Elizabeth Bliss (nee Kosec), 76 years old. Wife of the late Richard S. Bliss. Mother of Noël DeViney (Christopher) and Catherine Bliss (Mark Buentipo). Grandmother of Aida and Makeo Buentipo. Sister of Jonathon Kosec. Elizabeth was a retired registered nurse of 45 years at Lutheran Hospital. She was an accomplished knitter, passionate Dickensian, arts enthusiast and proud Slovenian, whose creativity, humor and warmth enriched the lives of all that knew her. At the request of the family donations may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland, 3 Summit Park Drive #550, Independence, Ohio 44131 or Reserve Care, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. A funeral service was held at Murphy Funeral Home, Solon, Ohio, where family and friends were received prior to time of service. Private interment, Lake View Cemetery.
Herman F. Bohinc, 85 years old. Husband of Eileen (nee Martin). Father of Michael, Gary (Lara) and Laura (Val Voelker). Son of the late Stanley and Christine (nee Striha). Brother of John (Joan) (both deceased), Stan (Darlene) (both deceased) and Jean (Larry) Stark. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Friend to many. Herman was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from St. Joseph High School. He then went on to have an over 65 year+ in the plumbing profession as a business owner of Norhio Plumbing Inc. He loved being outside working in his yard and garden, especially growing roses. Family and friends were received at St. John Funeral Home, followed by a service at the funeral home, and then interment at All Souls Cemetery.
Margaret “Margie” Blair (nee Borzevich), 96 years old, passed away June 4. 2026. She was born Aug. 26, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio as the daughter of the late Alexander and Eva Borzevich. Wife of the late William A. Blair. Margaret was a skilled seamstress and artist who enjoyed crafting, painting and sculpting. She loved playing Pinochle, Bingo, Rummikub and Sequence and also enjoyed crossword puzzles and word search puzzles. Mother of Robin (Thomas) Sheppard and Jodi (David) Vargo. Grandmother of Alexis (Richard) Nahra, Tommy Sheppard (partner, Shannon) and Madison (Ryan) Markoff; and great-grandmother of William and Benjamin Nahra. Sister of Gregory (Cheryl) Stricharchuk. Also preceded in death by her daughter, Marsha Greene, and her brother Steve Borsen. All arrangements handled by Lake Erie Funeral Home.
Valentine Filipcic, 74 years old, passed away May 20, 2026 in Geneva, OH. He was born Nov. 13, 1951 son of the late Aloyz and Frances Filipcic. Valentine was a machinist in the manufacturing industry and obtained a high school diploma. He enjoyed frequenting taverns and hanging out with his friends there. He is survived by his brother, Phillip Srecko, and his son, Travis Filipcic. A grave side service will be held at Alexander Harper Cemetery
Keith E. Likar, 87 years old, passed away May 24, 2026. Husband of Sue (nee Grabowski). Father of Jackie (Alan), Wendy (deceased), Keith (Mary Ann), and Joe (Michele). Grandfather to Brittney, Matthew, Jill, Sara, Joey, Katie, Danny and Hannah; and great-grandfather of Harper, Wyatt, Ellie, and Riley. Keith’s childhood love for baseball led him to coaching his sons and countless kids at Morgana Park. He was a gifted carpenter for 60 years. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Victor Church followed by private internment. Family and friends were received at Fortuna Funeral Home, Independence, OH.
Alice A. Markelonis (née Mauser) 92 years old, passed away May 10, 2026. She was born Jan. 26, 1934, in Cleveland and lived in Munson Township for the past 37 years. Mother of Douglas (Debra), Anthony, and Cathy Malinowski (Ken). Grandmother of Megan and Michael Malinowski and Brian Pishek. Preceded in death by her husband, Anthony R.; parents, William A. and Julia A. Mauser (née Majer); stepmother, Carol Mauser; and siblings Dorothy Wrona (Richard), William Mauser (Mary), Edwin Mauser, Eileen Mauser. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Anselm Church, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery.
