Tihomir Prodanov

Tihomir Prodanov, affectionately known to many as Tika, was born on January 2, 1938, in the small village of Melenci in the province of Vojvodina in the former Yugoslavia, Tihomir was the youngest of five children to parents Jovan and Ljubica Prodanov. His loving siblings Venjamin, Nada, Mira and Milosava nurtured him and together they had a rich childhood despite the family’s meager means and the toil of rural life. He followed his brother Venjamin into the carpentry trade, a profession that instilled in him a strong work ethic that would serve him throughout his life.

In love and partnership with Julijana Vidic, Tihomir embarked on a journey of marriage that would last fifty-seven years. After all of the siblings had started their families, the decision was made to make for the shores of the United States in search of a better life for themselves and their children. After a brief period in Cleveland, that search brought them to Chicago, where with the aid of the Yugoslavian Adventist church and each other’s cooperation and support, they built their lives and put down their roots.

Their first son Vladimir was born in 1969 followed by Steve in 1976. Tihomir and Julijana provided a stable, loving home, striving and sacrificing to provide their boys with the opportunities that they never had—giving them the means and the foundation to build their own lives and their own families. The family expanded when Vladimir wed Lidija Becejac in 2000, and Steve married Karolyn Cook in 2006, adding two cherished daughters-in-law to the family.

After working some years as a janitor, Tihomir learned the trade of industrial electrician and this became his livelihood. In the workplace, he was diligent, conscientious and was not reluctant to work many hours, taking seriously his role as provider. Less serious was his role as workplace prankster and joker, always with some mischief in mind.

Retirement ushered in the next phase of his life, which included a renewed seriousness about his own health, gardening and, most importantly, embracing his role as grandpa. His granddaughter Maia was born in 2005, followed by Ania in 2009, Nathan in 2013 and Olivia in 2016. Together, they became the objects of his considerable affections, sacrifice and generosity. Whether babysitting, or attending games, graduations, birthday parties and recitals, He and Julijana were always there for their grand-kids.

Unfortunately, Tihomir was hindered by health struggles in his later years. He powered through them with sheer grit and a will to live for His loved ones. Sadly, the toll on his body had become too great and he passed from this world on March 16, 2024. Although he left a void in the heart of all of us who loved him, we are left with beautiful memories and blessings of having shared our lives with our beloved Tika.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tihomir Prodanov, please visit our floral store.