KABALIN, FEDOR Professor-Music-Song Writer

Fedor Kabalin is Chairman of the  Music Department, Newark State College Union, New Jersey. Born Zagreb, Croatia; married with two children. Education includes University of Zagreb, School of Law; Music Academy, Zagreb 1940-41; Music Academy, Vienna, Austria,M.M. 1944; Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. M.M. 1954; Eastman School of Music, Rochester, New York, Ph.D., music composition 1965 with a major field in conducting and composition. Thesis: 1954 "A Fable," (Original composition - Chamber Opera in one act), Northwestern University 1965 "Canticle of Seasons," (Original composition) Eastman Sch. of Music. Ph.D. Awards: Cash prize and performance by Louisville Orchestra, for composition "Reflections" 1954. Finals in North Carolina Symphony Orchestra and Phoenix Arizona Symphony Guild 1953. Orchestral: 1953 Reflections, Serenade; 1961 Invocation and Thanksgiving, Olympic Overture. Instrumental; 1949 Divertimento for Wind Septet; 1955 Poems and Rhymes (violoncello or viola and piano), Fanfare and Processional (brass and percussion); Music compositions, including background score for feature length Chile Films production "El Paso Maldito" (1949); symphonic works played by Detroit, Louisville, Oklahoma City and University of Kansas symphony orchestras and the Zagreb Philharmonic.  Occupational experience:1948 Composer-conductor, Chile Films, Santiago, Chile; 1948-49 Assistant chorus director, Catholic University, Santiago; 1950 Guest conductor, Chilean Symphony Orchestra , Santiago; 1950-52 Staff Correspondent, Pro Arte weekly magazine, Santiago; Head, music department, Margaret Hall School, Versailles, Kentucky; 1952-58 Conductor of Croatian chorus "Zora" in Chicago, Illinois; 1958 General Production Assistant, Lyric Opera, Chicago, Illinois; 1959-60 Head Rehearsal Department, San Francisco Opera, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; 1959-61 Chairman, music theory department, Music and Arts Institute, San Francisco, California; 1961-65 Conductor, Opera Workshop, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; 1964 Summer faculty, Nazareth College, Rochester, New York; 1965 Conductor, Midland Symphony Orchestra, Composer-in-residence Delta College; 1966 Conductor, Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert sponsored by Croatian Board of Trade.

 

KADIC, ANTE Professor

Professor of South Slavic Languages and Literatures, author of many books and articles, cultural historian and literary critic, Kadic was born on January 18, 1910 in the village of Krug, Lower Po1jica near Split, Southern Croatia (Daltmatia). After graduating from the Classical Gymnasium in Split he pursued theological, philosophical and biblical studies in the same city. He continued these studies in Rome, where in 1935 he received his Ph.D. at Gregorian University. After achieving licentiate in Semitic languages in 1938, he traveled to Palestine. During World War II he lived in Switzerland where at the University of Geneva he finished studies in comparative literature in 1945. By 1947 he completed his studies at the Institute of Political Sciences, also in Geneva. As an official of the United Nations he worked in Geneva and Paris; from 1949 to 1952 he was employed in Lebanon for the U. N. among the Palestinian refugees. In 1952 by way of India, Burma and Japan he arrived as an immigrant in California. After a brief employment at the Bank of America in San Francisco Kadic, began teaching South Slavic languages and literatures at the University of California at Berkeley in 1953. In 1959 he started to teach at Indiana University in Bloomington where he became a full professor in 1965. He taught there until his retirement in 1980. Since he was assigned to teach contemporary Russian Literature as well, he visited Moscow and Leningrad in 1961 and 1968. Kadic’s first book in America was the Croatian Reader with Vocabulary (Berkeley, 1957, new edition by Mouton in 1960). In 1960 he published his Contemporary Croatian Literature (Mouton) and in 1964 his Contemporary Serbian Literature appeared. His most significant book is From Croatian Renaissance to Yugoslav Socialism (Mouton, 1969). This collection of essays, like many of his articles, studies, and books deals not only with literary themes but with cultural, social and political history as well. In Croatian he has published Domovinska Rijec: knjizevnopovjesni ogledi (Barcelona, 1978) and Ise1jena Hrvatska (Chicago, 1979). Both books discuss a variety of subjects, many writers, poets, distinguished Croatians in foreign countries, and the problems of emigration. Over the years Kadic has published many articles and some lengthy studies and critical analyses on numerous subjects in various Croatian papers and periodicals. His contribution to Hrvatska Revija-Croatian Review, an excellent quarterly (published in Barcelona by Vinko Nikolic, now in its thirty-second year) is outstanding. At many conventions and conferences of Slavic Studies in the United States and abroad Professor Kadic held lectures on subjects from Croatian, South Slavic and Slavic cultural history. He has visited many foreign countries in the course of his academic career, has gone to his homeland several times and has described his experiences, impressions and meetings with many people in various essays. He has written extensively on Juraj Krizanic, the Croatian precursor of Pan-Slavism; with Thomas Eekman he edited the book Juraj Krizanic (1618-1683) Russophile and Ecumenic Visionary (Mouton, 1976). Among his recent themes is the subject of Croatian-Bulgarian relations. He was invited several times to Bulgaria, a land he describes warmly in his essays. A prolific writer, a meticulous and patient researcher, a serious and objective scholar he has emerged as one of the leading Slavists in America. Through many of his publications Croatia and the Croatians have become better known to the scholarly communities of English-speaking countries. He presently lives in Bloomington, Indiana on the campus of Indiana University and spends his time doing research, writing and travelling.

 

KALICH, MICHAEL L. Fruit Packer and Shipper

An expert packer of the choicest apples, who has had a valuable experience in growing the best fruit most wanted for the market, and has also been fortunate in his prompt shipments and successful deliveries, is Michael L. Kalich, of 125 West Lake avenue, Watsonville. He was born in Dalmatia, Croatia  on June 14, 1884, the son of Luke and Lucy Kalich, who were hard working farmer folk. At the age of eighteen years, when he had successfully finished his schooling in Dalmatia, Michael L. Kalich came to the United States, direct to Watsonville, California, where he knew so many Dalmatians had made their mark, and for a while he worked in the orchards and in the packing houses. Later he was foreman for a couple of years at Del Monte ranch, for Mateo Lettunich, and as the result of all his strivings and savings he was able to engage in business for himself in 1908 and since then he has certainly done well, even pointing the way to others, as both a packer and a shipper, in busy packing seasons employing no less than eighty-five people.

 

KALILIC, JOSKO Doctor

Josko Kalilic is a Physician-Intern at Euclid-Glenville Hospital Euclid, Ohio.   Born December 1, 1938 in Split, Dalmatia, Croatia. He is single and a permanent resident of the USA. Education includes First Real Gymnasium, Split, Diploma, 1957. Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb 1957-1965,  M.D., 1966 with a major field in medicine.

 

KALITERNA, ROSE Club Activist

Kaliterna, a charter member, was one of the founders of the Jugoslav Woman's Club in 1932 as a hostess group for Yugoslavian athletes here to compete in the Olympics.  Kaliterna came to San Pedro in 1928 from Astoria, Oregon. She was honored as the San Pedro Lions Club "Man of the Year" in 1973 and was cited in the Congressional Record for her community work by US Congressman Glenn Anderson, D-Harbor City. Other community organizations Kaliterna has been active in include the Needlework Guild of America, Claretian Guild, San Pedro Coordinating Council and the San Pedro Community Concert Association. She has been president of the Women's Division of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and is a past president of the Town and Country Catholic Woman's Club. She also has received awards from local PTAs.

 

KAMBIC, DONALD P. Teacher

Donald Kambic was born May 18, 1924 in San Francisco, California.  his field is French, and is a graduate of San Francisco State College. He speaks Croatian, Serbian, Slovenian, German, and French.  He is a teacher at Jefferson High School. He presently resides in Daly City, California.

 

KAPPHAHN, CATHERINE Writer

Catherine Victoria Kapphahn spent most of her growing up years along the Front Range mountains in Colorado. However, due to her parents' nomadic lifestyle she also lived in Peru, Singapore, Indonesia, and England. At twenty she moved to New York City, where she imagined she would do many exciting things with her dancing and acting, instead she spent much of her time waitressing. When she was twenty-two her Croatian-born mother died of cancer. Afterward, Catherine got her BA from Hunter College, where she began writing about her mother. She is currently a graduate student in the Writing Division at Columbia University where she continues to work on a memoir about her mother's death and rediscovering her mothers Croatian history. She lives in New York City in a fifth-floor walk up apartment with her husband Rene Georg Vasicek, also a writer, and their dog ,Sonia.

