher, coach and friend.  There are many memories of games coaching against and with.  Nick - Rest In Peace my friend.

I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Markulin family for their loss. 
Nick and I were room mates at Eastern Illinois University. He was responsible for my attending EIU. Nick was a Senior and I was a Freshman. What great memories of our late night talks and crazy jokes.  
 He was always sweet and kind to me. I will never forget that. He loved Eastern and was a proud Alumni. 
Nick took me under his wing as a mentor, team-mate and most of all as a good friend. He was a unique human being who was a very proud, dedicated fierce competitor both as a player and coach. Most of all he had a great heart. I and many others will miss him. 
Nick, God Bless you, RIP my friend.
Cizo

We should all be grateful we  had Coach Nick Markulin as our soccer coach. Nick would do anything to help any of his players! He was the most dedicated Coach I ever met! He lived, loved and embodied Brother Rice Soccer. I am honored to have known him and been his friend. God bless him and Godspeed!

I remember videotaping soccer games with the A/V Centers lasted and greatest late 80’s“portable” VCR. It was so heavy that on my first deployment, I opted to  leave the tripod behind.  The next day the team came over to the AV Center to watch the film. I heard , “Hey Boy!” As he motioned me in and made we watch 5 minutes of film. We were all motion sick. 

It was truly something to watch him coach. The bus rides back were almost always victorious.

Coach, You will be long remembered by all of us. Thank You! May God Welcome You Home.

I am very sorry for the loss of such a legendary coach

I was on Coach Markulin's team in the 1970s, and continued to play and coach after high school, inspired greatly by him.  I coached with Nick, and next door to him for many years, and met many people through him. There are many memories, too many to even choose a favorite.  What does stand out, though, is his dedication to the beautiful game, and to coaching and teaching.  I have never known anyone more clear and committed to his purpose in life.

Nick is a legend, and will be greatly missed by friends and colleagues.

Coach Markulin pushed everyone towards excellence. As yearbook photographer   he nurtured me towards providing the best photos I could to capture the essence of soccer.  Will always be grateful to him for pushing me to challenge my limits. May he rest eternally in God's love. 

If ever a caricature came to life it was Coach Markulin.  I had coach for swim class back in 1989.  He'd spray you with the pool hose if you weren't paying attention.  Loved his soccer stories.  Proud to have known him and that he represented Brother Rice.    

The Burt Reynolds of Croatia! Nothing more memorable then treading water as a 14 yr old at 0815 and smelling chlorinated for the rest of the day. RIP Coach. 

Coach Markulin was a man who was truly devoted to his students and his players.  A Hall of Fame coach, a wonderful colleague and above all, a true gentleman.  Thank you for all you did for Brother Rice, Coach. Thank you for your friendship.  May God bless you.

Coach entered my orbit in 7th grade and I can still hear him yelling at me from the sidelines "David! Double fake!"   His humor, crazy stories, and mini sermons in swim class I can recall to this day.  We loved him.  When I quit the Brother Rice soccer team (tired of riding the pine) I got into photography and Coach warmly welcomed me back on the sidelines,  taking sports photos of his many great teams.   RIP 

Coach may you rest eternally in heaven. Doing pushups at the pool freshman year as the cold water poured on me I'll never forget. 

Michael Snow class of 1978

Coach was the best! My best memories of him,was 1992 Sophomore Biology class! I loved his famous saying when ever anyone talked out of line...'I don't like it damn it,and I bet your momma wouldn't like it either.' He also would tell you..' I'll kick your stupid face right the hell out.' Haha..he was priceless 👍.




I will miss you, Nick.  I enjoyed our weekly visits.  What I most remember about you is your great laugh!

You will always have a special place in my heart.

Coach has left us all with great memories, great wisdom and even greater sayings.   I look back fondly on my time at Brother Rice and all the lessons I learned there.  A fantastic education in the classroom,  great friendships made on and off the field and great memories of Soccer and all that was achieved.  The bulk of this is down to Coach Nick Markulin.  He is loved and will be missed greatly by us all.  Ár dheas de go raibh anam dhillis.——Martin Redmond 94’

Coach, you helped me develop into a stronger and better soccer player. You gave us hope and motivation that we can accomplish anything. I base all my coaching and trainings from you. You will be missed immensely.  Until we meet again.
Class of 92'

You were a great coach and an even better friend and mentor. Until we meet again my friend, my God hold you in the palms of His hands.  Amen. 

Nick was a Hall of Fame coach, and a legend of a man. Your spirit and legacy will live on for a long time in thousands of your former players, students, fellow coaches, and friends.  Rest In Peace, Coach, you will be missed. 

So sorry to hear of Coaches passing. My son had the honor of having him as a coach at Brother Rice and my husband I had the pleasure of his friendship. What a wonderful man.  He will be sorely missed. RIP sir!!

God bless you, Coach. Fly high. All love.

I’m so sorry for your loss, and I’m sending to you my heartfelt condolences  and peace. 
Be comforted in your memories of Nick and remember all the good things he did for many.  God bless. 

He was the greatest coach any of us could of asked for,  an even better person! You will be missed by so many coach! You touched so many lives on and off the field! Your passion for the game of soccer and Brother Rice was unparalleled. May God bless you and may you Rest in paradise. 

Nick was one of most enjoyable human beings to ever be around. I’ve got so many memories that I can’t pick out just one !
What I can say is that Nick was a man of honor. He love his soccer, he loved  Eastern Illinois University  and  his teammates and he loved  his Friends. 
Nick being Nick had a unique sense of humor. He could make you laugh a lifetime with Some of his silly Jokes.  I will always remember his Unique laugh ,  God I miss that already.  There is Only One Nick Markulin  and we love him. 
RIP my dear friend !
God’s Blessings to Nick’s  family and friends  During this very difficult time.



OBITUARY

Nick Markulin

23 January, 1948 – 25 October, 2020

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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