Milenko Zibilich

Immigrating from the village of Duba, Croatia to New Orleans in 1929, he was an oyster bedder in the bayous of Louisiana for over sixty years. Life was difficult as he faced the hardships of extreme weather conditions, hurricanes, mosquitoes, and separation from loved ones. Although the work was often back breaking, Milenko, along with his fellow countrymen, always exhibited an unrelenting perseverance and determination to achieve a better life—The American Dream. Milenko’s ever-present radiant smile spoke volumes, but was a glimmer of what lied within. Indeed, he was the essence of humility. The gifts he bestowed upon those who knew him were the immeasurable treasures of his heart: his love of life and family, strong work ethic, perseverance, generosity, compassion, faith, and appreciation for life’s simple things. For this gentle and unassuming man, his greatest accomplishment was passing on these attributes to his children and grandchildren. He leaves behind his adored wife of 55 years, Hranislava Slavich, his daughter, Cecilia Lanaux, his son, Daniel Zibilich and wife, Kristie, and his grandchildren, Elliot, Alex and Gabe Lanaux, Ryan, Rachael, and Andrew Zibilich in addition to his sister, Marija Cibilic of Duba and sisters-in-law, Franka Slavic and Anka Ukropina of Sucuraj, Croatia, and an outstanding number of cousins, nieces and nephews in Croatia and the USA. He was predeceased by his parents, Mato and Cecilija Cibilic and his brothers, Ante, Mato, August, and Bozo Zibilich, and his beloved son-in-law, Charles Andrew Lanaux. Visitation will be at Schoen Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 beginning at 9:00 AM. with a Funeral Mass at 12:00 PM. Internment following at St. Louis #3 Cemetery. Milenko will forever live in the hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ben Bragg Memorial Fountain, c/o Ceil Lanaux, 1130 Dove Park Road, Covington, LA 70433 are preferred. Memories and condolences may be expressed online at www.schoencanalstreet.com.