Bio: Mihalovich, Frank & Mary

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Mihalovich, Matkovich, Stimec, Schwab, Gregorich, Johnson

----Source: Family Scrapbook

My father was born in Kardeljevo, population around 100, a very small community in Southern Jugoslavia. He came to the United States of America in 1906, settling in Canton, Illinois. Here he married the first time to Louise Matkovich. They operated a tavern here. Louise died in 1942 from a brain tumor. In 1943 he married my mother Mary Stimec in Canton, Illinois.

Mary was born on August 11, 1903 in Mineral, Kansas to Mike and Josephine (Malnar) Stimec. Her mother died when she was 4 years old when her sister was born (who also died). She then was taken to Zagreb, Jugoslavia to live with her aunt. She grew up here, going to high school and later working as a book-keeper. Her father was killed in a mine accident in Kansas when she was 8 years old.

Her first marriage took place in Jugoslavia, her husband died at age 38. She came to America in 1937, settling in Illinois. When coming to the U.S.A. my mom almost lost her life, as the ship was split due to storms and high winds that complicated her arrival. 62 people lost their lives; she was one of the fortunate.

They heard of Willard from an aunt in Canton, her name was Malnar, and had relatives in Willard. The farm was purchased from Frank Schwab, which consisted of 40 acres in the north-west section, Town of Hendren. We liv¬ed on the farm until 1965. My parents sold it to Leo Gregorich of Willard, his son Roger Gregorich lives there now.

Two children were born to this union. I, Frank was born in Canton, Illinois. Frances was born in Marshfield, Wisconsin. She now is Frances Johnson and lives in Grand Marias, Minnesota. I live in Wisconsin Rapids. Fran and I can still write and speak Croation very good — which we are very proud of! Dad passed away in 1971. Mom resides in the nursing home.

Written by: Frank Mihalovich