Vladimir "Walter" Zivkovich

Vladimir "Walter" Zivkovich, age 89, passed away peacefully on April 23 in Leesburg, Florida surrounded by his loving wife and three children. Walt was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on January 26, 1928 to Vaso and Bozana "Bernice" Zivkovich.He grew up in Duluth and graduated in December 1944 at the age of 16 from Denfeld High School and was a member of the class of 1945. After high school he joined the United States Navy in January, 1946 and served in the Pacific region on the Navy Cruiser USS Saint Paul, and was honorably discharged in November 1947. Walt married the love of his life, Genevieve Lukovsky on June 21, 1953 in Duluth. "Vlado" and "Gen" were married for 63 precious years and shared in the joy of raising a family. After his naval service, Walt attended the University of Minnesota Duluth and received a bachelor's degree in 1953, and two Master of Arts degrees in 1963. He was initiated into the Phi Delta Kappa fraternity in 1963. During his undergraduate years, Walt became a member of the Duluth Police Force. He served as an officer for 7 years and became an educator for the Duluth Public School System in several capacities as a classroom teacher, counselor, director of adult education, and vocational administrator for 32 years, retiring in 1987. He was a talented and innovative educator who was dedicated to his students, inspiring them to use their full potential and follow their dreams. During his 32 year career he improved the quality of public education in Duluth. His students fondly referred to him as "Mr. Z", and he touched hundreds of students' lives with his compassion and wisdom. He often said his educational philosophy was to treat each and every student as if they were his own child. Many students contacted "Mr. Z" years after his retirement, and as recently as last Fall, expressing their deep gratitude for his mentoring and guidance which had a profound and lasting impact on their lives. Walt was also a successful entrepreneur and owned several local businesses including a driver's education school. After retirement Walt and Gen spent time with their children and grandchildren and traveled, finally settling in Leesburg in September, 1994. Surrounded by year-round sunshine, the couple were active social members in their community. Walt, a lifelong athlete who played fastpitch softball for the Serbian Orthodox Church in Duluth and Crosby, returned to the sport and was a star pitcher on several Leesburg softball teams. He also golfed and played pickleball. He and Gen frequently hosted their children's families and friends, and Grandpa Vlad loved spending time at the pool with his grandchildren. Walt was preceded in death by his mother Bozana "Bernice" Perovich (Zivkovich) Carich; father, Vaso Zivkovich, stepfather Eli Carich; and stepbrother Emil Carich. Walt is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Genevieve Lukovsky Zivkovich; his three children, who were the apple of his eye, Cindy (Tom) Wilmers of Bloomington, MN; Kim (Don) Mastro of Atlanta, GA; Roddy (Laurie) Zivkovich of Chanhassen, MN; grandchildren Natalie Wilmers (Tim Olmstead, Fiancé) of Minneapolis, Jaclyn Wilmers of Minneapolis, Lauren Mastro of Atlanta, Daniel Mastro of Atlanta, Peyton Zivkovich of Chanhassen and Greta Zivkovich of Chanhassen. He is also survived by his dear brothers, Donald "Dan" Carich (Cynthia Mohr) of Superior, WI; and Sam (Beverly) Zivkovich of Duluth. These brothers shared a special bond with Walt throughout his life. Other survivors include sisters-in-law Olga Milosevich of Minneapolis, Darlene Lukovsky of Duluth; brother-in-law Connie Lukovsky of Duluth; and special nephew Jeff (Cynthia) Milosevich of Aurora, CO, as well as many nieces and nephews. Walt's family would like to thank his special friends, Dr. Keith R. Oken of the Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL; and Dr. Patrick Williams of Leesburg for their dedication to medicine and their outstanding patient care. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis followed by a Celebration of Life Service in Duluth. Information to be announced at a later date. We pray that Walt will be filled with joy and eternal peace in Heaven. We know that by the glory of Our Lord he is sweetly reunited with his father after 86 years of separation. We imagine he is the starting pitcher on a Heavenly softball team, and his mother and father are there cheering him on. Memorial donations may be made to the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 1216 104th Avenue West, Duluth, MN 55808.

Vladimir "Walter" Zivkovich

January 26, 1928 - April 23, 2017