Steve Djurich

Racine- Steve Djurich, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 1, 2013. 

Steve was born in Plavno, Yugoslavia on September 15, 1925 to the late Vaso and Vasilija (nee: Cvjanovic) Djurich. As a young teenager, his mother encouraged Steve to join the Serbian Chetnik Freedom Fighters to prevent being murdered by the enemies. Surviving the next few years of fighting for his life, Steve eventually made it to the United States of America. On January 31, 1955 in Chicago, Steve was united in marriage with the love of his life, Mary Jane (nee: Van Wey), who preceded him in death on June 24, 2010. 

With great appreciation for the opportunities and lifestyle the United States offered, Steve was a tireless and devoted employee at AMC / Chrysler for over 30 years. He was a faithful member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church. Steve took great pride in working diligently to provide the wants and needs of his entire family – a goal he certainly accomplished.

Surviving are his children, Rose (Klaus) Hausler and Larry (Joyce) Djurich; grandchildren, Donald (Michelle) Wadewitz II, Hillary Hausler, Amanda (Dan) DeHahn and Steven (Amanda Grant) Djurich; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Avery DeHahn, Mason Djurich; brother, Marko (Mika) Djurich; sisters, Angie (Djuro) Djurich and Stavania (Sava) Bursac; sisters-in-law, Djuja and Mikica Djurich; Doris (Joe) Kilichowski, Shirley and Iris Van Wey; brothers-in-law, Leonard (Lorraine) and Glen (Virginia) Van Wey; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Steve was preceded in death by his brothers, Peter and Nikola Djurich; Mary Jane’s parents, Vern and Fay (nee: Burnett) Van Wey, Sr.; and brothers-in-law, Vern Van Wey, Jr. and Dareld “Dude” Van Wey.

Funeral services will be on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 10 am in St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 6108 Braun Rd., with Father Petar Sailovic officiating. Interment will be on Monday at 11:45 am in St. Sava Serbian Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 4-6 pm with the Mali Pomen prayer service being offered at 6 pm. There will also be visitation in the funeral home on Monday from 9:00 – 9:45 am at which time the procession will leave for St. George Church.

A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Ned Mejalli for the many years of wonderful medical care and to the “Meals on Wheels” program for the awesome daily deliveries – Dad always look forward to your arrival. May God bless all of you!