Jacob A. “Jack” Potokar, 86 years old. He was born Oct. 11, 1939, Cleveland, OH. Jack was employed as a Salesman. His hobbies were sports, especially football, and he enjoyed eating out, going for car rides, exploring the outdoors, trips to the Casinos, and walks. Husband of Barbara Potokar. Father of Mark (Sue) Potokar. Grandfather of Ashley, Tiffani, Matthew, Tambra, and Robert; great-grandfather of seven. Brother of twin, Louis (Barbara) Potokar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jakub and Florence Potokar; son, Paul Potokar; and siblings Florence Melik and Pauline Dodge. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. John Vianney Church, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home.
Bernard “Bernie” Thomas Samac, 78 years old. Husband of the late Renee (nee LaFrance). Father of Tracy Dougherty (Mike); Erik (Jennifer). Grandfather of Nikolena, Niko and Max. Son of the late Steve Samac and Mary (nee Karpacs). Brother of Steve (Carol deceased), Val (Bonnie), Cathy Meyers (Gary), Sharon Marconi (Mike) and the late Caroline Samac. Uncle and great-uncle of many. Bernie had a longtime career as a building commissioner, spanning 35 years, serving multiple cities, including Mayfield Heights and Mayfield Village. He also enjoyed to cook, play golf, and work in his yard. He was an easy-going, friendly person who was always willing to help others and will be remembered as a man who was dedicated to his friends and family. All services were held at DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home, Willoughby Hills, OH.
Michael Simcic, 89 years old. He was born Jan. 23, 1937 in Cleveland, as the son of late Matthew and Frances Simcich. Mike grew up enjoying baseball and bowling, playing alongside his father, cousin, uncles, and his brother, Tom. He decided to become a Cleveland Policeman and served for 30 years. After retiring, he joined the Highland Hills Police Department as a clerk and worked there for many years. Husband of late Francine (Fran). Brother of Thomas (Phyllis) Simcich; niece, Karen (Robert) McFee; nephew, Thomas “Tommy” Simcich Jr.; and many nieces and nephews and very close family friends, Jenna, Gianni and Anthony, whom he loved. A memorial Mass was held at St. Bede the Venerable Church, followed by burial at All Souls Cemetery.
Elaine D. Sintic, 86 years old, passed away June 2, 2026. She was born Aug. 19, 1939, as the daughter of the late Frank and Matilda Buehner. Elaine enjoyed the excitement of casino bus trips. Member, SNPJ Loyalites Lodge 158. She listened to polkas daily and loved dancing to them in her younger years. Wife of the late Martin L. Sintic. Mother of Sandra (Neil) Taylor, Carolyn Calhoun (Jeff, deceased), Martin (Kimberly) Sintic, Michelle (Anthony) Sintic, and Christine (Thomas) Bolmeyer. Grandmother of Amy, Michael, Ashley, Robert, Nicole, Kayla, Theresa, and Kaitlyn; many great-grandchildren; and her sister, Carol Landis. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Justin Martyr Church, followed by interment at All Souls Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Monreal Srnick Funeral Home.
Robert Mitchell Slife, 79 years old. Husband of Janice L. (Nee Mihelcic). Father of Mitchell Joseph Slife (Maggie). Grandfather of Stig Slife. Brother of Daniel Slife (Kim) and late Barbara, Patsy, Mary, and Bill. Brother-in-law of Donald Mihelcic (Karen); Uncle of Joshua Mihelcic; uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Bob graduated, respectively, from Gilmour Academy, Class of 1965 graduate of and John Carroll University, Class of 1969. He was employed in the family business of RMX Material Handling in sales. An avid golfer and member of the Chagrin Valley Country Club. He enjoyed reading historical books and listening to classical music. Family and friends were received at the Our Lady Chapel at Gilmour Academy where a funeral Mass of Christian Burial was held followed by interment in Aurora Cemetery. Al arrangements were handled by Ferfolia Funeral Home.
