George Rajcevich's Obituary
George "Dutch" Rajcevich, 88, died May 17, 2008 at Harmony House in Clinton, Iowa. George was born to Nikola and Milica "Mildred" (Pjevac/Peavich) Rajcevich on May 5, 1920 in Silvis, Illinois. The family moved to Clinton soon after George was born; his father, Nikola died in 1922 and his mother married Mike Rajcevich. "Dutch", as he was affectionately known, graduated from Clinton High School where he was voted outstanding male athlete and MVP in football his senior year.
He served in the Army during WWII as the SSgt for Co. K, 9th Infantry and fought in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Rhineland and Central European campaigns. He was awarded many decorations including the Purple Heart for a wound received Feb. 18, 1945 in Germany.
George married Harriet Helen Dellit in Clinton on Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in December. He retired from Climax Engineering Co. in 1984 where he worked as a tool and die maker for nearly 40 years.
Sports was Dutch?s passion; as an observer, a volunteer and a participant. He competed in many sports but his favorite was running; he placed 5 times in the Bix 7, taking 1st in his age group in 1993. He collected over 560 trophies, medals and special awards and held "All-American" status in several Masters Track and Field Events. He was active in Senior Olympics into his 80th year. He was a charter member of the Cornbelt Running Club and member of the Midwest Masters Track and Field and former member of the Fulton Country Club. He was an active volunteer, working as a wrestling coach and referee for many years for both the YMCA and CHS. He was the Gateway Classic Volunteer Honoree in 1998.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 20th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Clinton Chapel Snell Zornig Funeral Home in Clinton. Services will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, May 21st at the Trinity United Methodist Church where Dutch was an active member. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery.
Survivors include his wife; one daughter, Nancy (David) Andrews, of Clinton; a son, David (Morgan) Rajcevich, of Fulton; two brothers, John Rajcevich of Florida; Eli (Phyllis) Rajcevich of Council Bluffs, IA; three sisters, Mrs. Helen (Chris) Martensen of Clinton, Mrs. Dorothy (Ed) Truninger of Clinton and Mildred Ronnfeldt of Michigan: four grandchildren, Jennifer Andrews, Theresa Andrews, Kim (Dale) Schwer and Amber Rajcevich; three great-grandchildren, Collin, Autumn and Caden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bobby, grandson Chris, three brothers and two sisters, Online condolences may be made to www.snellzornig.com.
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