Jakie Eugene Grgurich, 96, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Wednesday (September 4, 2013).

The son of Matthew and Josephine (Skender) Grgurich, he was born July 25, 1917 in Novinger, Missouri. On June 30, 1945, in Liege, Belgium, Jakie was united in marriage to Valeria Jakubiak after meeting her while serving in WWII. She preceded him in death on March 19, 2005.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.

Jakie is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Debbie Grgurich of Kirksville, MO, Eugene and Kelley Grgurich of Kirksville, MO, Edward and Melanie Grgurich of Novinger, MO, and Andy and Tammy Grgurich of Novinger, MO; three daughters and sons-in-law, Evelyn and Garry Ledford of Kirksville, MO, Joanne and Mark Sheedy of Kirksville, MO and Carol and Wil Reisinger of Osceola, IA; one brother, Tony Grgurich of Novinger, MO; sister-in-law, Loetta Grgurich of Monticello, MO; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Jakie received his education at the Novinger High School, and he worked in the Coal Mines until his tour of duty in WWII. Addiontionally, he was called to train troops during the Korean Conflict.

Jakie was a well known farmer and business man in the Novinger and Kirksville areas. He was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 2508 and an active member of the 9th Infantry Division Association. Additionally, he was a member of the St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger, Missouri, and of the Moose Lodge 1751 in Kirksville, Missouri.

Jakie loved to dance to waltz and polka music but he was most known for his work ethic, and he was very proud to have served the country he loved.

Jakie’s greatest joy was his beautiful wife Valeria, his seven children, and many grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends as he was a very generous and honest person.

Public visitation is in progress and family will receive friends this evening, Friday (September 6, 2013) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Wake service held at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday (September 7, 2013) at St. Rose Catholic Church in Novinger, with Father Chris Cordes presiding. Interment with military honors will follow the Mass at Novinger Cemetery in Novinger.

Pallbearers will be Matt Ledford, Nathan Truitt, Jake Grgurich, Troy Grgurich, Derek Grgurich, Jeremy Grgurich, Wesley Grgurich and Brendan Grgurich. Honorary bearers will be Jakie’s granddaughters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Rose Catholic Church or to the Novinger Cemetery. Memorials may be left at or mailed to the Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.