Mr. Milan Knezovich

Milan Knezovich was born on a farm in Kinney, Minnesota to Drago and Angela Knezovich on October 3, 1932. He graduated from Martin Hughes High School in Buhl, Minnesota and attended junior college in Virginia, Minnesota. After serving four years in the United States Air Force, Milan earned a Bachelor's degree in education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He began his career teaching in Flushing, Michigan in 1959. He taught at the middle school level for 9 years. He went on to earn a Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University and an Educational Specialist Degree in Administration from Wayne State University. In 1968 Milan was appointed elementary principal of Cadillac school in the early days of what is now the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District. Milan married Zora Tomich in 1970. They have two children, Deborah and Daniel. He opened and served as the first principal of Erving Elementary School in Woodhaven in 1976, a position he held until his retirement in 1996. Altogether Milan dedicated 37 years to his profession. Milan was a forceful advocate for public education and its role in shaping the future of our country. Milan spent much of his time outside of school volunteering for various organizations. In 1976 he helped organize and served as charter president of the Woodhaven Kiwanis Club. He served as President of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church for 15 years. He served as president of the Michigan chapter of the Serbian Unity Congress. During retirement he served as board director, secretary, and membership chair of the Friends of the Detroit River, an environmental organization, for ten years. He served on countless committees and held office in several professional organizations. Milan leaves behind a legacy of integrity, honesty, compassion, and dedication. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and educator. He spent most of his life working for the greater good. Milan is preceded in death by his brothers, William and Vlado Beatovich, Eli D. Knezovich, and sisters Mary (Beatovich) Zakula, and Helen (Beatovich) Beam. He is survived by his wife Zora, Deborah (Christian)Lobb, Daniel (Lioara)Knezovich, sisters Mildred (Jim)Hill, Veda(Don)Sirek and grandsons, Stefan, Eli, David, Henrik, and Cameron.