 

KAPETANIC, DAVOR Professor

Davor Kapetanic is a literary historian and university professor. He was born on June 26, 1928 in Zagreb, Croatia. He is a graduate of the University of Zagreb with a PhD in philology. He was a research assistant at HAZU Institute for Literature and Theatre Studies in Zagreb; since 1973 professor at the Department for Slavic Languages and Literature at the University of Washington at Seattle; he publishes textual and bibliographic material on Croatian writers and his large descriptive bibliography on KrIeza's work and literature about Krleza.

 

KAPETANICH, MATH P. Croatian Activities

Born in Lead, South Dakota, oldest son of Louis and Lucy Kapetanich.  In 1912 he returned with his parents to their former home in Dalmatia where he attended school.  Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1921, he returned to America and was employed by the Bank of Italy, in San Pedro.  He was associated with several contracting firms and also the Apex Steel Corporation, Ltd.  He was active as a member and office holder in various organizations including the Los Angeles Croatian American Athletic Club and the Slavic Democratic League, of which he was financial secretary.

 

KAPETANOVIC, RUZICA Author-Professor-Publisher

Ruzica Kapetanovic is a writer and translator.  Born March 13 1953 in D. Moticina near Nasice, Croatia; parents  are Ivan K and Terezija Dragic. Education includes BA 1973 and MA 1974 at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; worked for her PhD in linguistics at Stanford University 1974-1976; Librarian at Ohio State University 1971-1972; manager of the Cross-Continental Import-Export Co. 1976-1978; vice president of the Associated Book Publishers Inc. in Arizona since 1979. Published Croatian Cuisine 1978; Croatia and Croatians: A Selected and Annotated Bibliography by George J. Prpic (editor-in-chief, 1982. Member of  Association of Croatian Studies, Croatian Academy of America, Croatian American Association.

 

KARAMATIC, JOHN Fisherman-Shipwright

John Karamatic was born in Plina, Dalmatia, Croatia in 1906 and he resided there for the first 16 years of his life. The Karamatic. family, consisting of three sons and a daughter, came with their parents and settled in Aberdeen, Washington. It was here, in 1923, at the age of 17 that brother John Karamatic joined the Croatian Fraternal Union by enrolling in Lodge 271. While living in Plina, his grandfather taught him the carpentry trade so it was only natural to continue in this line of work in his new homeland. When John Karamatic moved to Tacoma in the mid 1930s, he became a master carpenter and a shipwright He was also a commercial fisherman for a number of years. John Karamatic died on July 8, 1986. On February 27, 1937, he married Eva  Tomica Krsticevich, his beloved wife for the last 49 years. This union was blessed by a son, Robert. Survivors include his wife, his son, daughter-in-law, Marsha, grandsons, John and Scott and wife,  Angie, granddaughter, Julie, brother, Anthony and sister, Mildred and numerous nieces and nephews and grandnieces. John Karamatic was a member of St. Patrick's Roman  Catholic Church, a member of the Eagles, and a dedicated and loyal member of the Carpenter's Union for 42 years.

 

KARMELICH, VICKO Fisherman

Vicko Karmelich was born in the village of Bol, on the Island of Brac, off the coast of Dalmatia.  Like many of his countrymen Vicko, a fisherman, relocated to San Pedro.  He married Vica Vodanovich in 1910 and together they raised four children: Frank, John, Mandalina and Katherine.  Frank was a student at the University of Southern California and his sister Katherine worked for the California Fish and Game Office.

 

KARUZA, JOHN Fisherman

John was born on October 25,1911 and died September 9, 2003. John was always there for his family, friends, and even strangers. He had an easy-going, steady character and was much loved by everyone who knew him. He ran the family fishing vessel Shusharti, the Comet that he and Jim Costanti partnered in building the Tagattoff until he retired at the age of 65. He traveled extensively with his wife Jean, who passed away in 1999. He was also preceded in death by his brothers Vincent, Nick, and Frank, and a grandson, Danny Wright. He is survived by his brother, Mike (Eva) Karuza; daughter Marye Clare (Sam) Dillard; John (Peggy) Karuza; Mark (Patti) Karuza; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren; and many good friends. (Sleasman 2003)

 

KASICH, JOHN Congressman

Congressman John Kasich  sits in the House of Representatives for the state of Ohio, although he is a member of the Republican Party. Kasich is one of the most powerful Croatian American politicians. He is among the better known congressional financial experts. He is the chairman of the Budget Committee and a member of the Armed Services Committee. His legislative proposals have saved enormous amounts of money for the American taxpayers. Kasich, born in McKees Rocks in Pennsylvania, had the confidence of former President George Bush, and Ronald Reagan also held him in high regard.

 

KATIC CLAN

Ivan Katic and his wife Draga from Cerna in eastern Croatia arrived in the United States in 1969, seeking greater economic and cultural freedom. Ivan Katic found work almost immediately at the Barger Metal Company, located in Cleveland, Ohio, as a general utility worker. Ivan Katic’s brother, Slavko and his wife Barbara, came to the United States in 1971; Slavko joined Ivan at the Barger Metal Company. At the company, they met a shop foreman, Astor Branham, and together they laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Enterprise Welding & Fabricating, Inc. With a strong desire to run their own business, the Katic brothers asked Branham to help start a welding company. All three borrowed money from friends, totaling $2,000.00 and proceeded to form Enterprise Welding & Fabricating in Mentor on November 8, 1975 in a 3,000 square foot building. Less than a year later the company was struggling and ready to go out of business before Myers Products, a Cleveland snowplow maker, gave Enterprise Welding a $30,000.00 contract which turned things around for the struggling company. After nearly thirty years in this country, the Katic’s have created a successful Enterprise Welding & Fabricating Inc. at Heisley Road, Mentor, a thriving sheet-metal fabricator in a 55,000 square foot building. With new high-technology machines, such as lasers, robot welders, and CNC machines, Enterprise Welding & Fabricating has grown into a multi-million dollar company whose clients include great industrial giants such as Caterpillar Co. Ivan and Slavko Katic attribute their success to all of their uncles, cousins, and close friends who helped them out in the beginning as well as the present employees of the company. Ivan’s children, Mile, Ana and Ivana as well as Slavko’s children, Josip and Vera have been obtaining a practical education for running the business to succeed their parents and continue the success and growth of the company. Ivan Katic other brother, Milan, emigrated from Croatia in 1982 and worked at Enterprise Welding. Helped by Ivan and Slavko, he opened a machine shop, Enterprise CNC in Mentor, which has also become a successful and expanding business. The youngest of the Katic brothers, Josip, arrived in Cleveland in 1979 at the age of 15. After graduating from high school, he served in the United States Army for four years. With the guidance of his brothers, Josip also opened his own machine shop, Quality CNC Machining, which expanded and moved into a new 8,000 square foot building. Completing this enterprise minded family is Kata Mazar, Katic’s sister who is in the commercial and residential decorating business. Ivan Katic said all four brothers have operated under the same principle: ìIf you want to work ten, or twelve hours a day, the opportunity is there for you to succeed.

 

KATICH, MARTIN Restaurant

Martin Katich, a resident of Oakland for more than a quarter of a century, has for the past eight years been successfully engaged in business as sole proprietor of the Avenue Cafe, a high-class restaurant located at the corner of Sixteenth street and San Pablo avenue in Oakland, California,  A native of Dalmatia, Croatia, Martin Katich, however, came with an uncle to California when he was but thirteen years of age, in 1887.  Thus his early schooling was obtained in Oakland, where he remained with relatives when his uncle, a retired sea captain, returned to Croatia.  After graduating the grammar grades, Martin Katich entered the Oakland high school.  The Avenue Cafe is second to none in the city in excellence of appointments and cuisine. Meantime Mr. Katich made a journey back to his old home in Dalmatia to visit his parents there, in 1899, he married Miss Annie Urlovich. Two years thereafter the young couple spent in thier native land, where a daughter, Annie, was born to them.  Then Mr. Katich brought his wife and their little daughter to California, but Mrs. Katich died two years later.  Martin, Jr., the only son to the couple, was then but three months of age.  Later Mr. Katich and the sister of his late wife were united in marriage and by this union there is a daughter, Lucille, named for her mother. Prominent in commercial and civic affairs, he is a member of the Commercial Club, Chamber of Commerce and Merchants Exchange of Oakland.  In fraternal circles he is also active and is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Loyal Order of Moose, Royal Arch and the United Slavonian Society.  He owns a handsome home at Twentieth and Webster streets and socially both Mr. and Mrs. Katich are popular and noted for their hospitality.