Mary Ann Scurec (nee Segedi) “Mimi'” 95 years old, passed away May 3, 2026. She was born on Aug. 22, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio. Daughter of the late Kosta and Stefania Segedi (nee Visosevic). Wife of the late Frank. Mother of Juliana Barnick (Richard), Connie May (Allan) and Frank (Sheila). Grandmother of Christopher, Laura, Stephanie and Jennifer; and great grandmother of Nora, Nicholas and Zachary. Sister of the late Milan, Stephanie, Walter, and Judith. Aunt and great aunt of many. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 15519 Holmes Avenue, Cleveland where family and friends were received prior to the Mass. Followed by private interment at Lake View Cemetery. At the request of the family donations may be made to Reserve Care (formerly Hospice of the Western Reserve).
John C. “Pops” Turek, 87 years old, passed away June 12, 2026. Husband of the late Darlene B. (nee Haas). Father of Martin and the late Joanne Turek. Grandfather of Ryan, Matthew, Blake, Victoria, Noah, Heather and Hailey. Son of the late Frank and Josephine (nee Arko). Brother of the late Marie Kromar (husband John, deceased) and Frank (Joan). Uncle and great-uncle of many. Veteran, US Armed Forces. Member, St. Vitus Parish, St. Vitus Catholic War Veterans Post 1655, and long-time involved in and with St. Vitus KSKJ Lodge #25 (also officer of Lodge #25). Previously resided at St. Vitus Village. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Vitus Church with private interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends were received at Zevnik-Cosic Funeral Home, Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, OH. At the request of the family donations may be made in memory of John to “St. Vitus Endowment Trust,” c/o 6019 Lausche Avenue, Cleve., OH. 44103.
Sister Dorothy Turk, CSJ, one of ten children born to Jacob and Mary Turk (nee Lah). She and attended elementary school at St. Vitus in Cleveland, then went on to high school at Notre Dame Academy, Class of 1948. Following high school, Dorothy entered the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1948 where she received the habit and was given the religious name of Sister Mary Rosarie. She completed her education on Saturdays and during summers, receiving her BSE, St. John College, Class of 1958 and M.Ed., Xavier University in Cincinnati, Class of 1966. Most of Sister Dorothy’s religious life and ministry was teaching in intermediate and junior high classrooms: in the 1950s: St. Benedict, Cleveland, OH; St. Mary, Warren, MI; St. Agnes, Arlington, VA; St. Mary Massillon, OH. In the 1960s: Our Lady of Victory, Washington, DC; St. Michael, Cleveland, OH; St. Paschal Baylon, Highland Heights, OH; St. James, Warren, MI; St. Joseph, Suffield, OH. In the 1970s: St. Wendelin, Cleveland, OH; St. Mary Magdalene, Altamonte Springs, FL; St. Gabriel, Mentor, OH; St. Clement, Lakewood, OH; St. Wenceslas, Maple Heights, OH; St. Francis de Sales, Akron, OH. After much prayer and discernment, in 1974, Dorothy decided to transfer from the Sisters of Notre Dame to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Cleveland where her natural sister, Sister Suzanne Turk, was already a member. In the 1980s, Sister Dorothy served the people of Appalachia. During her 17 years there, she ministered at several parishes: Queen of All Saints, Beattyville, KY; St. Elizabeth Seton, Elizabeth, WV; and St. John, Logan, OH, and Risen Lord, Maysel, WV. In the 1990s, Sister Dorothy taught at Immaculate Conception, Cleveland, OH and Immaculate Conception, Akron, OH. From 2001-2013, Dorothy and Delphine lived in Barberton, OH where they ministered to the sick and elderly who were homebound at St. Augustine and Prince of Peace parishes. In 2013 she moved back to St. Joseph Village. Sister Dorothy is preceded in death by siblings James, Bro. Ernest Turk, CSC, Sr. Suzanne Turk, CSJ, Anne, Olga, Sylvia, Agnes and Esther Turk. Surviving is her brother Lawrence (Mary) and nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Joseph Center, Cleveland, Ohio with burial at Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland, OH.
Mary K. Turk, 64 years old. Mary was born May 21, 1961, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late Anthony and Marian Ferree Turk. She was a 1979 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and a member of St. Rose Church. Mary was a volunteer at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, where she worked in the mail room delivering mail throughout the hospital. She also volunteered with WRIL, serving as the transportation secretary. Mary is survived by siblings Anthony (Sandy) Turk, Kathy (John) Rocco; nieces and nephews, Tony Turk, Ryan (Erin) Turk, Julie (Cody) Moore and Kristy Rocco and several great-nieces and great-nephews; and extended family members. Private services will take place at a later date. Mary is to be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.
