Zivko Sima Zivkovic

ZIVKOVIC, ZIVKO SIMA, August 26, 1916 – January 12, 2006

Zivko Sima Zivkovic, 89, returned to his Heavenly Father January 12, 2006 at his home in West Valley City, Utah.

He was born August 26, 1916, in Vranje, Serbia, son of Sima and Cveta Katanic Zivkovic. His parents, four brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. He enjoyed a modest but kind and loving home with his parents and siblings. After completing twelve years of schooling, he entered the military academy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, graduating as a First Lieutenant in April, 1941. Europe was already at war and he served in various military posts until Germany invaded his homeland. As the communists gained control of Yugoslavia, Zivko fled first to Italy, then to Paris, France. He completed three semesters at The Sorbonne University studying medicine, but financial strain interrupted his studies. He found employment in U.S. Army hospitals in Kassel and Berlin, Germany during the time of the historical Berlin Blockade.

In November, 1949, he immigrated to the United States as a displaced person. He married Ruth Plummer on December 23, 1950 in Caledonia, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with Deanna (Karl) Kleinert, Andre (Cynthia), Gina and David. They were sealed together as an eternal family on April 14, 1961. Ten grandchildren and one great-granddaughter have enhanced the family.

During the first ten years of marriage Zivko and Ruth lived in LaCrosse and Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Meneola,New York, Greenville, South Carolina and Ogden, Utah. They responded to the missionaries while living in Greenville and were baptized into the LDS Church. The family moved to Malad City, Idaho in 1960. Deep roots were planted in Malad. The four children graduated from Malad High School and both sons served missions.

Zivko was employed at the Oneida County Hospital as a laboratory technologist until his retirement in 1976 due to failing eyesight. Hundreds of patients passed through his exemplary laboratory. He credo was, “Perfection. You’re dealing with human lives.”

He was an active member of the LDS Church, serving in various callings. His testimony remained strong and true to the very end. Death came sweetly in the arms of his devoted and dedicated wife of 55 years.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 21, 2006 at the Horsley Funeral Home. Internment was in the Malad City Cemetery.