 

KATIC, RADOVAN C. Engineer-Naval Architect

Radovan Katic is a Naval Architect for Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Central Technical Division-Shipbuilding, Sparrows Point, Maryland. Born September 28, 1924 in Gradac, Croatia; Married with five children and a   U.S. citizen since 1963. Education includes State Real Gymnasium, Dubrovnik, 1943; Naval Academy, Muerwick, Germany, 1943-45, Diploma, Ensign, 1945; University of Zagreb, Technical faculty Zagreb, Croatia, 1946-52, B.S., 1952. With a major field in Naval Architecture. Experience: Deutsch Werft, A.G. Hamburg-Assistant Naval Architect 1954-57; National Bulic Cannilus, Inc., N.Y. - Asst. Naval Architect 1957-60; Roland Marine, Inc., N.Y. Holl and Engine Surveyor 1960-62; Self-employed, Marine Consultant and Surveyor 1962-63; Todd Shipyards Corp., Brooklyn, New York, Ship Designer and Naval Architect 1963-66.

 

KATNICH, WALTER M. Mayor-Teacher-Military OSS

A native of Krasica, near Susak, he came to the United States in 1930 at the age of seven.  Like many immigrant families, his father had come to America years before, found a job, saved some money and then sent for wife and family to join him. He attended the same school as the late mayor Daley and Chicago’s present Croatian-American mayor, Mike Bilandich.  He became an American citizen in 1937 and played minor league baseball prior to entering the U.S. Army as a member of the clandestine Office of Strategic Srevices (O.S.S.).  He served in Asia and after the war asked to be assigned to Yugoslavia.  Due to his ethnic background the Army refused and Katnich left the service to continue his education at Colorado State University and Greely (B.A.) and Louis and Clark University in Portland, Oregon (M.A.). Katnich moved to Stockton in 1952 and four years later moved to nearby Lodi.  He became active in civic affairs and served as a teacher and later principal in the Lodi School District.  He served three terms as a city councilman and was Mayor in 1971-1972 and again for the term 1977-1978. He belonged to Croatian organizations in Chicago and maintained a membership in the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 22. 

 

KATUSIC, ZVONIMIR Biologist-Professor

Zvonimir Katusic is the head of the Laboratory of Vascular Molecular Biology, Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. He was born in Zemun, Vojvodina on August 16, 1952. He is married with one daughter, his parents are Stiepan and Marija Katusic. He is a graduate of the University of Belgrade, has published 106 papers in international publications, and is a member of the American Physiological Society, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

 

KAURIC, JOE Cultural Activities-Radio

Joe Kauric had served as a Member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Board of Trustees from 1983 until 1991. From 1987 to 1991, he served as secretary of the Board. He then served as President of the CFU High Trial Board from 1991 to 1999. A lifelong CFU member and past president of Hrvatska Vila CFU Lodge 141 of East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, brother Kauric remained a strong fraternalist until his passing. He had served as past president of the C F U Junior Cultural Federation, the Golden Triangle Junior Tamburitzans and.,the United CFU Lodges of Western Pennsylvania. He was also an assistant director of the Western Pennsylvania United Lodges Radio Program. Joseph R. Kauric of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, passed to his eternal rest on October 26, 2001 at the age of 78.

 

KAUZLARICH, RICHARD Ambassador

Richard Kauzlarich '66, former U.S. ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, returned to campus at homecoming, receiving a distinguished alumnus award in honor of his lengthy diplomatic career. A member of the senior foreign service with the U.S. State Department, Kauzlarich served as ambassador to Bosnia from August 1997 to July 1999. Prior to that, he was ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan and has served in a variety of posts including Tel Aviv, Addis Ababa and Lome.

While a student at Valpo, he majored in government, studying under professors Victor Hoffmann, Albert Wehling and Zoltan Sztankay, a former Hungarian diplomat. Kauzlarich credits the three with providing mentoring and a positive influence. "I really admire their ability to bring together ethics and religion with politics," he said. "They helped create an interest in government and foreign policy and encouraged me to continue on and make the career decision I did." He also remembers Valpo for its "rigorous academic standards" and the Chapel of the Resurrection as the central point of campus. The knowledge he gained about a variety of religions and cultures while at VU has been invaluable in his career as he interacts with Catholic, Orthodox and Islamic religious leaders.

After joining the foreign service in 1967, Kauzlarich traveled to West Africa for his first assignment. His prestigious career also includes service as deputy assistant secretary of state in the Bureau of European and Canadian Affairs from 1991 to 1993, where he was responsible for relations with the former Soviet Union and regional economic issues. Over the years, he's faced many challenges, one of the biggest involving a helicopter crash in which five civilians were killed. "This was a great tragedy, and it was very difficult to deal with the families," he said. "There are sleepless nights as an ambassador. But there are also many rewards working for the American people. It's a great honor to serve." Kauzlarich plans to retire from foreign service this year, successfully concluding his 33-year career. "It's like being a senior at Valpo again," he said. "You know what all the rules are, and now you're leaving. Retiring will be like starting a second profession."

 

KAUZLARICH-KEMP, VINCE Real Estate

Vince was born in 1919, in Iowa of Croatian farmers and coal miners. Father of Kathy Green, Mike Kauzlarich of Castro Valley, California and Steve Kauzlarich of Oakland, California brother Frank Kauzlarich of Murphy, California, brother Charles Kauzlarich of Chicago, Illinois,  sister Mary Schwab of Avery, California, granddaughter Angela Green of Hollywood and dear friend Carolyn Crocket of Piedmont, California. Vince, served on Coast Guard Island in Alameda for four years during World War 11. Vince entered the real estate business in 1947, and was active in it until his death. Vince belonged  to the Optimist Club, junior and senior Chamber's of Commerce, the Oakland Real Estate Board, Oakland Raiders Boosters and the Gentlemen Chefs. He was hospitalized and died unexpectedly on March 28, 20O2 with his three children and dear friend by his side.

 

KAUZLARICH, WILLIAM Saloon-Ranch-Councilman 

On May 1, 1868, during a time of monarchies and imperialism, William Kauzlarich was born in Fuzina, Croatia. The country was at that time under control of the Dual Monarchy with Frantz Joseph, the Emperor. The people of the time were mostly ignorant because schooling was not mandatory and most children were working to help support their families. But that didn't stop William Kauzlarich from getting four years of important education. This tiny bit of formal education proved to be helpful in the latter years of his life. Since villages had no modern forms of  recreation like our radios and television sets thay had to make do with their own talents. They sang folksongs and danced and attended church. Weddings were big and lasted several days and they always took place in the church. Without their dancing and music, life would have, indeed, been very dull. People either worked in the fields from sun-up to sun-down or else they were employed in small shops or the few factories that existed. After he went to school William Kauzlarich worked in a furniture factory where he worked up to foreman for which he got paid meagerly at 80 cents per days work. Factories of this sort were owned mostly by British and French interests. After the supply of wood disappeared from the countryside, the factories shut down leaving the workers jobless. At the age of eighteen, he was drafted into the newly formed Austro-German Army. He fought in a war against Russia in which after losing the war, the Congress of Berlin gave Russia very little land in relation to the losses she suffered. He also fought a war against the declining Ottoman Empire. The war ended decisively in favor of the Austro-German Army but the price was more that paid for. During battle, mostly with swords and some guns, William Kauzlarich was severely wounded in the arm and stabbed in the back. After spending three months in the hospital and being promoted to Captain and serving three years in the Army, he decided he didn't like serving the Emperor and fled to France where, after a short time, he boarded a ship as a steerage passanger. A month later, in 1891, he arrived in the United Stated and instead in a big city like New York or Chicago like a good many immigrants did, he headed for Appenoose County, Iowa, where he stared work in agriculture and the mines. After living the required five years, he became official American citizen in October, 1896. From Appenoose County he had some Croatian friends headed down to Thurber, Texas to open a new mine. The town went into full swing and bloomed. Reaching a population of about 10,000 it soon receded and is now a small town in a sparsely populated region of Texas but is still on the map. From there it was on to California to do more agricultural work. Being tired of thinning fruit trees and of the desert heat, he then went to Coos Bay, Oregon where he worked new mine. Producing poor quality coal, the mine soon shut down. Today after about 80 years, the mine is being re-considered for re-opening to help ease the energy crunch. In 1898, at thirty years old, William Kauzlarich was living in Roslyn, Washington, again at work in coal mines. After five years of hard work and saving he opened the "Corner Saloon" complete with a real, full length, mahagony counter and fifteen foot plate mirror with "The Order of the Eagles" engraved on it. He was one of the first officers of this beginning organization and being the only man of thousands of Croatians that could speak both Croatian and English, he served as translator, translating legal documents, letters, and conversation among the town people. With this bilingual and other qualities, he served on the city council for seven years. He also was the first person in the city to install pluming with a toilet and bathtub. With the prohibition of 1915 and debtors who never paid back, it was back to the mines for William Kauzlarich, after another four years of savings, he bought the Scott Ranch in Nachez, Washington. The ranch was purchased "sight unseen". The ranch yielded the first hops in the state but the primary crop was apples. Pears and cherries and other fruit was grown also but with less emphasis. The ranch was continued after his death in May of 1948 by his three sons; Anthony, William Jr. and Steve until they sold the place in 1974 to an Engineer from California.

