Vladimir Lazukic

Vladimir Lazukic, age 100, beloved husband of Desanka (“Zlato”) for 71 years, passed away peacefully at home.

He is survived by his devoted wife; his great-niece, Jelena (Helen) Ilić-Thomas, her husband, John, and their sons, Philip and Adam. Vladimir’s sister-in-law, Justine Jacimovic; his niece Tanya Whitlock, her husband, Chad; and their son, Ryder, Vladimir’s great-nephew. Special thanks to Ljubica Jaksic and her son, Nikola Dujic for providing delicious meals to him and his wife for the past several years, as well as companionship and support.

Vladimir was born on September 24, 1925, in Zemun, now a municipality of Belgrade, Serbia, a picturesque community along the banks of the Danube River. He maintained a lifelong love of being near the water and served in the Royal Yugoslav Navy. His remarkable journey later took him first to Germany and then to the United States in 1954. Together, he and Desanka built a life defined by hard work, perseverance, devotion to church and family, and wise stewardship of all they earned.

Over the course of his 100 years, Vladimir witnessed a degree of change that few lives encompass. Far from resisting change, Vladimir remained curious about technology. He enjoyed tinkering with cameras, computers and cell phones and continued learning about new technology well into his later years. His life connected generations and worlds that might otherwise seem impossibly far apart.

Nothing brought Vladimir greater joy or pride than his involvement with his beloved St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Broadview Heights, where he preserved his heritage and faithfully followed the religious teaching of the Serbian Orthodoxy. He supported the Church from its early years and served it faithfully in many ways, including serving on Church Boards, volunteering at church events, assisting with fundraising, and supporting the church community in every capacity his natural talents led him to. For Vladimir, St. Sava Church community was more than a place of worship and a spiritual home, it was a source of fellowship, and an enduring connection to the Serbian heritage, which was the guiding light throughout his entire life. Vladimir was one of the founding members of the Serbian Pensioner’s Club where he took active roles in organizing and planning events, particularly in going to the casinos, enjoying the fellowships during the bus rides, and testing his luck and skills in playing games. His entertaining skills made the casino destination bus rides full of joy as he told jokes, and joined in singing Serbian songs. Being in company with Vladimir meant never having to experience a dull moment, or an absence of laughter and happiness.

What made Vladimir so beloved, however, was his warmth, wit, and playful spirit. He was always ready with a joke, a clever observation, or a magic trick for the children. He remained a kid at heart throughout his life and loved to bring home unexpected treasures from local flea markets, and his favorite store, Best Buy.

His family is deeply grateful to everyone who loved him, visited him, and helped care for him. They are especially thankful for the compassionate caregivers and hospice heroes who brought comfort, dignity, and kindness to Vladimir and his family during the final two weeks of his life.

FRIENDS MAY CALL AT THE DONALD A. FAULHABER FUNERAL HOME, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) where a prayer service will be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 12 pm followed by a funeral service at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 2151 W. Wallings Road at 12:15 PM. V. Rev. Mijoljub Matic officiating.

Interment St. Sava Cemetery.

VISITATION Tuesday, June 23 at the funeral home 10:30 am until time of service.