Mark D. Miljevich

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Mark D. Miljevich, "The Mighty Oak," 43, of Wakefield, passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Mark was the second of four very well loved children. He experienced a happy childhood with many fond memories of growing up in Wakefield. He was a graduate of Wakefield High School class of 1996, attended Gogebic Community College and received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. He passed his professional engineer exam and was working on getting his license at the time of his cancer diagnosis.

Mark was a hard-working man that developed great relationships with his work families which contributed to the man he became: the city of Wakefield (where he received the nickname, Oak), Pit Stop Bar & Grill, Indianhead Mountain, Coleman Engineering and Gogebic County Road Commission.

Mark met Ashley, the love of his life in 2005, and together they spent the next 16 years building love, family and memories. Together they have three beautiful children that he was so proud of. He loved teaching and watching his children play sports and was always encouraging them to try hard, work hard and find the numbers, history or science in any adventure.

Mark treasured time outdoors with his family, loving the Upper Peninsula and taking every opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the seasons and the nature that surrounds us. He could be found fishing in any season, grilling, enjoying music and hanging out with friends.

Mark had a passion for brewing and spent many hours studying, growing hops and brewing his own beer with a dream of one day opening a brewery. Any friends stopping by would be greeted with a fresh sample of his latest home brew. His smile, gentleness and sense of humor were just some of his many gifts that were shared with all who knew him.

Mark is survived by his beloved wife, Ashley; a son, Owen Eli; two daughters, Lila Rene' and Laney Elizabeth; his grandmother, Arlene Miljevich; his mother, Martha (Berg) Miljevich; a sister, Karen (Mark) Johnson; two brothers, Jason (Micaela) Miljevich and Alex (Lynnea) Miljevich; his mother-in-law, Cynthia Grayson; two brothers-in-law, Rollen (Heather) Grayson and Michael (Danielle) Grayson; his sister-in-law, Karen (Chris) Kitchen; his uncles and aunts, Gary (Diane) Miljevich, Brian (Karen) Miljevich, Michelle (Scott) Wuerfel, Melanie (Ken) Colberg, Jim Berg, Greta (Mike) Hutchison, Linda McClellan, David (Shirley) Berg and Jim Whitburn; his adored nieces and nephews, Paige Grayson, Jacob Moore, David and Michael Nordine, Courtney, Caleb and Emma Grayson, Ethan Kitchen, Evan Johnson, Andrea Laessig, Ben Miljevich, and Hans and Rafe Miljevich; his goddaughter, Mara Jacobson; and numerous loved cousins.

Mark was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vernon Miljevich and Erland (Martha) (Ida) Berg; his father, Mark V. Miljevich; his father-in-law, Rollen L. Grayson Sr .; two aunts, Gerry (Berg) Whitburn and Flo (Switzer) Berg; an uncle, Bill McClellan; and a cousin, Billy McClellan.

"Nothing is so kind as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength." - Francis de Sales.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 12, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 9:30 a.m., at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1202 Putnam St., in Wakefield, with the Rev. David A. Van Kley officiating.

A live stream of the service will be available on All Saints facebook page.

A luncheon will be served at the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084, 107 E. U.S. 2, following the service.

A committal service and interment will take place at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield, in the spring.

A special thank you to the staff at Regional Hospice, the All Saints Lutheran Church family, the TeamMilje, the community, and Jerald Rocco of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with their arrangements. To send online condolences please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.