 

KAZULIN CLAN Boat Builders

The Kazulin family’s tradition of designing and building fine watercraft began seven generations ago on the Island of Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia. Since then, generations of the family produced commercial and pleasure boats in Europe and North America. In the early 1900’s, Simon Kazulin built many of the early motor driven wooden fishing boats when he ran Skansi Boatworks in Gig Harbor Washington USA. His son Mike then continued this tradition with his line of Kazulin-Cole wooden boats into the 1960’s in nearby Tacoma, Washington.

Meanwhile, Simon’s youngest son and Tony’s father Velko remained in Croatia designing and building very fine wooden excursion boats. He progressed into fiberglass in the late 1950’s and built not only the very first fiberglass production boat in Eastern Europe, but also one of the first modern retro boats. This was a 5 meter (17 feet) barcha in fiberglass, based on the Adriatic coast’s traditional lapstrake, trumble home fishing skiff. Subsequently, these boats were produced in the thousands over a period of 30 years, and continue to this day to have a presence in all the ports of the Adriatic. " Velko states. Along with these fiberglass boats, Velko’s excursion vessels were sought after by the locals who knew the Kazulin reputation of superior building and design abilities. When I visited the Coast last summer, I saw one of my old boats moored at a local dock....40 years later, how wonderful! Velko states (1999).

In the late 1970's, the family tradition came to Canada when the Kazulins immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. where Tony and Velko set up shop in their garage. After Tony completed university, the real work began; and in 1984, the 18 Mistral and the 570SS were launched as the first Kavalk line of luxury speedboats. A reporter for Pacific Yachting says in her review of the boats, she was expecting just another powerboat and upon seeing the Mistral she realized nothing could be further from the truth. The Mistral and the 570SS made their debut at the 1984 Vancouver Boat Show, but the true introduction of these boats occurred in 1986 in Toronto. The overwhelming response at the Toronto Boat Show was encouraging and the tour was extended to Seattle, San Francisco and Miami. Boats of such hand-crafted quality and workmanship were seldom found in the boat market; whereas, their performance was matched only by the beauty of their lines. "Impressive" was often used to describe the first Kavalks by this father and son team.

In 1987, upon listening to a suggestion made by a customer looking for a "special" runabout in the spirit of the old gentleman's racer, the Kazulins went back to the drawing board and started designing. The Kavalk Classic 19 premier at the Toronto Boat Show in 1988, where the first one was purchased by its progenitor, Mr. Don Grant. "This boat was designed specifically for the Muskoka region of Ontario, whose history of mahogany gentleman runabouts and racers is well-known. We wanted to continue the Canadian tradition of beautiful runabouts," explains Tony. Glowing reviews in major boat magazines combined with high sales in Ontario, Canada opened the door to the international market. In 1989, the Kazulins started exporting their boats to the USA, Europe and Japan. "If fiberglass had not been invented, this is what mahogany runabouts styling would have evolved into." Trailer Boats (USA) Tony Kazulin attended the major boat shows in Chicago, Miami, Dusseldorf and Tokyo where the Classic 19 sat alongside its big sister, the newly launched Kavalk SportCruiser 29. "If you are looking for something different, a Kavalk sports boat is the one to choose. They will never go out of fashion or date, they look the same whether they are five or ten years old, yet they still provide outstanding performance." Sports Boat Magazine (UK) These semi-custom boats can be found all over the world which is testimony to the workmanship, design and innovation of the Kazulin family business. Through the years the Kazulins continue to design and produce their line of boats, as well as branching off into design, prototype and tooling work. Whatever the project, Kazulin's distinction is timeless design, excellent craftsmanship and functional quality of construction. (Internet 2000)

 

KEHRIN, ZLATKO Croatian Music

Kerhin was born in Sisak, Croatia, and left in 1898 for Chicago, Illinois  There he married Ana Pepich, sister of Stephen Pepich, a popular Croatian singer and musician.  The Kerhins lived in Chicago, Pueblo, Colorado, and Pittsburgh, PA, but finally settled in Gary, Indiana.  Kerhin was active in civic affairs, and particularly in the development and promotion of Croatian singing and music societies.  He helped found the Singing Zora Society in Chicago and the Society Javor in Pittsburgh.  Kerhin was also active in Croatian American activities nationally, helping to organize two singers' alliances, the Mihanovic (in Chicago), and Faller (in Pittsburgh).  In 1949, these zupe became part of the national American-Croatian Singers Federation (Americko-Hrvatski Pjevacki Savez); Kerhin served as its president off and on during the 1950's and 1960's.

 

KELEZ, GEORGE Fishery Scientist

The government research vessel, George B. Kelez,  was named after a prominent Croatian-American fishery scientist who lost his life in an Alaskan plane crash. Tom Dunatov out of Seattle fished commercially for a few years before taking a job as a seaman aboard the government research vessel George B. Kelez. Tom was from Iz Mali.

 

KENTRA, JOHN Silver Mines-Centerville

John Centras-Kentra, a Slavonian (Croatian), was one of the most prolific mine locators in Nevada.  John used the name Centers, but signed his name Centras.  It is not known where he was born but the name Kentra comes from Dubrovnik.  John left few personal traces in Nevada except to report to the 1880 Federal Census taker at Grantsville that he was from Austria.  He left his son, John, with Sylvester Calabota, a Dalmatian, in San Francisco in 1880.  Calabota reported as a Slavonian and was a member of the Slavonic Illyric Society.  The Tybo Sun Newspaper in 1877 reported: John Centre and son left Monday for San Francisco. He goes down below on business connected with mines, and to place his little boy with friends until he arrives at a proper age to be put to school. No record is found of John Centras past the 1880’s.  He could have returned to Dalmatia. John left the first record in 1863 that the Slavonians were in Nevada in numbers  with his Sclavonian Gold and Silver Mining Company. An editor reports on his activities in 1867 in the Austrian area: From Empire District-- Yesterday afternoon John Centras brought to our office a specimen of ore weighing upwards of 60 lbs., that was obtained from the Jerusalem Ledge in the Empire district.  It was a curious mass of very  rich mineral, and appeared to be a conglomerate of a variety of quartz herd in a gangue of quartz.  It presented more native silver in different forms than we had previously met with; there were threads of silver, single of many entangled, small spongy masses of silver, tiny nuggets, delicate filaments, and broad and fantastic shaped laminae.  The specimen was procured from the depth of twenty-five feet, at which point the ledge is said to be four and a half feet thick.  One ton of ore from the Jerusalem reduced at Keystone mill, yielded 467.00 by assays of its pulp. John had many ventures throughout the mining districts: Inyo Gold and Silving Mining Company, San Francisco Even. Bul. 7-11-1863. Waukasin (Vukasin) G&S Mining Co., S.F. Evening Bulletin 7-11-1863. Empire District 6-13-1867, Brought rich ore to town Reese River Reveille. Seymour Mining District Discovered by John Centras Inland Empire  4-9-1869, Centras and Smith Mine Downieville Tybo Sun 7-27-1878, Caterin Ledge Mine Grantsville 7-6-1880 Spec. Col. Mining Claims, Univ. of Nevada, Belvidere Mine 3-25-1881 Spec. Col. Mining Claims, Univ. of Nevada, Various editors report  on John’s activities: John Centras, who has just returned from Downeyville, has shown us some immensely rich ore taken from the Centras and Smith Mine, seven miles from that place.  The ore is of the most beautiful character assaying from 250 to 16,000.  John is confident that he has ‘a big thing.’ Sclavonia: This ledge is situated between Yankee Blade Ravine and San Francisco Canyon, and was located in the early spring, but has been allowed to remain undeveloped until quite recently.  John Centras, the Supt., informs us that he has started an incline, and at a depth of only 11 ft. has uncovered a ledge upwards of 8’ in width of solid quartz and specimens submitted to our inspection were really fine looking and made us wish we were the possessors of a few tons of the rock, just to buy for grub this winter. John Center, a former resident of Tybo, it is reported, has struck a very rich mine ten miles from Downieville.  If what we hear is true, John has at last realized what he has always claimed was lying around loose for him, a bonanza, that will place him above want and keep the wolf from the door the remainder of his days. John Centras- First Settler. Tybo is twelve miles south of Hot Creek, and about forty miles southeast of Belmont, in a mining district of the same name, which is situated on the eastern slope of the Hot Creek Mountains.  Ore was discovered in 1866, and in 1870 some important locations were made.  John Centers was its first settler, having made his home there in August 1866.   Its altitude is about 6,500 feet, and it is surrounded by fine mountain scenery. It is called Centersville. John Centras left a commendable record in early Nevada and a few firsts as a pioneer.

