Vaso Krneta

Vaso Krneta, a devoted father, cherished friend, and man whose hands brought beauty to the world, passed away peacefully on the morning of Monday, October 6, 2025, in Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was 90 years old. Vaso, formerly a longtime resident of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was surrounded by the love of his family as he embarked on his final journey.

A Life of Purpose: From Yugoslavia to America

Born on October 10, 1934, in the village of Donji Tiškovac in the former Kingdom of Yugoslavia, Vaso’s life was a testament to resilience, diligence, and a tireless work ethic. His early manhood was marked by service to his nation as a desetar in the Yugoslav People's Army/Jugoslovenska Narodna Armija (JNA). A desetar in the JNA was a military rank that is generally equivalent to a Corporal in English. Under the regulations of the JNA, the rank of desetar was given to the best-performing soldiers (vojnici).

Seeking new horizons, he moved to Germany, where he contributed to the globally recognized precision of Mercedes Benz in Stuttgart. Vaso’s ultimate voyage led him to the United States. He settled in Cicero, Illinois, and dedicated many years to public service as a valuable team member for the Clyde Park District. Following his retirement, he embraced the tranquility of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where he was a deeply respected and active member of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church.

Vaso’s spirit was vividly expressed through his personal passions. He possessed a profound creative talent, often finding joy and peace while painting. He also took immense pride in his hands-on endeavors, particularly landscaping, an art through which he transformed his surroundings into spaces of natural beauty.

Beyond his visual arts, Vaso was also a skillful cook who expressed his love by sharing meals. His kitchen was a place of warmth, and he delighted in preparing traditional recipes and dishes for his family and friends.

Above all accomplishments, Vaso was a loving father who placed his family and friends at the center of his world. His enduring legacy is the depth of love and warmth he shared with everyone he knew.

Vaso was preceded in death by his parents, Nikola and Sofia Krneta; his brothers, Milan, Mirko, and George Krneta; and his sisters, Grozda Cekarmis and Milica Krneta.

His powerful spirit will forever be cherished by his devoted children: his sons, Alex Krneta (Robin) and John (Justine); his daughters, Angela Krneta and Vesna Besic; and his grandchildren Brennon, Graci, Matthew, Sidney, and Triston; his brothers Gojko and Nikola Krneta. He is also survived by his well-loved extended family and many lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.