Stephan Zmaj

Stefan Zmaj, known to everyone as Steve, was born on February 2, 1939 in Yugoslavia in the area now known as Slovenia.  In 1951, he immigrated with his mother through Ellis Island and on to Chicago where he finally met his father, and began to learn English, Later his family moved to Wisconsin where he would meet and marry Betty Rae Mockler on August 18, 1968. He chose building with brick and block as his trade, although he always loved farming very much. Into the Zmaj home arrived precious children: First Veronica, then Stefan, who passed away of Crib Death, Kristine, Mike, Paul and Mindy..  Steve was known by his hard work and attention to detail. Steve also believed in Christian education. Each of the children attended SDA church schools throughout their education including college at Southern Adventist University in Tennesseee  – which became home to the family, and in Washington State, Walla Walla College engineering , and Ancient Massage Therapy School.  Three completed medical school at Loma Linda.  He also believed in mission work.  He took the family to help on mission projects to Puerto Rico, and El Salvador, and volunteered on many churches, schools and benevolent projects where ever the family lived. He served churches as a deacon for 50 years.  Many will also remember that his home and table had a welcome policy. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stefan and Kristina Zmaj, an infant sister, Veronica, infant son Stefan and an infant granddaughter, Gweneth.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 53 years, Betty Zmaj McDonald, TN Veronica Minier (Greg) and granddaughter Rachel, of Fall River, Wisconsin Kristine Davis (Jack) and grandsons Jonathan and Jaxson of Redlands, California Mike Zmaj (Tricia) of Ventura , California Paul Zmaj Children - Audrey, Drew, Anna, in Tennessee, and Laszlo in Georgia Mindy Lewis (Mike) granddaughter Gweneth – (deceased) of Sumiton, Alabama Nora and Dennis Beskow of Neshkoro, Wisconsin (Betty’s sister and husband) Edward and Debra Mockler of Westfield, Wisconsin (Betty’s brother and wife) And many other relatives and friends who knew him well. .

Steve passed away while visiting California, on January 18, 2022 , with family at his bedside. He will be buried in Plymouth, Wisconsin by our infant son to await the angel who will wake them both and Steve will hold him again.

We thank God for his life of labor, love of family and friends and the promise of that Great Day, when the clouds will open and the dead in Christ shall rise first.  1 Thessalonians 4-16-17) Even so, come Lord Jesus soon.