With all that has transpired since that fateful, tragic night of May 12th , 2024, I felt the
need to bring awareness to “Marko’s Presence”.
It has been a combination of non-stop formalities, court dates, events, and somewhere between the chaos- absolute devastation and confusion.
Marko meant so much to our family; but he also left a huge impact on the lives of his friends and anyone whom he encountered.
Marko is and was more than a news story, more than another file on the court’s docket, more than another horrific headline that makes you wonder what type of world we are living in.
“Marko’s Presence” inspired many. His passion for life and learning, his curiosity, his mischievous spirit, and his never-ending energy made all who knew him better for having known him. His earthly life, too short, spread love and kindness, fairness and inclusion, courage and conviction to stand up for what is right. His legacy lives on through his family and friends and even acquaintances – and through his Foundation that will impact so many.
My goal is to bring awareness to Marko’s life and all those he touched. With each
individual story of “Marko’s Presence” we can continue to be inspired by his charisma,
love for life, and the unparalleled energy he brought with his presence everywhere he went.
With Love-
LLM
Please email: [email protected]
Please share your stories of Marko’s Presence, including videos, pictures, or anything that illustrates how you were impacted by Marko. This way, Marko’s Presence will continue to benefit others. You may remain anonymous or feel free to leave your name.
All are welcome! Marko would want it that way.
When he made me come out to party in Cabo 2023, My Travel Buddy, Marko made the best cakes!, 4-12-24 FL, Vegas 2022, We had THE BEST time in Vegas, Always attached to me, Those LASHES !!!, ALWAYS made me Laugh, My travel buddy!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
First Entry:
My Baby Boy
Marko is my Baby Boy, younger brother to Luka, my eldest.
Born on July 6, 2006, he was THE most beautiful baby. I know all mothers think that
about their babies, and they should! However, I can honestly say that Marko was
beautiful. Even the nurses thought he was a girl, because of how gorgeous he was! His
features were perfect; his long eyelashes framed thoughtful eyes. I couldn’t go
anywhere without being stopped by passers-by wanting to comment about my beautiful
baby.
And from the start, Marko loved people! Even as an infant who could barely hold his
head up, Marko would laugh and babble to anyone who looked his way (no doubt
practicing for being so very talkative in the future!!!) As a toddler, when people engaged
me in conversation, Marko would babble back to them like he was part of the
conversation!!! And there were many conversations, as Marko went everywhere with
me. To work, to watch his big brother’s various activities, to stores — you name it, Marko
was in my arms! And talking the whole time! My Marko made his presence known early
on.
Even as a baby, Marko LOVED music. He could barely crawl, yet I remember when he
was only four or five months old, and I would blast music and laugh as Marko moved his
little arms and legs and “danced” with a huge smile across his face.
As he grew, anyone who knew Marko, knew he LOVED to talk!!! However, it was more
than just talking – what Marko had to say was always meaningful. Something he
learned, questions about the other person’s life, Marko would be engaged 100 percent.
You would walk away with insight, a different perspective, something to make you want
to better yourself.
Marko was always very athletic and competitive. We had our fair share of him talking
back to coaches about calls or plays. Even at seven years old, he had the confidence to
stand up for what he thought was right. And I stood by him, always. I knew if he had to
call anyone out, they should be called out. Marko was all about fairness.
As the years went on and we shifted from Little League to the teenage years, Marko
truly came into himself. Whatever task or roadblock he faced, Marko would not give up!
He gave everything 100 percent! He would bring his firecracker energy and make his
presence known. His positive attitude could change your mood from distress and
depression to hope and excitement in a flash!
During Covid I would be just about to go to bed, pajamas and all, and he would come to
me and say, “Let’s go to Jewel and get ingredients to make a cake!” With his vibrant
energy in his eyes, I couldn’t refuse. I would get up and go with him in my robe that late
to Jewel. Marko would then make the cake and his enthusiasm would make me forget
about being in my robe in Jewel at midnight, during Covid! Marko made everything
exciting. Even a box cake mix!
With our many travels together, Marko would make sure that I was also enjoying the
experience. He would ask me where I wanted to eat, what I wanted to see. He was just
always considerate of other’s needs.
