Ivan Bodrozic

Ivan Bodrozic was born in Svib, Croatia on May 31, 1928 and had an amazing life journey of over 96 years passing away in his home in Fair Oaks, California on January 26, 2025.  Ivan was a man who faced many struggles in life but persevered, worked immensely hard, was committed to his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends and found and shared much joy and love in his life. He was a man who grew up without his parents, only had a 4th grade education, yet became a man who acquired life skills and passions that had positive impacts in not only his life, but in those who know him.

Ivan was a patriot for two countries. The first is his native homeland of Croatia. He served in the Croatian military at the age of 16 in its fight for independence during World War II from 1944 to 1945. Unfortunately, the Croatian’s lost their fight and Ivan was subjugated to a horrible, forced march by Communists that ended in prison. He was eventually released and returned to his home in Svib.

Life was difficult for Ivan post war, including having to serve in the Yugoslav Navy for three years. Years later, he escaped communism in 1960 and legally immigrated to the United States. He was immensely thankful that his second country accepted him and provided freedom and opportunity. He was proud to become a naturalized US citizen and he often times said he would serve in the US military if the country needed him.

Ivan had a few different construction labor jobs but spent the majority of his work history as a bread baker for Muzio Bakery in Sacramento. One of his proudest achievements was being a founding member of the Croatian American Cultural Center where gatherings occurred frequently to share Croatian culture with everyone.

Ivan had a passion for singing patriotic and cultural songs from his homeland in Croatia. He started early in life serenading what would later become his wife Andja in their village of Svib. He continued singing during his military service and was a ringleader in gathering friends to sing in every gathering of Croatian heritage people and even with his local American neighbors.

It is impossible to overstate Ivan’s passion for farming his own fruits and vegetables, cooking, eating and sharing the fruits of his labor with everyone. He made his own wine from his own vineyard grapes, always had an extended garden of vegetables, and never planted a tree unless it was a fruit bearing tree. His lifestyle of a healthy diet, exercise, ability to find humor even in the face of adversity, and the love he gave to others was instrumental in his longevity of life.

Ivan is survived by his amazing wife Andja Bodrozic whose love, support, and partnership lasted over 64 years in marriage. In addition, Ivan is survived by his daughter Maria McGee, son-in-law Joseph McGee and grandchildren Brennan, Ryan and Lillyann McGee, his son John Bodrozic and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Dodson Bodrozic, nephew Dragan Bodrozic and family, and nieces and nephews of Mara Brdar and Jure Bodrozic.  Ivan is the son of Nikola and Jela Bodrozic and the brother of Slavka Bodrozic, Mara Brdar and Jure Bodrozic who are together now as a family in heaven.

 

Funeral Services:

February 20, 2025

10:00 am to 11:00 am – Viewing in the Chapel

11:00 am to 12:00 noon – Mass in the Chapel

12:00 noon to 12:30 pm – Burial at Gravesite

12:30 pm to 3:30 pm – Celebration of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

 

Location:

Calvary Cemetery and Funeral Center

7101 Verner Avenue Citrus Heights, CA 95621

 

In lieu of flowers, consider giving a donation to either of these two charities that support American or Croatian disabled veterans and aligns with Ivan Bodrozic’s values in life.

Homes for Our Troops:  https://www.hfotusa.org/

or

Croatian Association of Volunteers and Veterans of the Homeland War:     https://croatiancenter.square.site/ivan