 

KERPAN, J. L. Academic

Born in Lovinac, Croatia, in 1888.  Emigrated to the United States in 1907.  Received A.B. degree from the Ohio Northern University in 1923, and M. A. degree from the Ohio State University in 1924.  Resident of San Francisco since 1925.

 

KESIC, JOHN J. Business-Military

Brother Kesic was born October 3, 1928 in Youngstown, Ohio a son of Ignatius and Agatha Naglic Kesic. Along with his brothers, he was owner and operator of Kesic Brothers Flooring and Land Company in Youngstown since 1948. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, where he served on several committees as a councilman of the church. He was an active member of the American Croatian Citizens Club, an active member of Croatian Fraternal Union St. George Lodge 66 serving as a trustee, the Croatian Pensioners Club serving as a trustee and an Army veteran of the Korean War, serving in Germany with the highway police. John J. Kesic Sr. died on June 23, 2001. He leaves his wife, Lucille Rich, two sons,. John J. Jr. of Williamsfield and Richard S. of Canton, a daughter, Lisa M. Vaturi of Liberty, four sisters, Mary Mikicic of San Jose, Barbara Evans of Vienna, Zora Kosanyar of Boardman and Carol Garea of Youngstown; three brothers, George and Ignatius, both of Boardman, and Thomas of Poland, two grandsons; five granddaughters, and one great-grandson.

 

KESICH, MIRO A. Engineer-Businessman-Military

Born In Chicago, Illinois In 1927 he was an officer In the Merchant Marine and US Navy, an engineer and a member of the World Trade Club He started his business career at the age of ten selling newspapers and pencils In front of Comisky Park before White Sox games. He worked for the Jacuzzi Brother's Pump Company In Texas and California in the 1950's Miro sold for Berkeley Pump in the early 1960's. He then joined a Detroit Diesel Distributor and eventurally became general sales manager. He sold these engines and diesel generators throughout the world. Miro was founder and CEO of Pac Machine Company in Sacramento, Danville, California and Sparks, Nevada. Along with his wife and sons, he built up Pac Machine from a bedroom office to a major distributor of pumps and generators, worldwide. Miro died on April 18, 2000 in Sacramento, California He Is survived by his wife of fifty years,  Carmel: his sons Miro, Frederick. David and John; their families: four grandchildren; and his sisters, Alice Steinbach of Sacramento, Mary Kelly of San Jose and Jeana Francey of Upland.

 

KEZMAN, CHARLES Tamburitza Hall of Fame-Music Composer-Military

In the Western part of the USA the name Charles Kezman (Charlie) is synonymous with Tamburiza music. He was born in Westmorland County Pennsyania in a log cabin owned by the silent picture movie star William S. Hart to immigrant parents (Valentine and Veronika) with a love for the music of their homeland. At the age of 4 a Bisernica was put in his hands, and each Sunday he would listen to his father and the old fellows as they played for their own pleasure. His grandfather's singing encouraged him and soon he too was Singlng /Samo Nemoj Ti".  At 5 years of age he had his first performance at the Radnici Hall Dome in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When his father had to leave Westinghouse in 1925, the family moved California. Charlie no longer had the Sunday home concerts, so he bought a 25 cent Marine Band Harmonica and began to play. Not long after a friend showed him how to play a concertina accordion and his dad bought him a full size accordion which he still owns and plays today. The Croatian families would get together for picnics and Charlie would play, and when Joe Radich came to California the children began to be given instruction in all the Tamburiza. instruments. Charlie continued to learn to play in an orchestra called "Jorgovan", and with the Los Angeles Tamburiza Orchestra. Charlie was his star singer and performer, and learned not only how to play all the Tamburiza instruments but make them as well. He also learned to write and arrange music. In high school Charlie teamed up with a violinist named Alex Alhandie and began performing with his accordion at private parties and restaurants including the "American Legion", "Masons", "Moose", and "Rotary" clubs. Charlie served in the US Army during WW 11 as a radio and rifleman on the front lines of the South Pacific with the 7th Division 17th Infantry where a chaplain learned of his talents and had him playing a pedal pipe organ. Following the war he started to play in an adult group taught by Mirko Kolesar and played with Pete Gaspich, Joe Radich and J. Latkovich. He also began his career with the City of Los Angeles as an Electrical Tester for 37 years, but on week ends and evenings continued Tamburiza playing with the 2nd L.A. Tamburiza Group at various places including "Starkist Tuna" with M. J. Bogdanovich and the radio program "Slavic Hour," in Pasadena, Californi. He has been married to a supportive wife, Alice, for 46 years, has two boys and 3 grandchildren. Also, after the war he attended college and joined an opera workshop group, and performed in the Mannon Opera by Massenett. His abilities were recognized and became part of a long time friendship with other talented musicians including Theodore Radish and the Hajduk Tamburiza Group. Charlie is the leader in the group and many talented musicians including family members have played with them through the years. lie has recorded, performed with famous dance groups including the "Aman Ensemble" and even toured Croatia playing and singing. He has also, performed for movie stars, at Disneyland Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and, head of states; but Charlie's favorite is weddings. Charlie has been involved in teaching Tamburiza, writing the music along with making and repairing of the instruments for over 60 years. At the age of 74 he has no intention of refiring from music and still leads his "Hajduk Tamburiza Orchestra". Among his many other accomplishments is his volunteer work with The Lincoln Training Center, a workshop for the mentally handicapped. Charlie is a cofounder " and an active member for over 40 years serving in many capacities including the position of President of the Board of Directors.

 

KINKUSICH-KINK, PAUL Fisherman

The Kink family was originally from Sinj, a town 35 KM North inland from Split, Croatia. It is the first town on the road through the Klis Pass. The town was in Turkish hands for over 150 years. In 1715, twenty years after its liberation, it repelled a Turkish siege. It was at this time that the Kink family fled the mainland and settled on the far out Island of Vis, Dalmatia, Croatia. In Komiza, Paul Kinkusic met and married Victoria Reskusich. They had 3 sons and 2 daughters. Sons: Dominic (Dick) married Margaret Evich in Everett, Washington. Their children are Victoria, Paul, and Mary. Paul married Maria Evich in Bellingham, Washington. Their children are Victoria, Peter, Dick, Mitchell, and Marie. Tony married Lucy Pribicic in Bellingham, Washington. They had 4 children, Victoria, Paul, Peter, and Jeanie. After Lucy's death, Tony married June Hughes-Ward and they had 3 children, Stanley, Madeline, and Kitty. My father came steerage to New York 1898. He somehow traveled to Colorado and worked in the mines there for a few years and saved his money. He made his way to San Pedro, California but was not too happy there. He then moved North to Everett, Washington. There he met his fellow Komizian, Paul Martinis, who wanted to stay in Everett and get started in  purse-seine fishing. He also met and married Margaret Evich  in 1912. She had been living with her brother John, and his wife, Maria (Costanti).