Mary Joan Vidmar (nee Fritz), 85 years old. Joan was born July 24, 1940, as the daughter of the late Edward and Mary Fritz. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Kathy (Dick) Mulac, Ginny (Red) Kreps, and David Fritz. Joan attended St. Ann Elementary School, then graduated Beaumont High School, Class of 1958. She went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Joseph University, Class of 1962, in education. She dedicated her professional life to education, beginning as a physical education teacher at Cleveland Heights High School in the 1960s, and later spending over 30 cherished years at Hudson Middle School. She also earned her master’s degree, University of Akron, later in life. Volunteer, teaching CCD PSR at St. Mary’s Parish, as well as rocking babies at the Akron Children’s hospital. Wife of Bill Vidmar. Mother of Mary Alice Wagner (Karl), Billy Vidmar (Shelley), Matthew Vidmar, and Jody Doherty. Grandmother of Tyler Vidmar, Jakob Vidmar, TC Wagner, Molly Wagner, Will Doherty, and Cole Doherty. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was St. Mary Church, Hudson, OH. followed by grave site service at St. Mary Cemetery.
Jay E. Zhitnik, 75 years old, passed away May 21, 2026, from adult-onset Muscular Dystrophy. Brother of Steven Zhitnik, Hy Zhitnik, Beth Poorman (Mike); cousin Huddy Haller, (Cliff); and Steven’s fiancé, Martha Freimuth. Jay was also predeceased in death by parents, Phyllis Opper Zhitnik and Paul Zhitnik. Jay was born in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Elyria High School, Class of 1968 and then graduated from University of Chicago, Class of 1972, with a degree in Bio-Psychology, and Northern Arizona University, Class of 1977 with a degree in Chemistry. Jay is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP). After graduation from Northern Arizona University, Jay was employed at the County of Marin, CA. Jay then became employed at Cleveland Clinic C5Research (Cardiovascular Medicine Department) as a Research Technician. Jay retired as a Research Regulatory QA Coordinator in 2017. Interment of remains to take place at Lake View Cemetery, Cleveland,
Stephanie Zupancic (nee Komac), 93 years old. Wife of the late Anton. Godmother of Adriana Pust, Cindy Nicholas, Daniel Gordish, Meta Bizjak, Nick Petek, Judy Osborn, Julie Petek, and Brian Laginja. Daughter of the late Alois and Stephania (nee Bizjak) Komac. Sister-in-law of August Pust, Frank Petek, Olga Petek, Jozef Selan, and the late Gloria Pust and Rosalie Selan. Cousin of Marinka Pfajfar. Aunt of Michelle Sikora, Barb Nemeckay, and Chris Selan. Stephanie was born May 23, 1932, in Slovenia. She and her husband legally emigrated to the USA. Stephanie was employed as a bookkeeper and fashion buyer. Parishioner, Divine Word Parish. Stephanie found great enjoyment in cooking, baking, and gardening outside. All arrangements were handled by DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott Funeral Home.
NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL
OBITUARIES
Samo J. Dovgan, MD, 89 years old, passed away May 5, 2026. Samo was born on December 18, 1936, to Jakob and Natalia Dovgan, in Bloka Polica, Slovenia, on Dec. 18, 1936. He is survived by his wife Corinne, sons Joseph (Deceased) (Stephanie), John (Catherine), Daniel (Jana) and Peter (Liam). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, more relatives in the USA and Slovenia. Samo attended St. Mary Grade School, Pueblo Catholic High, Creighton University and Creighton University School of Medicine which he graduated from in 1961 with his medical degree, specializing in radiology. Samo practiced radiology primarily in Cortez, Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at St. Paul the Apostle Church, followed by interment at Imperial Memorial Gardens.
