Ralph A. Sayotovich

Ralph A. Sayotovich, age 96 of L'Anse, MI passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at his home with his family by his side.

He was born on October 20, 1915 in Bovine, MI son of John and Verona (Vorbanase) Sayotovich. Ralph graduated from L'Anse High School in 1936 and attended Gogebic College after High School. He lived and worked in Chicago and Milwaukee until WWII when he joined the Merchant Marines where he remained through the end of the war.

He married Winifred (Betty) Tobin on January 13, 1951. They made their home in Livonia, MI. Ralph was employed as an Inspector for Ford Motor Company for 25 years, retiring in 1980. Ralph and Betty moved to Cheboygan, MI in 1980 and enjoyed life there until 1997 when they moved back to L'Anse to live on his family farm in Bovine. To say he enjoyed his family, friends, hobbies and interests is to indeed understate his passion for life. He enjoyed traveling with Betty; they left no trail unexplored. He was a bicycle rider his entire life, he loved hiking, skiing, canoeing, upholstering furniture, photography and gardening; he had two green thumbs and every plant or seedling he gave attention to flourished.

His faith in the Lord was very strong; he was a member of Sacred Heart Parish in L'Anse, MI. He was a member of the American Legion in L'Anse. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Cheboygan where he attended St. Mary's Parish.

Surviving are his children P. Lynn (Tom) Gibson of Hastings, MI, Pamela (Dennis) Brogan of L'Anse, David A. Sayotovich of Viroqua, WI, John (Deb Spry) Sayotovich of Pleasant Lake, MI; grandchildren Beth (Christopher) Ott of Appleton, WI, Jennifer (Dennis) Lundy of Fairborn, OH, Eric (A. Melody) Fleischer of Washington D.C., Joseph (Laura) Brogan of L'Anse,; great grandchildren Abigail and Carter Ott, Nicklas, Nolan, and Elizabeth Lundy, Natalie and Ryan Brogan, Jonathan Fleischer; step grand children, Jessica, Jamie, Jennifer, Jackie, and Jeremiah Spry; brothers Frank (Margaret) Sayotovich and Donald Sayotovich of Milwaukee; sister Rose Tessmer of Baraga; many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Winifred Sayotovich; sisters Verna Maierle and Mary Sayotovich; brothers, John, Rudolph, Michael, and Anthony.

A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, May 19th at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in L'Anse. Fr. John Longbucco will officiate. Burial will be in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at the cemetery under the direction of the American Legion Post 444. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.