Herta Lisicic, 104, of Oak Park, died on Aug. 23, 2026. Born in Poland in March 1922, she was raised in a German household. Her early life was profoundly shaped by World War II. As Russia invaded Poland and wartime conditions worsened, she fled to Germany with her older sister and two young children in search of safety. They ended up in a displaced persons camp where she met her future husband, Milomir, beginning a partnership built on courage, survival and determination.
In 1951, pregnant, Herta, her husband and 4-year-old daughter Karin were put aboard a troop transport ship that arrived at Ellis Island. They were first sent to Arkansas where they picked cotton as repayment for their passage. With the help of their best man, they moved to Chicago, eventually purchased a house in Lincoln Park and rebuilt their lives through hard work and perseverance. During that time their sons Peter and Johnny, who died at the age of 4, were born.
Fluent in German, Polish, Serbian and English, she created a home rich in both Serbian Eastern Orthodox and German languages and traditions, ensuring that her children grew up connected to their family’s cultural heritage.
After her husband’s death, Herta moved to Oak Park and participated in programs at the Oak Park Senior Center, where she taught German until the age of 90 and sang joyfully for many years at First United Church of Oak Park.
Her working life included Illinois Bell Telephone and Zenith Radio Corporation. Her enthusiasm for learning and education earned her a feature picture on the cover of the Oak Leaves while she participated in senior computer classes.
She was a resourceful, brave, strong and deeply resilient individual. Her remarkable journey is a great example of strength, adaptability and perseverance while preserving family and cultural traditions.
Herta is remembered by her children, Karin Pietrini (Dan) and Peter Lisich (Susan); her grandchildren, Rachel, Dan, Calvin and Elizabeth; and her great grandchildren, Isabelle, Dan and Aleaha.
A memorial service will be held on Sept. 27 at First United Church of Oak Park, 844 Lake St., at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Church.