Vlado "Mert" Mrdutt

Vlado "Mert" Mrdutt was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed him to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, he possessed a tough-minded, “take charge” attitude. He had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and he was at ease with the role of playing problem solver. Vlado always sought out the scene of where the action was. Sociable, analytical and pleasant, Vlado was an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Vlado was born on October 7, 1927 at home in Boyceville, Wisconsin. His parents were Joseph and Mary Mrdutt. Vlado was raised in Wisconsin. Always able to express himself well, Vlado possessed strong interpersonal skills. He was optimistic in his outlook on life and was able at all times to be open and direct in his communication. Armed with a great wit, Vlado was raised to be accepting of others and to implement a strong personal work ethic.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Vlado was able to relate well with others. His occasional role as family mediator gave him the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. Vlado was raised with ten siblings. Vlado had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

Known to others as a focused, logical, open-minded and somewhat driven individual, Vlado was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. His curious nature was spurred by his ability to maximize his personal learning style through employing a hands-on approach. He was good with facts and had an excellent memory. He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1943. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers.

Friends and acquaintances found Vlado an easy man to get to know, and those close to him would often praise his open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. Vlado was uncomplicated and straightforward in his relationships, which allowed him to accept people for what they were. Later in life, he became friends with Bill Bierd and Dean Moody.

On February 26, 1976 Vlado exchanged wedding vows with Luz "Lisa" Lara at the Lake Tahoe Church in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Vlado was attentive to Luz's feelings, and he charmed Luz and others with his gift for being able to give freely and generously. A good listener with an engaging personality, Vlado was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship.

Very much like a kid himself, Vlado identified with the inquisitive and creative side of his children’s personalities. He was able to direct his energy and spontaneity towards helping his children acquire added common sense skills. Vlado had seven children named, Linda, Gary, David, Susan, Sylvia, Manuel, and Marcos. He was blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Larry, Laura, Michael, Josh, Carli, Reid, Peter, Stephen, Amy, Sarah, Marcos Jr., Lindsay, Derek, and Manuel Jr. Vlado was also blessed with ten great grandchildren.

Vlado was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around him. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, Vlado’s strengths included being able to think on his feet. He could be a leader who sought impact for his decisions. Gifted with an incredible ability to read body language, Vlado was able to positively manipulate situations and motivate others in order to get a task completed. He was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Vlado could multi-task, and he was endowed with entrepreneurial spirit, allowing him to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in his work environment. His primary occupation was in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mert was active for 20 years and in the reserves for 10 years. He was also employed for 27 years in the Insurance industry.

Vlado was an U.S. Marine veteran. Vlado was a cool thinker who could handle himself well in a crisis. He served in the China Marine, Korea, Okinawa, Bridgeport, CA, and Camp Pendleton, CA. Vlado saw action in China and Korea. He achieved the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He received several awards including a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He showed leadership qualities and could make tough decisions when he was called upon to do so.

Vlado enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. He had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that he did. He put this creativity toward all of his pastimes. His favorite pursuits were fishing. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Because he liked to take risks, Vlado was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. He was enthusiastic and confident about these activities. In high school, Vlado played basketball. Recreational sports included golf and jogging. Vlado was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball, and college basketball.

Vlado was a gifted problem solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made him a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which he belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Vlado worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. Throughout his later years, Vlado was an active member of the China Marine Association and the Marine Correspondent Association.

Vlado was a generous man who prized that same quality in others. So it’s little wonder that he was so active and giving in his community. Vlado was a member of several community groups, including serving on committees for the Mclaughlin Corridor Association.

Travel and vacations were experiences that Vlado truly enjoyed. He preferred to seek out excitement wherever he went and he was partial to vacations that were casual and laid back with an atmosphere of “live and let live.” He was willing to leave his plans open and flexible, just in case something more interesting came along. Favorite vacations included Europe, Latin America, and the Orient.

Vlado was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. Some of Vlado’s favorites was Milly and Pako, two dachshund dogs, and Nina, a Pomeranian. He had Pako and Nina for 14 years, and Milly for 11 years.

When Vlado’s retirement finally came in 1990, he was well prepared. He used logical analysis of his retirement options in order to ensure his retirement would be fulfilling. Still, he was able to easily adapt to possible changes and enjoyed just having fun and being relaxed. His new life involved relocating to San Jose, CA. In retirement, he found new pleasure in gardening and fishing.

Vlado passed away on June 6, 2012 at home in San Jose, CA. due to cancer and heart problems. He is survived by his wife Luz; his children Linda, Gary, David, Susan, Sylvia, Manuel and Marcos; and his grandchildren Larry, Laura, Michael, Josh, Carli, Reid, Peter, Stephen, Amy, Sarah, Marcos Jr., Lindsay, Derek, and Manuel Jr. Services were held at Oak Hill Funeral Home in the Chapel of Roses in San Jose, CA. Vlado was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.

Vlado was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A concrete communicator, he relied on his senses to increase his involvement and awareness of others. He was always able to provide amusing repartee to his friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes and stories. If Vlado had a theme song written about him, it might well have been “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” He enjoyed his life and the experience of living it. This is how everyone will remember Vlado "Mert" Mrdutt.