George Milan Banjeglav

Born on April 16, 1930, in Chicago, IL, George was the son of Serbian immigrant parents Stella (Stana) Zatazalo Banjeglav Mirich (from Croatia) and Milan Banjeglav. After his father’s passing when George was just three years old, his mother remarried Mike Mirich, who became a dedicated father to George and his brother, Walter Banjeglav (deceased).

George attended Pullman Tech High School in Chicago. His tenacity and work ethic defined his life. He served his country as an Army Corporal (T) in Okinawa. Upon his return, he ambitiously applied for the president's job at Acme Steel but instead began working in the mill. Determined to advance, he earned his GED, pursued a college education, and obtained an Engineering Degree. George began his engineering career as superintendent of Building 33 at Acme Packaging in Riverdale, IL. Later, he served as Vice President at Ajax Tools, where he successfully worked until retiring around age 60. He continued to serve on the Board of Ajax Tools until 2022.

George's life was rich with music and family. He was known to pull out his accordion or sit at the piano, serenading loved ones at Serbian Christmas celebrations and Memorial Day picnics. His musical talents extended to songwriting; he composed a song titled "My Honey" for his beloved wife Mimi and even crafted an Ajax Tool song incorporating the names of all the employees.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, George is survived by his wife of 71 years, Andrea (Mimi) (Ciszar) Banjeglav, and his children: Cynthia Maday (Banjeglav), Bruce Banjeglav (Laura Banjeglav), and Bret Banjeglav. He is preceded in death by his daughter Janet Manella (Banjeglav).

George took great pride and joy in his grandchildren: Michelle Maday (Josh Mazer), Andrew Maday (Rachel Kay Maday), Jacob Banjeglav, Joshua Banjeglav, Melissa Brookfelt (Justin Malenky), Andrea Manella (Antisdel), and Anthony Manella (Shannon Manella). He is also survived by twelve beloved great-grandchildren. A cherished memory for the family was the tradition of the great-grandchildren lining up on holidays to receive their special five-dollar bill from Great Grandpa George.

George's legacy is one of love, perseverance, and music. His warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew him, and his memory will live on through the family he cherished and the music he so loved to share.