Branko Svircic, 82, died in Austin, TX on July 9, 2006, after a lengthy illness. Branko was born on January 8, 1924 in Sibenik, Yugoslavia (now Croatia). He and his family were forced to flee Sibenik and the Ustashi in 1941 when the Nazis occupied Croatia. They settled in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia). He left Belgrade as a political refugee and fled to Italy in 1944. He immigrated to the United States in 1950. Branko lived in Milwaukee, WI for many years, where he worked as a purchasing agent for an engineering/manufacturing firm. From 1960-2005 he served as the chairman of the Yugoslavian branch of Sokol for those members living outside of Yugoslavia. He resided in Austin for the past 14 years. Branko was an avid bocce player. Although burdened with ill health over the past few years, he always enjoyed meeting and spending time with many people of varied backgrounds. Branko is survived by his wife, Desa Sunarich; daughter and son-in-law, Mara and Ira Lipstet; and grandson, Aaron Lipstet, all of Austin, TX; daughter and son-in-law, Neda and Hank Scanlan; and grandson, Jacob Scanlan, of Houston, TX; and son, Manx Thorsoun of Waukesha, WI. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2006 at 1 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home in Austin. Services will be under the direction of Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78752.
