Obituary of Peter Markobrad

Peter Paul Markobrad (80), loving husband, devoted father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home on Christmas morning. He was born on February 7, 1928 in North Chicago to Nikola and Amanda Mrkobrad. Peter attended school in North Chicago where be also received his religious education and served as an alter boy at Holy Family Church. He continued his quest for knowledge throughout his life with a love for reading. His strong work ethic and love of golf began at the age of 12 when he started working at Shore Acres Country Club in Lake Bluff. Here he enjoyed serving the members as a caddy, wait staff and chauffer that allowed him to drive cars for members to the Seminole County Club in Florida. He felt this was a pretty good opportunity for a guy who didn't even have a driver's license yet. He served his country by enlisting in the Army and after receiving training in mountain climbing and skiing he was stationed in Alaska in the early 1950s. He carried those experiences and friendships with him the rest of his life. After his military service he worked as a foreman of a construction crew for Cyclone Fence. He loved his work and for 35 years he erected lasting landmarks across the Midwest and impacted the lives of those who worked for and around him. On February 14,1953 Peter married the love of his life Rae Cecille Winter. He believed her to be his special blessing, loving and cherishing her every moment of his life. He was proudest of their life together and the family they raised. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Rae; children, Nick (Sherry) Markobrad, Syndy (Greg) Nugent, Brad Markobrad and Diane (Larry) Edwards; grandchildren, Sam and Claire Markobrad, Alex Nugent; and step-granddaughter, Lisa Noel; uncle and lifelong best friend, Joe Zupan; and uncle, Tony Zupan; sisters-in-law, Jeannette Markobrad and June Winter; brother-in-law, Randy Kalie; nieces, Tina Lemmon, Laura Winter, Karen Winter-Nelson and Kori Kalie; nephews, Steven and Chris Markobrad and Kameron Kalie. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; brother, Steve Markobrad; uncles, Paul and Emil Zupan; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Dot Winter; brother-in-law Stu Winter; and nephew Don Winter. Friends are asked to join the family in remembrance of Peter's life on Saturday, January 3, 2009 from 2-5 pm with a memorial service to be held at 4 pm at the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center located at One Lake Front Drive in Zion, IL (Wadsworth Road east of Sheridan Road and with signs to the resort). In lieu of flowers the family prefers memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association or to a charity of your choice. The family wishes to express thanks to Peter's caregivers with special thanks to the exceptional care he received from the members of the Zion Fire Department, Jan Wilson, Steve Capre, Jody and Kathy.