Obituary of Samuel Milosevich

Samuel "Sam" Milosevich Age 91, late of Romeoville, IL and formerly of Decatur, IL and Auburndale, FL, passed away peacefully at home Friday, October 2, 2015. He joins his wife of 66 years Elizabeth "Libby" Milosevich, who departed this life on January 3, 2015. They were married March 28, 1948. Born May 15, 1924 to Rados "Rado" and Kata "Katie" (Milosevich) Milosevich in Zeigler, IL where Sam and his six brothers exhibited their all-around athletic prowess in southern Illinois high school athletics during the years 1929-1944. After graduating, Sam enrolled at Southern Illinois University in 1943, where he earned nine letters in football, basketball, and track. He served as captain of the football team for three consecutive years while playing the position of tackle. As the basketball team's leading scorer, Sam helped SIU capture its first Illinois Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in 1944. He was a starting forward on the 1946 team which won the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Basketball Championship - a first for SIU. That same year Sam was named All-American in Basketball and awarded the Hinkley Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding Athlete at SIU. Sam was inducted into the Illinois State University Coaches and Players Hall of Fame in 1975. Sam graduated in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with majors in physical education and mathematics. He also earned a Master of Administration in Education from the University of Illinois in 1954 and did postgraduate work at Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, and Sangamon State University. From 1947-1967, his Illinois high school coaching and teaching career took Sam to Golconda, Warren, Tolono, and Decatur. In addition to coaching and counseling, Sam taught various classes in mathematics, American and world history, geography, physical education, and driver training. He was Supervisor of Counseling and Placement at the Decatur Area Adult Continuation Center from 1967-1973. Sam retired from public school teaching in 1985. Sam was a loving and devoted husband and a beloved father and grandfather. He will be remembered for his "rough housing" with the children and his big hugs for all the family, his love of working outdoors in the yard, and his ability to coach athletics to all ages. He enjoyed traveling and accompanied his wife, Elizabeth, on several trips to Europe, some of which she had organized and they led. Beginning in 1980, he developed a successful physical fitness program in which he taught classes. Sam was also an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church. Surviving are his beloved three sons, Sam A. (Connie) Milosevich of Carmel, IN, Joe B. (Diane) Milosevich of Crest Hill, IL, and John R. (Janet) Milosevich of Grain Valley, MO; and his grandchildren, Erin and Ryan Milosevich, Shelley (Tony) Johnson, Matthew and Julie Milosevich, William (Angela) Milosevich, and Sarah and Darren Milosevich; and his younger brother, Pete Milosevich of New Port Richey, FL. Preceded by his parents; brothers Mike, George, Daniel, Paul, and Nicholas; and sister, Dorothy. Cremation Rites have been accorded and a memorial gathering for both Samuel and Elizabeth has been scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 805 Western Avenue, Joliet, IL. Inurnment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, IL. Memorials may be made to Joliet Area Community Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.