With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father, devoted Deda, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Radivoje Bicanin, who passed away on June 11, 2026, at the age of 75, following a courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
Born on April 28, 1951, in Kosovo, Serbia, Radivoje’s life was a testament to courage, determination, and perseverance. As a young man, he left his homeland in search of greater opportunity and a brighter future. After spending time in Italy, he immigrated to the United States and ultimately made Kenosha, Wisconsin, his home. Through hard work, sacrifice, and steadfast determination, he built a life he was proud of and created opportunities for generations of his family to follow.
Radivoje proudly worked for Chrysler for 37 years, remaining with the company until its final day of operation. Beyond his career at Chrysler, he was also a successful businessman whose entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic helped create opportunities for his family and future generations.
Yet of all his accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than family.
A devoted father to Tatjana, Andreja and Tina, Radivoje’s greatest joy came from watching his children grow and succeed. His love multiplied with the arrival of his six cherished grandchildren: James, Radivoje, Christian, Billy, Aviana, and Adalena. He was immensely proud of each of them and treasured every moment spent together.
Of all the things he enjoyed in life, nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his family. Whether gathered around the table sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying one another’s company, those moments meant everything to him. Family was not just important to Radivoje. It was the center of his world.
To his grandchildren, Deda was their biggest fan. He celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams, and loved each of them unconditionally. They will forever remember hearing him say, “You’re awesome. Never do anything wrong.” Those simple words carried his love, pride, encouragement, and belief in each of them.
Radivoje remained deeply connected to his Serbian roots throughout his life. He carried his heritage with immense pride and passed that love of family, faith, and tradition on to future generations. A devoted Serbian Orthodox Christian, he found spiritual comfort and community at Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, a place that held special meaning throughout his life.
Even during his battle with AML, Radivoje faced every challenge with strength, determination, and grace. He never stopped fighting, inspiring his family and all who knew him with his resilience and enduring spirit.
He is survived by his children, Tatjana Bicanin, Andreja (Renata) Bicanin, and Tina (Billy) Winberg; his beloved grandchildren, James, Radivoje, Christian, Billy, Aviana, and Adalena; Suncica Stojiljkovic; his brother Borislav Bicanin; his sisters Zivana Asanin, Snezana Gasic, Sonja Barac, and Zivka Jocic; his nephew Lazar Bicanin, son of his late brother Mijajle (Miki) Bicanin; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends in both the United States and Serbia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sretko and Stojana Bicanin; his brothers Mijajle (Miki) Bicanin and Momcilo Bicanin; his sister Cana Paunovic; and his nephew Dejan Asanin.
Our father taught us the value of hard work, faith, loyalty, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He showed us what it means to persevere, to honor our heritage, and to put family above all else. His legacy lives on through the family he adored, the traditions he preserved, and the countless lives he touched.
We will miss his stories, his wisdom, his laughter, his guidance, and his steady presence. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that his love will remain with us always and that his legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, faith, and the Serbian traditions he cherished.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Proko Funeral Home. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m on Wednesday, June 17, at New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, 35240 W Grant Ave, Third Lake, IL. Interment will immediately follow in Gracanica Monastery Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Radivoje’s memory with flowers may do so through Howland Flowers in Kenosha. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
Vječnaja Pamjat.
Memory Eternal.