When he heard that many of his friends were living in Fairhaven and starting to do well in salmon fishing, he came to Fairhaven and felt he had found his "Mecca." He brought his wife and they moved into a rental on' 12th Street. He bought a small purse seiner, the Bellingham and did well in the fishing game. He sent for his two brothers, Paul and Tony. At about the same time he bought a pool hall and a small general store. When his brothers came, he put them there to manage the businesses. But these two young men were too good looking and the "gals" were treated royally, everything free!

When the Bellingham came in after a good catch - "Big Brother" Dick sold the pool hall and the store and his brothers became his crew - so he could keep his eye on them.

In 1912 he had his boat the St Paul built. During the winter he worked as "night watchman" at the Campbell Cannery on Chuckanut Bay. his first child was bom in 1913 and named Victoria for her paternal grandmother. In 1915, son, Paul was born and named for his paternal grandfather. In 1917 a second girl was bom and named for her maternal grandmother (Mary). The Saint Paul was fished in Puget Sound and Alaskan waters for many years. On one trip to Cape Flattery, it was so rough that Dad had to tie his cook, Nick Mu1jat, to the stove to keep him on his feet and to hold the pot of stew on the stove.

Another time, Vince Dulcich was the cook and had just finished chopping the lettuce. Antone Costello came in the galley and asked what it was for. Vince told him it was for a salad. Antone. picked up the lettuce and threw it overboard and said "That is for chickens!" Then grabbed ahead of lettuce, bit off a chunk and said, "This is salad!" It was such fun when the St Paul came home from Alaska. We three kids all got Eskimo fur slippers that smelled awful - but were appreciated. Dad had so many stories to tell us about Alaska.    He loved the Matanuska Valley, the Glaciers, the seals and the bears. Speaking of stories, my dad learned to read with me. Together we read my first primer, Ist grade reader, 2nd grade reader, and third grade reader. Then he started taking the daily paper -- he really self-taught himself to read the English language. In the early twenties my dad brought his mother to America. She was a very sweet, petite grandma. Dad built our home at 1102 Donovan Avenue where I was born. The house is still standing and looks great! Dad wanted to live near other immigrant nationalities so he would get   a better understanding of what America was going to be. Neighbors  were the Rene LaCasse family, the

Bert Sybrant's, the Keen family (Indian), Mr. Mahoney -- a Civil War Veteran -- Officer of the Confederacy, Mrs. Rathman and her four daughters. The South Bellingham fire station was three houses away from ours and the Chief of Police lived a few blocks away. We also had some Dalmatians close by: The Anton Costello family from Kotor (we really loved them), Gorgo and Matija Zaninovich from Vis,  Spiro and Yube Karuza from Solta were great people. Spiro fished on the St. Paul. The Vince Dulcich family from Hvar were very dear friends.

But of course all our close friends from the Island of Vis were very special. We were together for weddings, funerals, baptisms, first communion, confirmations, St. Nicholas Day -- Christmas to New Years Day was one party after another. I can remember walking home after midnight from 12th street to Donovan (no cars)... I can also remember falling asleep under Mu1jat's kitchen table (no baby-sitters)... the adults sang, danced, and told fantastic stories. The food was Dalmatian pastries, candy, and nuts. My dad and Nick Mu1jat made some snazzy guitars from 5-gallon oil cans and cat-gut strings. They strummed them like seasoned musicians and sang songs in a guttural voice. They were destined to become the Elvis Presleys of Vis! In the spring when the seiners were clean and freshly painted -- many picnics to various islands were held. Sometime two boats were tied together -- We had to anchor out for there were no docks -- then the skiffs were rowed to the beach bringing food, kids, etc. The men would build a fire on the beach, getting it down to hot, hot coals and barbecue the choice cuts of meat. The ladies made the salad: Lettuce, tomatoes, green onions with olive oil and vinegar dressing with home-made croutons. Long loaves of French bread (crispy) were cut in thick slices (no butter) -- the drinks were wine for adults, pop for the kids and watermelon for dessert. Svete was also brought to go with coffee. The food at those long-ago picnics are now considered gourmet! So many wonderful meinories! By Mary Irvin. (Sleasman 1999)

 

 

KIRIGIN, NIKOLA Winery

Kirigin Cellars is located in the Uvas Valley in Southern Santa Clara County, California. The vineyards are planted on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains providing ideal soil and climatic conditions for growing and producing fine varietal wines. Owner/Winemakcr Nikola Kirigin-Chargin began his winemaking career in his native Croatia on the Adriatic Coast where for generations the Kirigin family had operated their vineyards -and winery. First learning the art of winemaking as a young boy, Nikola later earned his degree in enology at the University of Zagreb in 1941. After coming to this country in 1959 he distinguished himself as a winemaker in the American wine industry. In 1976, he took over the historic winery with vineyards and climate reminiscent of his homeland and began producing 100% varietal wines from the vineyards surrounding the winery. The desire to produce premium quality wines in the old European manner, combined with the best aspects of modern American technology, is the realization of a life-long dream. Estate Vineyards: 30 acres, Production: 2,000 cases, Brands Produced: Kirigin Cellars. Current releases: All of our wines are produced from grapes grown around the winery. We produce: Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay. Sauvignon Blanc and Malvasia Bianca. One dessert wine vina de Mocca (A naturally flavored proprietary dessert wine).

 

KIRIN, JOSEPH Tamburitza

Joseph Kirin, age 55, from Chicago, Illinois, began his tambura career at the age of twelve and has continued since. Joe is the only remaining charter member of the Sloboda Junior Tamburitzans and has continued being an active participant. He truly enjoys assisting the learning of the tambura to youngsters as well as his own children. In 1976 he coordinated the first youth trip to Croatia for the 10th Annual Croatian Cultural Festival and again this year for the 20th Festival in Zagreb. In Dallas, Texas, where rarely a tambura was heard, Joe was instrumental in bringing tambura music alive to eager enthusiasts. Joe believes that no other ethnic group on earth enjoys the culture and heritage of their forefathers as do the Croatians. This beautiful music has been a major factor that brought him through serious illnesses as well as given him a beautiful musical life!

 

KIRIN, MILAN and ANNA Slavulj Chorus

Together they gathered Croatian singers from all parts of the Southland, because they believed in an idea, because they had a vision of tomorrow, because they heard stirring echoes of their beloved homeland tunes beating in their hearts and felt compelled to listen. These two, Milan and Anna Kirin, co-founders of "Slavulj" have been its life-blood from the inception to the chorus. Working tirelessly to promote the chorus before and after its founding, they still give it their endless support. So on this 20th anniversary of "Slavulj" in 1968 we particularly share our congratulations with Milan Kirin, co-founder, and also with his wife, Anna. And we pause to honor them in profound appreciation. Croatian National Association.

 

KIRIN, MILAN Croatian Activist

Milan was born in Hrvatska Dubica, Croatia on September 18, 1888 where he secured his grammar and high school education.  On May 5, 1905 he completed his training as a cabinet maker.  In February 1907, he came to America and settled at Braddock, Pennsylvania, where he took up the trade of pattern maker in the plant of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company.  In 1911 he moved to Detroit where he followed his trade of pattern maker in various automobile plants until 1930 when he moved to Los Angeles.  Mr. Kirin joined the Croatian Fraternal Union in 1909 and held positions on the executive committee at various times.  At the C.F.U. convention in Gary, Indiana he was elected a member of the high trial board.  In 1931 he married Anna Murvin.  Milan, along with John Fill organized the Croatian singing society “Slavulj” in Los Angeles in 1948.

 

KISAK, PAUL CIA Officer-Engineer

Mr. Paul F. Kisak of Middletown, Virginia has been selected for inclusion in ‘Who’s Who in the World’ and ‘Who’s Who in America’. In addition Mr. Kisak has been awarded ‘The US Department of State Tribute of Appreciation Award’ for efforts done overseas as a Diplomat in the State Department. Mr Kisak is also schheduled to receive’The Cold War Recognition Certificate’ from the Department of Defense for work done as an Intelligence Officer in the CIA. Mr. Kisak was the first student to graduate from the University of Michigan with 3 degrees in Engineering and went on the found KKItm which was the first company to offer award winning commercial-off-the-shelf satellite simulation software for the personal computer.