Sophie LaPorte, 102 years old, passed away May 3, 2026. She was born on May 29, 1923, in Decatur, NY. Sophie attended Worcester Central High School and moved to St. Petersburg, FL in 1954. She had a lifelong love of polka music and dancing and enjoyed sharing stories of her Slovenian heritage and travels. Her family cherishes memories of her baking traditional Slovenian breads and playing cards at countless gatherings with her large circle of family and friends. Sophie worked in a variety of roles, including at a dressmaking shop in Oneonta, as a GTE telephone operator, as a parts assembler at GE, as a beautician at Joseph’s Hairstyling, and as a secretary for Brunnel Products, Inc. She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Kavcic Golja and John Golja; her husband Leo Antoine LaPorte; her siblings Frederick, Frank, and John Golja; Justine and Albina; and her son-in-law, William Rumpf. Sophie is survived by her children, Elaine Rumpf and Ernest LaPorte and his wife, Polly; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Marianne Molly (Vidmar) Prebil, 100 years old, passed away June 7, 2026. Preceded in death by her husband Louis Prebil. Marianne was born on Oct. 4, 1925, Chisholm, MN, as the daughter of the late Anthony and Mary (nee Pogorelz) Vidmar, whose families had immigrated from Slovenia. Sibling of James (Patricia) and William (Beth), who nicknamed her “Bae.” She remained close to both brothers, their wives, Patricia and Beth, and their extended families. Her parents owned 80 acres of forestland known as Vidmar Farm. She graduated with high honors, Chisholm High School, Class of 1943, and magna cum laude from the five-year nursing program at the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN. Marianne began a teaching career in collegiate and diploma nursing programs in Duluth and Hibbing, MN. During WWII, she moved to Portland, Oregon, to work in a hospital caring for injured veterans. Mother of Richard (Tricia) Prebil; James (Christine) Prebil; William (Lori) Prebil; Paul (Pamela) Prebil; and Mary (Dan) Winicour. Grandmother of 12 grandchildren and great-grandmother of 16. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial was at Resurrection Church, Ellicott City, MD.
Frank J. Sedlasek, 82 years old, passed away May 12, 2026. Fred was born on Dec. 9, 1943 in Maribor, Slovenia. Frank emigrated to Chicago before putting roots in Schaumburg, IL. where he would spend 40+ years. Son of the late Frank and Mary Sedlasek. Also preceded in death by his sister Irene Pecaric. Husband of Lois (nee Longar). Father of Nancy (Walter) Magiera and Debbie (Rich) Myszynsk. Grandfather of Breanna, Maddie, and Dylan. Uncle of John, Diane, Rob, Cindy, and Rose. Veteran, U.S. Marine Corps, Viet Nam War. He rose to the rank of Sergeant, earning an Air Medal with seven stars, a National Defense Service Medal, a Viet Namese Service Medal with two stars, a Bronze Star, a Combat Aircrew Insignia with three stars, a Sharpshooter Rifle Medal, and a Good Conduct for his courageous service and dedication to his fellow Marines. After honorable discharge, After serving, he built several successful businesses of his own in tool and die casting, manufacturing, and technology. A final Memorial military service was held at Florida National Cemetery, followed by a gathering at Arlington Ridge Veteran’s Memorial.
Dragica Susich, 88 years old, Rock Springs, WY. She was born Apr. 4, 1938 around Delnice, a border town between Slovenia and Croatia. Wife of the late Steve. In 1966, Steve legally immigrated to the USA, and in 1967, Dragica and two daughters followed to begin a new chapter together as a family. Dragica was employed by the library for more than 25 years before retiring in 2000. Member, Holy Spirit Catholic Community. There she faithfully dedicated 20+ years at the Loaves & Fishes Soup Kitchen, helping countless people in need with compassion and humility. She was well known for her holiday baking, making the best poticas, apple strudels and her famous “peach” cookies. Mother of Yvonne Makar (Charlie) and Marianne Schaedler and (Christian Kaufmann). Grandmother of Jerod Sarcletti (fiancé Anna); Stefane Sarcletti; and aunt of many. Also preceded in death by her parents, and several siblings. Vigil Service with Rosary was at Fox Funeral Home, with Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, followed by interment, and an interment (for Steve Susich) at Rock Springs Municipal Cemetery.
