Michael was born in Bila, Bosnia on March 9, 1933. Michael passed away peacefully from complications from pneumonia on November 30, 2017. Michael had a quick wit, was a devoted family man, and was always the life of the party.
He immigrated alone to the United States in October of 1955, and quickly made his way to Detroit where he had an uncle who secured a tool and die apprenticeship program for him at General Motors. That’s where he began his 40 year career in the auto industry, as a tool and die maker. As a single man, he lived in Detroit and soon discovered that there were some Croatian girls living just a few blocks away. He and his buddy made their way over to their house where he met Anna Oestereicher. They quickly fell in love and were married on Aug 3, 1957 at St. Jerome Croatian Catholic Church in Detroit.
They began their married life in Warren, MI and started their family. Michael was very proud of his Croatian heritage and was especially active in the local Croatian Parish and with various Croatian clubs and organizations. He helped many other immigrants coming from Croatia to navigate the challenges of settling in a new country without a foundation of language or family. Michael was always willing to lend a helping hand to a friend, loved one, and in many cases a complete stranger. Michael was a consummate giver with an open heart. He was kind and had a genuine zest for life that was witnessed by everyone he knew, and often times his passion and energy inspired others.
Upon retirement, Michael and Anna moved to sunny Florida and settled in Baldwin Park, Florida – near Orlando. Michael is survived by his wife of 60 years Anna, his 3 children Jeanie, Joann, and John, and his 6 grandchildren. Michael also has several nieces and nephews who reside in Split, Croatia. He loved to visit his homeland of Croatia and did so numerous times over the years with his family.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on December 9, 2017 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church - 526 N. Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789. Michael will be laid to rest at Oaklawn Cemetery in Sanford, FL (burial services will be private). In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that any donations be made to ‘Croatian Franciscan Fathers’ and sent to St. Lucy Croatian Catholic Church – 200 E. Wattles Rd., Troy, MI 48085 (attention: Anna Kovac). All donations collected will be sent to the Sisters of Medjugorije. This is an organization that helps orphaned and displaced children from Croatia, Bosnia and Hercegovina.
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