 

KISICH, PASQUAL Restaurant

Pasqual Kisich, who has been a resident of Oakland for more than a quarter of a century, is the well known proprietor of the beautiful Saddle Rock Cafe at No. 418 Thirteenth street.  His birth occurred in Dubrovnik, Croatia, on the 16th of October, 1869, his parents being Michael and Svieta Kisich.   At the age of seventeen he emigrated to the United States and settled in California, being employed on a ranch near Santa Clara for three months.  He then came to Oakland and worked in a restaurant for two years.  On the expiration of that period, in association with John Marcovich, he opened the Saddle Rock Cafe at the corner of Twelfth and Washington streets and in 1893 purchased the interest of his partner.  In 1900 he removed to Broadway, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, there remaining until 1905, when he came to his present place of business at No. 418 Thirteenth street.  Here he conducts an attractive and handsomely appointed cafe that is considered the best in Oakland.  As the years have gone by he has won a measure of success that is well merited and that entitles him to recognition among the prosperous and representative citizens of his community. On the 12th of April, 1898, in Oakland, Mr. Kisich was united in marriage to Miss Nettie C. Stroinski, by whom he has three children, namely: Oliver, who is fourteen years of age and a high-school student; Bernice, eight years old, who is in school in a convent; and Pasqual, a little lad of three. Mr. Kisich is a republican in politics, while fraternally he is identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose.  He is a member of organizations whose aim is to promote the expansion of Oakland, belonging to the Chamber of Commerce, the Oakland Commercial Club and the Mercahnts Exchange, of which he is a director. 1914

 

KLARIC, JOHN Contractor-Military-Engineer

John Klaric founded Klaric Contracting Company, to become internationally recognized for construction and restoration. Klaric's company has built and beautified some 50 historically significant churches and university institutions in the United States, including the restoration of St. Louis Cathedral and construction of 50-story granite Southwestern Bell Headquarters in downtown St. Louis. John Klaric was born in the town of Drivenik (selo Klarici), Hrvatsko Primorje, in Croatia, to Mate and Katarina Katunar Klaric. His brother Matt was born one year later. When John and Matt started grade school, their schoolmates called them "Amerikanci" because their grandfather, father, and uncles had been to America. Supporting their family from overseas, the men would return to Croatia periodically before going back to work in St. Louis, Missouri. John's father had prepared to bring John's mother and the boys to the United States in 1927. However, because of the Great Depression, the trip was postponed for ten years-until September 1937. John was fifteen years old, and Matt was fourteen, when they set off for America. Life in a rather primitive village had not prepared them for the life they viewed from the train as they traveled through the cities of Western Europe. When they reached the French port city of Cherbourg, they boarded the Cunard White Star ship, the Berengaria. Since John's father was a citizen of the United States, John and Matt were told that they would be citizens as soon as they set foot on United States soil. It was a meaningful and exciting moment for them to feel they belonged to this new country. John's father had died before the boys reached St. Louis. Instead, the boys were greeted at the train station by Aunt Helen and Uncle John Klaric. Uncle John told them their grandfather had helped to build the train station they were in, before the turn of the century. Aunt Helen and Uncle John became very important in John's life. Their support and encouragement were invaluable in all his future decisions.

They learned quickly; John was able to graduate with his contemporaries from junior high and then completed his four years of high school. He was considering attending college, but in that time war clouds were already forming in Europe. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, America was outraged. Shortly after that unprovoked attack, John and many other young Americans volunteered for duty. John's naval unit was attached to the Third Marine Division, Second Raider Regiment. Guadalcanal was the first United States offensive against the Japanese forces. The fighting men endured brutal combat there and on other Pacific Islands. John and Ira Hayes-the Native American who helped to raise the American flag on Iwo Jima-were foxhole buddies on the island of Bougainville.

At the war's close, John was discharged from the Navy on December 23, 1945. The following month he enrolled at St. Louis University to study Civil Engineering. Four years later he completed his studies at the University of Missouri. In May 1950, John married Marilee Ann Prendergast, whose grandparents came from Ireland and settled in Princeton, Illinois. John and Marilee were blessed with three children: Marion, William, and Elizabeth, and then seven grandchildren: Gregory, Jessica, Christine, Lindsay, John, Theresa, and Zachary. That same year John received his license to be a masonry contractor. Not long after, he received a contract to perform stonework and other masonry on a large Catholic church, St. Martin of Tours.  Uncle John Klaric had an outstanding reputation as a stonemason in St. Louis, and he became John's superintendent. John's brother Matt joined the company as foreman. After World War 11, the demand for commercial buildings and religious institutions catapulted Klaric Contracting Company into the biggest economic expansion St. Louis had ever experienced.  Over the years, Klaric Contracting had the opportunity to restore and improve many beautiful and famous buildings. John's company also restored the St. Louis Cathedral. John even met Ivan Mestrovic when Klaric Contracting Company was setting a Mestrovic sculpture of Pope Pius XII in front of the Pope Pius XII Library on the campus of St. Louis University.

John has returned to visit Croatia many times and has enjoyed visiting his birthplace and renewing his kinship with his relatives.  Also during that time, Sveti Dujam, Drivenik's parish church, was in need of repair. The church was 400 years old, and the Klaric family had worshipped there for generations. John's mother made certain that John and Matt donated the money needed to repair Sveti Dujam. Professor Marion Haberle, an architect and professor at the University of Zagreb, asked John to come to Zagreb to inspect the Zagreb Cathedral because extensive repairs were being considered. Father Antun Ivandija, Professor Haberle, and John inspected the cathedral and John published their conclusions in the Croatian Catholic Union's Nasa Nada and the Croatian Fraternal Union's Zajednicar.

As we all know, in 1991 Jugoslavija was coming apart. As a Croatian-American, John called a meeting of Croats in the St. Louis area. The meeting was held at St. Joseph's Croatian Church hall, where everyone who attended agreed that immediate steps must be taken to give aid to our people in their dire need. Thus, a legal non-profit organization was formed to be known as the American Croatian Relief Project (ACRP). The response to the organization was overwhelming. Klaric Contracting Company supplied 10,000 square feet of space in their warehouse to store donations. Donations were packed in 20 ton containers and shipped to Croatia on Croatian ships. Sixty containers of food, clothing, medical equipment, and even ambulances were sent in care of Monsignor Vladimir Stankovic, to be distributed by the Croatian Caritas Foundation. John was president of the ACRP for two years. He traveled to Croatia several times to deliver ambulances in the name of Mary Morgich Robert and the ACRP.

A highpoint in John's life occurred in 1988 when he accompanied his daughters, Marion and Beth, to Rome for the canonization of Rose Philippine Duchesne. Beth is a teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in St. Charles, Missouri, where she and Marion finished their elementary and high school education. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne founded Sacred Heart Academy, which was the first school opened west of the Mississippi River. Beth was chosen to do one of the readings at the canonization Mass that was held in St. Peter's Basilica. After the Mass, John and his daughters attended an audience with Pope John Paul 11.

 

KLICINOVICH-BELL, ANTHONY “TONY” Policeman-Military

Anthony J. Bell (Klicinovich) was born on September 1, 1902 in the village of Postire, Island of Brac, Dalmatia. Croatia.  He joined the Slavonic Society in 1931. He campaigned for a stronger society advocating changes to guarantee the longevity of the society. He actively participated in the building of the Slavonic Cultural Center, admittance of women into the SMBS, rewriting of the constitution and by-laws, and participated in many comniittees. His two years as president provided the groundwork in streamlining the operation of the SMBS and the promotion of high ethical standards in the club by his successful term of office. Tony was appointed a sworn member of the San Francisco Police Department on September 11, 1934.  This was one of the most cherished moments in his life- becoming a police officer in San Francisco.  Tony was one of the founding fathers of the San Francisco Police Officers’ Association, and he formally participated in this organization’s incorporation in 1946. Tony was a fighter for right and benefits for San Francisco police officers.   His loyalty and dedication to the Police Association did not stop when his police career ended in 1964.  For eight years Tony served on the POA’s Board of Directors most ably representing the retired members.  For 18 years Tony volunteered his time every Friday to assist the Association’s office staff.  These efforts will never be forgotten because they were so unusual. Tony’s heart was always with the Association he helped form, incorporate and develop. Tony was and active member in the Police Veterans Post.  He was also the executive officer of a volunteer neighborhood watch organization in Oakland. The work and service that Tony accomplished will long remain as will memories of his deep felt affection for the Police Officers’ Association and its entire membership.  Tony was “one of a kind”-a truly outstanding human being. Tony was a life long member of the Slavonic Society of San Francisco.

