Mehmed Abdagic

ABDAGIC, MUSTEDANEGIC, NEE PEHLIC

Posted By: Samantha Lynch (email)
Date: 8/7/2024 at 12:19:13

Mehmed "Medo" Abdagic, 81, of Coralville, formerly Iowa City, Iowa, passed away on July 16th after a 6-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his beloved son and daughter, Vernad and Mersiha Abdagic, and his grandchildren, Emina, Emma, and Ava Abdagic.

Mehmed was born on June 6th in Zagreb, Croatia, to Fadila Mustedanegic and Nazif Abdagic. His father died during WWII when Mehmed was an infant. After completing his education, he worked as a bookkeeper for the Yugoslavian government, where his skill with numbers shone.

In 1970, Mehmed married Saha Abdagic (Nee Pehlic) in Yugoslavia. They had three children: Mersiha Abdagic, Vernad Abdagic, and Vernes Abdagic. Mehmed and Saha shared 45 years of marriage filled with love and dedication.

When war broke out in Bosnia in 1992, they fled their homeland, leaving behind everything they knew in search of a better future. Their journey was fraught with challenges; Mehmed found himself captured by enemy forces and endured perilous trench digging amidst flying bullets. Meanwhile, Saha showed remarkable resourcefulness, smuggling valuable possessions and funds as they escaped the war-torn country. Together, they selflessly assisted their neighbors by gathering and distributing essential supplies during this tumultuous time.

In late 1993, Mehmed and his family arrived in Aachen, Germany, where they resided for several years before immigrating to Kalona, Iowa, sponsored by the Red Cross. Mehmed worked in a factory upon arrival and later at CIVCO, where he and Saha worked together until his retirement, after 22 years of service, to care for her.

In his life in Iowa, Mehmed cherished becoming a grandfather to four grandchildren: Emina Abdagic, Emir Abdagic, Ava Abdagic, and Emma Abdagic. He adored spending time with them, celebrating their accomplishments, and was deeply involved in their lives, loving them dearly.

Mehmed had a passion for soccer, often watching games with his family and cheering for underdog teams. Before the war disrupted his life, he relied on his daughter Mersiha to keep score of matches he couldn't attend due to work commitments.

Mehmed led an active life, finding joy in yard work and DIY projects at home. Following his wife's passing, he embraced cooking traditional Bosnian dishes, infusing each meal with love and care. He cherished neighborhood walks, where he often engaged in friendly conversations and offered assistance to neighbors. His beloved cat, Persephone, brought him much companionship and comfort.

Mehmed was known for his strength of character, compassion, and willingness to help others. He found joy in simple pleasures.
Mehmed was preceded in death by his wife Saha Abdagic, his father Nazif Abdagic, and his mother Fadila Mustedanegic. He is survived by his children and grandchildren.

A gathering for friends and family will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. To share a thought, memory, or condolence with his family, please visit the funeral home website @ www.gayandciha.com.

www.gayandciha.com
 

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