Steve V. Miletich, Sr.

STEVE V. MILETICH, SR. February 14, 1919 ~ July 18, 2011 Steve V. Miletich was born on Valentine's Day in 1919 in Virginia, MN to Tony and Molly Miletich. Steve came to Vancouver, WA in 1945 with his wife, Laila, after serving in World War II with the 9th Infantry Division (Old Reliable's) at the Battle of the Bulge. A decorated veteran, he received the bronze star with oak leaf cluster and two Purple Hearts. Steve loved fishing and hunting and was happiest in the woods or with a fishing pole in his hand. He also loved reading and watching baseball and basketball. He and his wife, Laila, who passed away in 1999, built a second home on the Kalama River in the late 1960's. They worked side by side from the first nail and spent many happy years together there. Though Steve's legs weakened, he remained bright, alert and involved with his family and the world around him right up to the evening when he passed away peacefully at home. Four months earlier, he became a great-grandfather to twins, a boy and a girl, Myles and Amaia (born to Ryan and Rachel Miletich) whom he was able to hold and enjoy before he left us. Steve is survived by his sons, Steven V. Miletich (Phoebe), Thomas E. Miletich (Kathie) and Gary M. Miletich (Peggy); daughter, Patricia D. Miletich; grandsons, Ryan Miletich (Rachel) and Michael Miletich; great-grandbabies, Myles and Amaia; sisters, Katherine Carlson, Fran Siskar and Barbara Harkonen; and brother, Tony (Jan), all of Minnesota. A private memorial will be held for family members.