Mike (Mile') Pintar, beloved husband, father, and grandfather (Djede) began his heavenly journey the afternoon of Sunday, March 6, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was born October 1, 1928, in McGill, Nev., to Mile' and Yeka Pintar, Croatian immigrants.
He fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer for almost two years.
He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 57 years, his children Susan Pintar (Sheldon Kop), Nancy Yamamoto (Richard), Ann Erwin (Jeff), Michael Pintar (Karen), and Mary Mills (Chris). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Jeffrey Erwin (Alexis), Allison Kop, Matthew Erwin, Andrew Kop, Michelle Kop, Lisa Yamamoto, David Yamamoto, Alex Mills, Jacob Mills, Michael Pintar, Nathan Mills, Katie Pintar, and Kevin Mills. He is also survived by his brothers Martin Pintar of Roseville, Calif., Tony Pintar of McGill, Robert Pintar of Newark, Calif., sister Helen Gunther of San Mateo, Calif., and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; infant daughter Catherine Ann; brothers Lewis, Joe, John and sisters Rose Papez and Lucy Deal.
Mike was a native Nevadan who graduated from White Pine County High School, attended Compton Community College, Utah State University, where he played football, and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno where he received his Masters of Education. He served in the United States Army during World War II in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1947.
He met the love of his life in McGill, when Ruth accepted a job as a second grade teacher in 1952. They were married on June 28, 1953. They lived in Reno, Fallon and made their home for the last 50 years in Carson City. Mike had a career in education as a teacher, coach and administrator. He also worked several sessions for the Nevada Legislature.
They enjoyed traveling the globe and made several trips to Croatia to get together with his aunts, uncles and cousins who still live there. He was an avid golfer who enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends and family. His favorite activities were spending time with his family and watching his children's and grandchildren's sporting events.
He was a member of the Kerak Shriners, Royal Order of Jesters, where he served as director in 2005, Grand Lodge #1 of Free and Accepted Masons of Nevada, Scottish Rite, UNR Alumni Association, Croatian Fraternal Union of America, AARP, American Legion and was an active member of the Mens Club at Empire Ranch Golf Course.
There will be a celebration of life at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at the First Presbyterian Church in Carson City.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children at 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817 or to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund at 306 W. Musser St., Carson City, NV 89703. Arrangements are entrusted to Walton's Chapel of the Valley, Carson City.
