Milan Vorkapich

Milan "Milo" Vorkapich, 75, of Burlington, died peacefully at 4:45 PM Sunday, August 22, 2021, at his home in Burlington.

Born February 24, 1946, in McKeesport, PA, he was the son of Sava and Mildred Sheagan Vorkapich. 

He graduated from McKeesport High School in McKeesport, PA. He then attended college at Southeastern Community College and Drake University. 

Milan was known for his outstanding basketball career. He joined Burlington Community College on Scholarship in 1964. Later he was recruited by Drake University. 

He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in the 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam War where he was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Combat.

Upon returning from Vietnam, he served in the military police at Ft. Benning, GA. When discharged, he returned to the Burlington area and was employed by the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant as a guard. He briefly tried his hand at farming with his, then father-in-law Bob Dodds from Danville, but after wiping out approximately 10 acres of corn while cultivating, Milan decided farming was not for him. He left farming to work for Matthews Construction Co., where he learned many skills and became an accomplished carpenter. Milan worked there for several years before he was employed at Balbert's Beverage which later became Golden Eagle Distributors. Milan was a friend to many and loved by all.

Milan was extremely proud of his service to his country, his many basketball achievements throughout his life, and his children. Although later years separated his sons and daughter logistically, Milan always spoke with pride about his children and their accomplishments in life and deeply loved each and every one of them. 

Survivors include his daughter, Andja (Jamey) Langseth of Gilbert of AZ; sons, Matt (Jill) Vorkapich of Litchfield Park AZ and Bryan Vorkapich of Los Angeles, CA; grandsons, Austin Mann, Ayden Mann, and Liam Vorkapich; granddaughter, Natalie Vorkapich; and brothers, Joe Vorkapich and Rudy Vorkapich both of McKeesport, PA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Samuel Vorkapich.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM Friday, August 27, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home. 

The memorial service for Mr. Vorkapich will be 11:00 AM Friday, August 27, 2021 at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Jim Ruberg officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life will be held at Doris' Tavern at 1:00 PM after the service; 733 S Roosevelt Ave, Burlington, IA 52601.

A special thank you to everyone who has helped us and prayed for us in this trying time.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Southeastern Community College and the Wounded Warriors Project. 

https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.