George Ciganovich, 96, of Du Quoin, passed away on Nov. 21, 2021 at the Du Quoin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
George Ciganovich was born June 7, 1925 to Olga (Bigalic) and Joseph Ciganovich in Valier, Illinois. On Nov. 28, 1959 he married Patricia Bourey of Dowell, Illinois at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Rectory in Du Quoin.
Surviving George are his wife of 62 years, Patricia; their daughter, Renee (Randy) Mitchell of Collinsville, Illinois; son, George David (Cindy) Ciganovich of Murphysboro, Illinois; grandchildren, Alexa Mitchell of St. Louis, Ty Mitchell of Denver, Bria Ciganovich of Chicago and Arie Ciganovich of Champaign; sisters-in-law Judy (John) Malinski of Pinckneyville, Illinois and Nancy Adams of St. Louis; and several nieces and nephews.
Proceeding him in death were his parents, Joseph and Olga Ciganovich; his brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Stella Ciganovich; his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Louis Calvetti; his in-laws, Matt and Ann Bourey; and a brother-in-law, Arthur Adams.
After his parents' passing, George was raised by Mrs. John Kelley.
George was the former owner of Croessmann Wholesale in Du Quoin, serving businesses in southern Illinois for more than 70 years.
George was a decorated veteran of World War II, serving as a sergeant in the 83rd infantry from 1943--1945. He received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart while serving in the Battle of the Bulge. In 2017, George and his son David participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C., which was a cherished adventure for George.
George was a member of the Du Quoin Elks, American Legion Post 647, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
George loved his family. His favorite pastimes were playing golf, watching baseball and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin, with Fr. Carl Schrage officiating.
Friends may call from 8 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the church. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask and is asked to observe social distancing guidelines.
Burial will be in the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in George's name to the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois or Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Memorials will be accepted at the funeral home.
Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements. For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.
