Alexander Mitich

Alexander Nicholas Mitich, 90, of Lander died on Monday, October 12, 2009 at Lander Regional Hospital following a short illness.
Alex was born January 2, 1919 in Cambria, WY to Novica Nick Z. Mitich and Anjella Podlaszewska Mitich, and was the oldest of ten children. Alex was a longtime resident of Newcastle, and graduated from Newcastle High School in 1937. Prior to graduation, he started a dance band in order to make extra money on the weekends. With the exception of his eight years of military service, he continued to provide dance music for nearby communities until the early 1970's.
He enlisted in the United States Navy and entered into active service on October 14, 1940. He was part of the Pacific Fleet during World War II, and served on the U.S.S. Trenton and the U.S.S. Massey. During this time, he received the World War II Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal 1 star, and the Good Conduct Medal. Alex held the rank of Chief Fire Controlman, and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1946. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve on January 25, 1952, and was called back into active service on April 22, 1952, where he served on the U.S.S. Carmick during the Korean Conflict. He earned the Korean Service Ribbon 2 stars, and the United Nations Service Medal. Alex was honorably discharged from the United State Navy on January 24, 1956.
On September 28, 2005, Alex married Rosella Judy Gustin and moved to Lander, Wyoming, where he lived until his death. During their four years together, Alex and Judy enjoyed traveling and visiting with friends and family.
Alex is survived by his wife, Judy, and three sons, Alex of Camden, DE, Jim Ralph and his wife Peggy of Magnolia, DE, Andy and his wife Bev of Lander, WY. Three daughters, Janice of Tucson, AZ, Joyce and her husband Pat Taylor of Tucson, AZ, Alexis and her husband Carl Smith of Lusk, WY. From a previous marriage, he has one step-son, Mike Reber and his wife Lynn of Bakersfield, CA, and one step-daughter, Connie and her husband Barry Redmond of Spring Branch, TX. Alex is also survived by two brothers, Millard Mitich of Newcastle, Marvin Mitich and his wife Ruth of Casper, WY, and one sister, Violet Lunney of Newcastle, WY; seven grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Preceding Alex in death were his parents, one sister Betty Murray, twin siblings Melvin and Mable, three brothers, Larry, Tom and Donald, and one grandson James Mitich.
A memorial has been established at the First State Bank of Newcastle for an Alex Mitich Music Scholarship/Award to be given to an outstanding music student from Weston County. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17th at The Country Church, Four Corners, WY with Pastor Charles Dutcher and Pastor Bill Haley officiating. Burial followed at Boyd Cemetery near Four Corners with military graveside rites.