BJELICA, Peter J. 1948-2001

BJELICA

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/12/2011 at 15:05:01

PETER J. BJELICA

CHARLES CITY, IOWA - Peter J. Bjelica, 53, of 180th Street, died Wednesday (Sept. 12, 2001) at his residence in Charles City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 106 Chapel Lane, Charles City, with the Monsignor Stanley J. Hayek officiating. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Charles City.

Visitation will be held from 2:30 until 8 p.m. today at Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, 401 Blunt St., Charles City, with a rosary beginning at 3:30 p.m. and a scripture service at 7 p.m.

Pete was born in Munich, Germany, the first born of Marko and Anna Bjelica, on Aug. 25, 1948. At the age of 2, Peter, his sister Mary and his parents moved to Charles City, Iowa. Pete had just started to speak German prior to grade school. Pete attended Roseville-St Mary's Catholic grade school until eighth grade, at which time he transferred to Charles City High School, where he graduated in 1966. In 1970 Pete went on to complete a degree in mechanical engineering at Iowa State University.

After graduation, Peter was employed with General Electric for two years. He then purchased a farm near Charles City in 1973 where he continued his life-long passion for farming. Some of Pete's interests and passions include extensive European traveling where he enjoyed varied cultural flavors and "sites."

As an avid reader, Pete savored good conversation with anyone who would listen. He sometimes would indulge in esoteric conversation describing the "brutal life of a farmer" as a bachelor. At times he would impose his advice onto his nieces and nephews on the dating scene and mate selection (being the perfectionist that he was). He was known for his frugality and extreme appreciation of a true bargain! Pete left a legacy of good memories to share with families and friends.

He also valued his Catholic faith and was a Christian in the truest sense of the word.

Pete's father, Marko Bjelica, and sister, Mary Exline, preceded him in death.

His mother, Anna Bjelica, of Charles City, and his three brothers, Nick and Tom of Charles City and Paul of Kansas City, survive him. He leaves his six gorgeous nieces, Michelle, Susan, Heidi, Kristina, Elizabeth and Hanna, and two brilliant, but ornery nephews, Adam and Alex. He leaves numerous relatives in Yugoslavia and Germany.

Memorial funds should be directed to the Pete Bjelica Memorial Fund. Gifts should be sent to 1857 Cleveland Ave., Charles City, Iowa 50616.

Fullerton Hage Funeral Home, (641) 228-4211.

Mason City Globe Gazette, Sept. 14, 2001