Tony has received awards from local governments, TV and radio, various police officer's associations, and from the SMBS. Highlights of Tony's recent 80th birthday celebration at our Slavonic Cultural Center was the receipt of birthday greetings from the President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, and his wife, Nancy. Tony has a daughter, Frances Biggins, and two grandsons. Tony is married to Alene who was the first woman to join the SMBS. Tony, Alene, Frances and the grandchildren are all participants in the SMBS Building Fund. Tony's life was touched with tragedy with the loss of two children, Russell and Antoinette, at early ages. Brother Tony's spirit, achievements and dedication in making the SMBS a better society could be best described by Tony's recent statement to this writer, "I am dedicated to the perpetuation of our  heritage and language and I am constantly striving to upgrade our image."

 

KLISURA, KATHERINE Banking

Katherine was born June 30, 1907 in San Francisco.  In 1917 her family moved to Los Angeles where her education was completed.  She attended UCLA, USC and the American Institute of Bankers.  A good deal of her education was assisted by scholastic prizes for achievement.  Klisura was a prominent worker among Croatians, always interested in their welfare, and was a contributor to various California newspapers

 

KLOBUCHAR, JOHN  Restaurants-Military

John Klobucar, namesake of the Big John Steak & Onion, is not a large guy. "I'm not so big, am l?" the 5-foot10 Klobucar said with a laugh when asked about the moniker. "Actually, I'm shrinking." Secondly, although he's a selfmade millionaire because of his successful restaurant chain, Klobucar joked about his business acumen. "I don't know if I'm a good businessman, but I am a damn good cook," he said. "That's what I love to do." And last, his real name is Klobuchar, not Klobucar. A mixup on his birth certificate when he joined the Navy in 1942 seemed insignificant, and he took on his newly spelled last name. He is a member of Flint, Michigan Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 561. Actually, Klobucar doesn't care what you call him as long as you're enjoying those steak, onion and cheese subs.

The son of Croatian immigrants, David and Madeline Klobuchar, who initially settled in Eveleth, Minnesota, Klobucar's family moved to Flint in 1929 during the Depression. Living on Flint's east side, Klobucar graduated from Central High School in the 1940s. After working at AC Spark Plug, Klobucar joined the Navy and was part of a World War 11 flight crew. "I was no war hero" is all he'll say about that period of his life.

After returning to Flint, Klobucar worked in a factory before opening his first restaurant in 1949, The Old Trail Inn, on Dort Highway near Court Street in Flint. But Klobucar and his partner split up three years later. He later became a salesman for restaurant supplies, but in 1955 bought a building near Dort Highway and Lapeer Road in Flint and named it "Johnny's Cross Road Pizza and Barbecue." In 1961, Klobucar decided to remodel his restaurant and obtain a Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. "It's still there," he said. "And I still own it." A later trip to Florida gave him another idea - to market his own brand of Philly cheese steak hoagies that he had enjoyed there. "I said, 'I know Flint is a hot dog town, but maybe this will work there,'" he recalled. So in 1972, Big John Steak & Onion was born. Following the KFC logo tradition, Klobucar used his own picture as a logo. I wanted to personalize it, give it a franchise look," he said. He said grilling the meats in front of customers and cooking their sandwich to order is part of the appeal. Klobucar shares his wealth with loyal employees, whom he calls part of the corporate family, by letting them own and operate their own franchises. He also donates to his favorite charities, but won't blow his own horn or tell where he spreads the wealth. "Money is a good thing to make so you can give it away," he said. He said Big John will open restaurants in Clio and Grand Blanc Township this year, which also will mean new employees.

 

KNAUS, JOHN V. Military-Attorney

John Knaus was a Colonel, Chief Claims Service,  U.S. Armed Forces U.S.A. in Japan. Born November 22, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois; married with four children. Educated at De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois, LL.B., 1948 with a major field in law. Military experience:1941-42 Aviation Cadet, Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas; Bombadier Trainee, Midland Air Force Base, Texas; 1942-43 Bombardier Instructor, Columbia AFB, Columbia, South Carolina. Instructor-Interpreter for Yugoslav combat crews, David Monthan AFB, Tucson, Arizona. Southern Italy - flew fifty missions. Awarded: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal - three oak leaf clusters; World War II Victory Medal; Army Commendation Ribbon; Air Force Commendation Ribbon; American Campaign Medal; Air Force Longevity Service Award; Presidential Unit Citation - one oak leaf cluster; European-Mediterranean Campaign Medal with eight battle stars.

 

KNAUS, VINCENT Attorney-Editor

Vincent L. Knaus was born October 19, 1902, in Chicago, the son of Vincent Knaus and Magdalena Vodnica Knaus, both Croatians. His father arrived in Chicago about 1888, and became naturalized on October 6, 1894, one of the first Croatians in that city to become naturalized in the Superior Court of Cook County, Illinois. Mr. Knaus attended the N. J. Thorp and the St. Patrick's Grammar schools in South Chicago, and was graduated from St. Patrick's High School in June, 1920, completing the four year course in three years. He was graduated from the DePaul Univeristy Law School with the LL. B. degree in 1924, and from the graduate school of John Marshall Law School In June, 1930, with the J. D. degree. Like many another American young man, Mr. Knaus worked at various jobs while he attended school. In the late summer of 1919 he worked as a machinist's helper at the American Bridge Company, Curtiss, Indiana. In 1920 he was an oiler for the E. J. and E. Railroad Company of Chicago, and a yard clerk for the Belt Railroad Company of Chicago from April, 1920, to August, 1925. In August, 1925, he became associated with John J. Poulton, a former member of the Illinois legislature. Since his admission to the bar in 1925, Mr. Knaus has practiced continuously ill Chicago. Following his admission to law practice, in rapid succession he was admitted to practice in the United States District Court Northern District of Illinois, and before the United States Treasury Department. Mr. Knaus has held many responsible positions in his profession. From the presidency of the South Chicago Bar Association he became the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Bar Association. He has been vice president, secretary, and chairman of the Unauthorized Practice Committee. He is chairman of the Catholic Action Committee, and of the Post War Committee of the Knights of Columbus. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Illinois State Bar Association, the American Ear Association, the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, the Croatian Catholic Union, and scores of other organizations. During World War II he was very active in defense leagues, the Red Cross, the U. S. 0., defense bond and stamp sales, and other forms of war services. He was honored by the American Legion for his outstanding work on the Selective Service Board, and for his interest in the welfare of veterans and their families.  Mr. Knaus is a member of many Chicago organizations, and enjoys the respect of all Americans and Croatians. He is Editor of the Croatian American Historical Review. He is married to the former Dorothy Kelly, and lives with his wife and three children at 8926 Haiper Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

 

KNEGO, PETER Writer-Photographer-Maritime Historian

He has produced an excellent CD-Rom featuring over 2,000 interior and exterior images of some of the world`s greatest passenger liners. Also within the 999 pages there are "rare" ships featured alongside classic ships such as the American Star(formerly America-Australis), Achille Lauro, Canberra, Constitution, Rotterdam V and the Scandinavia are all featured prominently. This CD-Rom is the culmination of 5 years research and world wide travelling to acquire information and photographs. In 1960, Peter Knego developed an interest in ocean liners and cruise ships at an early age. In 1973, his 7 grade American History class required a paper on the Lusitania. After researching the subject, young Knego became enamoured with the beauty and power of the great transatlantic liners. The hobby grew into a life-long passion with Knego devoting his time and efforts to researching the history of all liners. After his first visit to the S/S Arcadia on 20 January 1974, few passenger ships would call at Los Angeles without a visit from camera-clad Knego. As he matured and his camera skills (and cameras) evolved, his commitment to documenting the fragile world of cruise ships held forth. In 1992, his photographic efforts would include video, and out of this a series of videos entitled "The World's Passenger Fleet" was born. In 1997 Knego joined forces with instructional media + magic to create the first commercially-available enthusiast-oriented CD ROM on 150 of today's current and recent liners. This ground-breaking project took on the name of Knego's earlier video series. In the meantime, Knego continues to pursue and document liners throughout the world in a never-ending quest to preserve the history of the vanishing "classic" passenger ships. Knego is a member of the Steamship Historical Society of America, The World Ship Society, and the Ocean Liner Society. His articles and photographs have been published in a variety of sources, such as: Ships Monthly, Voyages, Sea Lines and the Millergram. Knego also enjoys lecturing about his favorite subject both ashore and afloat. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from U.C.L.A., is a successful record promoter, and currently lives in Moorpark, California.

&nb