Obituary: Placko, Milan I.

PLACKO,
Milan I.

Milan I. Placko (Swede) peacefully passed away at home with loving family on August 1st, 2012.

Almost 97 years old, born on August 31st, 1915 in Chicago IL to John and Anna Placko, the family worked very hard ,buying and living behind their neighborhood grocery
stores.

Swede at 9 yrs.

old, also made 1- 2 cents off each newspaper sold on his route.

At 16 years old he invested his money in the stock market, a dream of his.

After some college, he joined the Air Force in July 1941.

Before WWII started he was a Staff Sgt.

at Maxwell Field in Alabama.

After barely washing out of flight training, he continued his love of planes, by becoming a top flight mechanic and often flying with the top brass.
After marrying his beloved, Frances Ellen Hafling (January 15, 1917- January 12, 2002), in Alabama they moved to Chicago near Milan’s parents.

Milan worked as a welder, transit worker and inventor and along with Fran, raised two girls.

They both worked very hard after their regular jobs, buying and renovating real estate in S.C., FL, Chicago and Spokane, while also learning and investing in the stock market.
Frances’s parents Reuban Guy and Lou Jetta Hafling, as Milan’s, were resourceful, strong and caring and raised six kids as innovators, writers, artists and professors.

Frances, a Phd.

candidate, was a highly regarded deaf and special ed.

teacher in Chicago.

Along with her teaching skills, she was a recognized artist, writer and poet.

Her compassion and generosity touched people of all ages.
Because of their tireless efforts an caring, their extended family traveled to places all over the US and with trips to Europe.

Milan is survived by his daughter, Barbara Ann Crabtree and two grandchildren, Kristy Crabtree and (John Wilkenson), Casey Crabtree and (Missy Mosher).

Frances and their daughter, Pamela Jeanne Placko, have preceded him to heaven.

He also leaves great- grandchildren, Dylan, Carter, Matt, Chris, Sarah, Devon, Bailey and Jacque.

Also, loved by Beth and Wess Kreiger, Clarence and Sharon Chelboun and family of Chicago, Darina and John Lichner family, of Chicago, Dave Tina and Dustin Jones, Larry and Martha Crabtree, Teresa Daniels, and the Southill Poker Buddies.
Both Milan and Frances were loved by many and their generous, talented spirits will be missed.
Memorial and Reception will be held on Saturday August 25th at 2pm at Dishman Hills Camp Caro Park.

Located on dirt road off of Appleway right before detailing shop.

Will have visible markers.

In lieu of flowers we will accept donations for Salvation Army.

If need directions please call 509-701-5820 or 509-280-8864.