Steve J. Zitkovich, age 87, passed away on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at the United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. He was born July 20, 1922 in Hinsdale, Illinois to Stepan and Ana (Kelicic) Zitkovich.
Steve grew up in Illinois attending school and later enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard serving during WWII in Okinawa and Guadacanal. After the war, he attended college and graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Forestry. After college, he moved to Oregon and met and married Therese Marie Gwynn on March 2, 1957 in Portland, OR. They later moved to Wenatchee and finally settled in Concrete in the early 1960’s where he worked as a forester with the U.S. Forest Service until his retirement in 1984.
Steve enjoyed being in the outdoors especially hunting and fishing with his family. Being fiercely independent, he enjoyed traveling and meeting new people and sharing stories of his adventures including special trips to Croatia, Italy, and Alaska.
He is survived by his 6 sons, Stephen Zitkovich, Thomas Zitkovich and his wife Cheryl, John Zitkovich and his wife Mickey all of Concrete, Michael Zitkovich and his wife Tracey of Hamilton, Andrew Zitkovich of Rockport, and Vincent Zitkovich of Vancouver, WA. 4 daughters, Anna Zitkovich of Seattle, Monica Blakely and her husband Mike of St. John, WA, Rita Hundahl and her husband Scott of Bow, and Ellen Gordon and her husband Bill of Mount Vernon. 17 grandchildren, 2-great grandchildren, his sister, Anne Zitkovich of Chicago, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Therese in Oct of 1993, a grandson, Shane Zitkovich, 4 brothers, Joseph, Matthew and Frank Zitkovich and Michael Mathews and 2 sisters, Stephanie McCormick and Rose Zitkovich.
A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 10:30 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Martin Bourke as Celebrant. Interment will follow at the Forest Park Cemetery in Concrete with a reception to follow at the CCD Center in Concrete.
Memorials are suggested to Human Life of Skagit Valley. Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
John and Tom,
So very sorry to hear the passing of your father. May your families find hope and comfort in our Saviors arms. Prayers to you both.
Zitkovitch Family,
Please accept our sympathy to you after the passing of Steve. Anyone who has worked in the woods and lived in Skagit County for a while knows of his strong work ethic, independence, beloved quirkiness, and wonderful stories. He and Mrs. Z spawned some pretty great kids, too, most of whom we have had the pleasure to know, and who inherited many of those same qualities. We had great respect for him and know that he is probably not resting in heaven, but making himself useful there and will be happily busy for all eternity.
Our deepest sympathies are extended to such a wonderful/beautiful family. Steve and Therese are at Peace and now can enjoy watching all of us again as a happy couple once more. May their stories and lessons of life live on. Salute!
We know how hard it was to endure such a loss to your family. Mr. Z was unique and a pleasure to know. Going to miss him at the Zitkovich/Woodworth family potlucks for sure. It’s a comfort knowing he and Therese are together again. God bless you all.
Zitkovich Family,
We are very sorry for your loss, know you are in our prayers.
I will miss seeing Steve up at lake Shannon this year. Rain or shine it seems he was always there for the opening weeks with his smile.
Goodbye friend
I’m glad that I had such a strong and courageous Grandfather, who had a great and long life. Rest in peace Grandpa Z.
Rita & Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how difficult it is at this time but your love for your dad and time will help in the healing process. My thoughts and prayers are with you.