Milica (Millie) Jocovic, née Potkonjak, found peace on the morning of June 25, 2025.
Millie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Milorad; her brothers Milan “Mike” Potkonjak (Vera), Dusan “David” Potkonjak (Nancy), Jovo “Joey” Potkonjak (Nada,) and Ilija “Eli” Potkonjak (Paula); and their families.
She was a fabulous Teti to Nick Potkonjak (Paula) and his daughters, Britany and Sophia; Eli Potkonjak (Yvette) and his son, Wyatt; Dusan Potkonjak+; Catrina Keane and her children, David and Madeline; Andrea (Jesse) Spatz and her children, Storm and Sebastian; Alexandra Potkonjak; Marica (Chintan) Panchal; Djuka Potkonjak; Andjelka (Nikola) Savatic and her daughter, Milica; Jovanka Potkonjak; Mary (Brett) McLachlan and her children, Theo and Penelope; and Katie (Kelsey) Pentimalli and her son, Luka.
She also leaves behind many relatives, kumovi, and countless friends around the world who knew her as “Millie from Milwaukee.”
Born in Eboli, Italy, in 1946 to Nikola and Marica Potkonjak (née Oklobdzija), Millie grew up in Butler with her four little brothers, who were born at home. After the sudden death of her father in 1967, she helped her mother raise the boys.
Millie was a graduate of Hamilton High School (Sussex) class of 1965. After high school, she attended Patricia Stevens Modeling and Finishing School.
She was a legal secretary for 24 years, then a real estate agent for 29 years. She was regularly listed as one of the region’s top real estate agents. Millie treated her clients like friends, helping them find a place to call home.
She married Milorad Jocovic in 1988, and soon afterward they purchased and operated the Hideaway Inn in Greenfield.
Millie was a devoted Orthodox Christian and a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee and the Circle of Serbian Sisters. She participated in and served her community through many cultural organizations, including Oplenac Folklore Dance group, Stevan Sijacki Choir, and Jedinstvo. Millie taught Sunday School, and she supported and helped with the founding of the St. Sava Orthodox School.
Over the past 50 years, there was not a significant event at St. Sava that Millie did not help plan or implement: Kolo 50th and 75th anniversary ad books; SNF golf, basketball, and bowling tournaments; and SSF conventions and festivals. She was a board member of the Serb National Federation, the Diocesan Council, and the St. Sava Libertyville Diocese Audit Board.
She never feared stating the truth when it needed to be heard. As president of the St. Sava church board, her strength, conviction, and leadership helped the church when it was experiencing a dire financial situation.
Known for her coiffed hair, beautiful smile, manicured nails, elegant style, and business acumen, Millie was a caring and loving person whom people sought for advice. She looked out for her family and her dear friends.
When their mother, Marica, became ill, Millie and her brothers took care of her for nearly a year, keeping a promise to never place her in a nursing home. After Marica’s death, Millie became the matriarch, making sure the family celebrated and supported one another.
She loved traveling, gathering with her fellow Serbs and music—tambura, Orchestra Lira Tozovac, and many more.
But most of all, she loved her nieces and nephews. Perhaps her greatest joy came when her great-niece, who was born on Bozic (Christmas), was given her name.
Thank you to all her family and friends who visited and helped her at home as she struggled for the past five years with a debilitating stroke and waged a courageous battle with cancer this past year.
Visitation took place on Friday, June 27, beginning with a Mali Pomen at Schaff Funeral Home in West Allis. The funeral was Saturday, June 28 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral in Milwaukee.
Interment was at Good Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Millie’s name to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 3201 S 51st St, Milwaukee, WI 53219.
May her memory be eternal! Vecnaja Pamjat!
