Obituary of Milenko Brkljaca
To view Milenko's Funeral Mass CLICK HERE
With profound sadness and broken hearts, the family of Milenko Brkljača announce his unexpected passing at the age of 69. Milenko leaves behind his treasured wife of 40 years, Meri Brkljača (Žilić) and his four daughters and sons-in-law, who cherish him so deeply, Marina and Adam, Leanna and Lukasz, Julia, and Olivia and Andrew. He is the proudest Dida to his little Eva, and bonus Dida to Maks and Lilli. He is survived by his adored mother, Janja Brkljača of Croatia, and his dear sisters and brothers-in-law, Danka Ilczuk (the late Bill) of London, Nevenka and Mato Đulabić, Dragica and Željko Klarica, Denka and Milenko Zanić of Croatia, and Borka and Bajro Muminović of Austria, and his Tetka Stana Prtenjača of London. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews in Canada, Croatia, and Austria, and by his mother-in-law, Janja Žilić. His memory is held dearly by the Prtenjača, Žilić, Prgeša, Rogić, and Bobanović families. Milenko reunites now in heaven with his father, Jerko, brother,Nedjeljko, and father-in-law, Niko Žilić. Milenko was a devoted husband, Tata, Dida, son, father-in-law, brother, Tetak, Ujo, nephew, cousin, Zet, Kum, and Prijan. The void he leaves behind is irreplaceable.
Milenko was born on October 7th, 1954 in his beloved, Raštević, Croatia. There, he helped tend fields and watch sheep with his family and learned the trade of a painter before immigrating to Canada in 1973. Milenko planted his roots in London's close knit Croatian community, creating unbreakable bonds with many. He helped construct Sv. Leopold Mandić church in 1980, proudly pointing out to his wife and daughters which walls and ceiling area donned his craftsmanship. He built a beautiful life with his wife Meri, and was the ultimate girl dad to his four girls. Milenko worked tirelessly to provide a good life for his wife and children. He mastered the trades of framing, drywall, and taping. He built his own business, Mike's Drywall, where he made many lifelong friendships. He cherished his coffee mornings with his Meadowbrook boys. At the age of the 69, he could still haul multiple sheets of drywall, climb up and down scaffolds, and sand all day. His work lives on in countless homes, office buildings, and apartments in London and throughout Ontario.
Milenko's favourite hobby was feeding people. Nothing filled him more than hosting people around his dinner table. He enjoyed watching soccer, tending to his vegetable garden, visiting the market or farm, reading and watching Croatian news, making vino, and barbecue season. Milenko is well-respected and loved by so many. He will be remembered for his quick one-liners, great sense of humour, genuine smile and charm, incredible work ethic, and unwavering love for his family and friends. He was so easy to love. To say we will miss him is a great understatement. His legacy will live on through his wife, girls, unuka, and all who know and love him.
Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, London, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Prayers at 7:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Leopold Mandic Parish, 2889 Westminister Drive, London on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 10:00am. Interment to follow in St. Peter's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Milenko may be made to St. Leopold Mandic Croatian Church or Croatian - Canadian National Sports Center Zagreb.
