Martin P. Rajkovich passed away at his home in San Juan Bautista Thursday morning at the age of 70, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in San Jose to Croatian immigrant parents, Peter and Nikulina Rajkovich. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic grammar school in San Jose and Fremont High School in Sunnyvale. He served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1961. Martin was an orchardist and businessman most of his life growing cherries, apricots and walnuts. Martin was a 44 year member of the Elks Lodge, the past president of the local Model A club, a member of the Farm Bureau, a member of the N.R.C.S. (National Resource Conservation Agency), a delegate of Western Growers, a member of the Cherry advisory board and a member of the Mission San Juan Bautista. Martin was a skilled welder and talented fabricator, having welded all the ornamental iron work on his new home in San Juan Canyon. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, collector of antique cars and traveler, traveling throughout the U.S. and abroad.
Martin is survived by his fiance, Madeline Harland of Sacramento, brother, George Rajkovich and sister-in-law, Lucille, of Hollister, brother, Nick Rajkovich, and sister-in-law, Mary, of Aptos, sister, Helen Estienne, and brother-in-law, Raymond, of Los Altos and the late sister, Mary Nerich. Also survived by numerous nieces , nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be Wednesday, June 13, from Noon to 8 P.M. in the chapel of GRUNNAGLE-AMENT-NELSON FUNERAL HOME, 870 San Benito St., Hollister. Funeral services will begin Thursday morning leaving the funeral home at 10:30 A.M. proceeding to Old Mission San Juan Bautista for a funeral Mass commencing at 11:00 A.M. Private entombment and graveside services will be Friday at the Santa Clara Mission Cemetery. Contributions are preferred to the American Cancer Society.
