Milo Lamos

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Milo Lamos lived an extraordinary journey filled with unending love for his family and friends. He was a man of great honor who served his country during a time of need and wholeheartedly applied himself to whatever task was at hand. Milo was a loving husband and devoted father who was thrilled beyond measure to welcome the grandchildren and great-grandchildren he adored into the family. His character was truly inspiring, and he was an amazing role model to many. Life will never be the same without Milo here, but his timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

The year 1919 was a time of transition for the United States as our victory during WWI left us recognized as a world leader for the first time. With the eyes of the world focused on our shores for what was to come, we did not disappoint as the Roaring Twenties were a time when innovation was taking us places we had never been. It was also in 1919 that Emil and Elizabeth Lamos were eagerly anticipating the birth of their new baby as summer held the city of Chicago, Illinois, firmly in its grip. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Milo drew his first breath on August 14th. He was their only child, and from the age of two their family lived in Czechoslovakia until he was four. They then returned to Chicago where Milo attended local schools, however, he had to repeat kindergarten because he couldn’t speak English. His father worked as a grocer and cabinet maker while his mother was a busy homemaker.

In many ways, Milo was a young boy of his generation. He loved working with model rockets and airplanes, and by the time he was 12 he was already driving to the farmers market for vegetables. Milo was part of helping create Grandma’s Homestyle Pickles. He graduated from high school and then went on to complete two years of college as well. Milo served as an aviator in the Marine Corps during WWII, spending five years in active duty. From there he spent another 10 years in the reserves. Milo was stationed in Santa Barbara, California, and then returned to Chicago.

Life was forever changed for Milo when he met the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Eleanor Bzduch, and they met through a Slovak youth group. Sparks flew right from the start, and they soon found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Milo and Eleanor were married in November of 1949. Together they welcomed three sons including Mark Allen, Chris Scott, and David Milo into their hearts and home. Milo was a vital part of his sons’ lives, and he was an excellent role model to them as well. Everyone was expected to be part of the family activities, but if someone could not or would not participate they were told to “plant some useful fruit!” Anytime one of the boys left the house, Milo would always say, “Do what’s right.” In addition to being an amazing role model to his boys, he was also a mentor to Eleanor’s younger sister as they were just young girls growing up when their father unexpectedly died. Eleanor was only 11 while her younger sister was only six at the time of his death. Although the two girls were lovingly raised by their mother, Milo was able to be a male presence for his sister-in-law.

Throughout his journey, Milo enriched his life in many ways. He looked forward to the annual reunion in Round Lake, Illinois, and there was also the time that 24 family members traveled through the mountains of California during the summer of 1995. In the summer of 1999, they made priceless memories at a ranch in Colorado. Milo was thrilled to be a grandfather, and he made a significant impact in the lives of all of his grandchildren. Some of their best memories were made with Milo. He always loved cutting the grass on his beloved John Deere tractor, but it was especially meaningful when Milo had his grandson, Jason, helping him. In his down time, he also enjoyed drawing.

All who knew Milo Lamos would agree that he was one of the nicest people around. He was someone who was content in all things, and his zest for life was contagious. Milo loved being a husband and father, but he just may have argued that becoming a grandfather was the very best part. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Milo Lamos died on September, 25, 2015. Milo’s family includes his wife, Eleanor; children, Mark A . (Christine) M.D., Christopher (Waynette), David M (Adelina) Esq., and Jarmila Zemla. Dearest grandfather of Elizabeth (Benjamin) Butterwei, Jennifer (Jack) Congdon, Jason, Julie, Michael and Connie. Cherished great grandfather of Benjamin, Jacob and Henry. Beloved angel Liliana Cuteon Raimer. Family will receive friends Monday, 2-7 pm at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home 45100 Warren Road (between Sheldon and Canton Center Rds), where a funeral service will be held at 7 PM. www.TurowskiLifesStory.com