June 10, 2013
Mike Evasovic, age 85, passed away peacefully at his home on June 10, 2013, surrounded by his family and friends. He was born in Ruth, Nevada to Serbian immigrants, Mike and Helen (Trbovich) Evasovic. He was the 9th of 10 children. Mike grew up in Ruth and was a graduate of White Pine High School, Class of 1945. After graduation, he went to work for the Nevada Northern Railroad. Once he was of age, Mike joined the United States Army. He served in Japan during the post WWII occupation. Following his term of duty in the military, Mike returned to Ruth and worked for Kennecott Copper Corporation. Mike moved to Reno in 1950 to attend the University of Nevada, Mackay School of Mines. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Mining Engineering. He married Roberta Lundy in 1951 and they were together for forty years. Mike was a registered mining engineer and registered water rights surveyor with the State of Nevada. He operated / managed several mines in Nevada and California, including Getchell, Gabbs, Yerington, and Bishop. Mike returned to Reno in 1973 and purchased Reno Brake, Inc. in 1974, which he owned with his sons until his death.
Mike was also a member of Kerak Shrine Club / Hope Lodge, American Legion, and the ATO Fraternity. He was a very generous individual, establishing several scholarships with the University of Nevada, including the University of Nevada Endowment Fund for the Evasovic Geological Camp in Ruth, Nevada.
Mike enjoyed traveling with his friends and family. He also loved to fish, visit with friends, spend time in his garden, and was a great cook with his Serbian dishes.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Stephen, Emil, Eli and John Evasovic and five sisters, Nellie Evasovic, Mary March, Mildred Ward, Anna Mae Berry and Amanda Jovovich. Mike is survived by his three sons, John (Rita) of Yerington, David (Merilee) and Mark (Susan) of Reno. He had nine grandchildren, Shelly Smith, Kayelynn Ogden, Les Evasovic, Michael Evasovic, Laura Evasovic, Matt Evasovic, Gina Evasovic Lima (U.S. Navy), Jon Evasovic and Erik Evasovic. He also had eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Infinity Hospice Care for giving us the help and guidance so we could care for and stay with Dad, Grandpa Mike, and Cougar until he peacefully passed away.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 29th, at the Hidden Valley Country Club. 3575 E. Hidden Valley Drive, Reno, from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Graveside services will be held in Ely, Nevada on Sunday, September 1st followed by a Serbian style barbecue and celebration.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Walton Funeral Home, Reno.