During one of our last trip’s together, his Senior Trip in March of 2024, I was content to
stay in our hotel room watching a movie. Marko was out having fun with friends, but he
thought to call me. He asked what I was doing, and I said I was good in the room, that
the trip was for him to have fun, and that I was fine. But Marko wouldn’t have it. He said,
“No way are you going to sit in that room! Come join me and my friends!” So
immediately, I jumped up and got dressed! A memory I will never forget. Marko always
included me with his friends, and they in turn included me as one of their own
Marko’s presence not only made you feel inspired by his energy, but he also made you
feel included everywhere. My Baby Boy, so wise beyond his years. His energetic
presence could make you do just about anything out of your comfort zone, just so he
could see you smile
LLM
Your presence will forever be missed
Love Mom
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
One of Marko’s best qualities was his inclusivity. This past school year during lunch I ran into him at noodles (one of his favorite places) and he questioned why I wasn’t going to lunch with him and the guys. I laughed assuming he was joking, but from that day forward Marko made sure I was included in their lunch. He waited for me everyday by the doors. I looked forward to blue day lunch excited to gossip with Marko. I love you Marko and miss you so much. Thank you for everything
Love, Jordyn
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
A Memory from Niles West Cabin with Marko Niketic — David Odesho
Cabin has been a huge event for the seniors at Niles West for decades. It’s an event where the seniors and a trusten guardian rent out a cabin for the seniors to enjoy one last fun party with each other. Marko so happened to be an exception to coming since he was so popular at Niles West. Usually, nobody outside of Niles West is allowed to come to this, but Marko was so loved in Lincolnwood, Skokie, Niles, and Morton Grove and was allowed to come. Of course this year was in Wisconsin, which was one of Marko’s favorite places to be.
Not only did Marko come, but he DJed, played all the music, and bought the entire friend group food. He was debating on whether to come or not since the end of the school year for Glenbrook South is packed with events, and he wanted to be everywhere at once since he had so many friends. Our friend group and his cousin Mia convinced him to go and he was the most outgoing person there. He was talking to people he knew, didn’t know, and people he hadn’t seen in years. Marko made our experience so much better. We all expected this.
A specific memory that we all share and remember is when Marko decided to switch the music to an extremely funny video. The video consisted of a laughing chipmunk and even fart noises. Of course, everyone laughed and shared the moment with each other. Some thought this was so funny, they hugged marko while uncontrollably laughing. I do have a video of this moment, but I cannot put any video files on the website. Though, I do have an image of him and I together there.
I’m sorry I wasn’t able to ever get you back for the food you bought me. I know I can’t now, but when we meet again, I will. Long Live Marko Niketic, my best friend forever.
~ David Odesho
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I met Marko when I was three. The only thing I can remember was him having a bowl cut, being the most talkative guy, and being the most honest guy (even if it hurts your feelings).
During the summer between fifth and sixth grade, Marko, David, Matteo, Dylan, and I were at Matteo’s house having a blast. I can remember Marko being so loud during that sleepover, screaming at the top of his lungs. His phone was on full blast as he was scrolling through videos. It was 3:00AM at night and Matteo’s parents were trying to sleep. Then Marko “accidentally chucked a water bottle” at David’s face. David screamed because the bottle hit the bone surrounding his eye and it started to swell up. Marko literally comes up with the worst excuse ever and said, “Just tell your mom what you got bit by the dog.” Matteo’s dog is a little white puppy, who wouldn’t be able to make that sort of damage.
My last memory of Marko, was him at prom cabin. He forgot his DJ adapter to his laptop, and it was the first day of cabin. We didn’t know what to do, but Marko was always finding solutions to things. Even if it was an outrageous solution, he was determined to get what he wants. His solution was to drive thirty minutes to a random Walmart to possibly get an adapter. We didn’t even know if they carried it for sure and we already drove three hours to Wisconsin. Me and a few joined with him, and when you’re in the car with Marko, he always underestimates the ETA because, according to Marko, the ETA is always wrong on map apps.
The day after that, we were all so hungry at three o’clock in the afternoon, all we had were burger patties and hot dogs. No one wanted to eat that for the second day in the row. Marko decided that he was going to drive thirty minutes out. He literally asked every one of our friends if they wanted to get Culver’s, but most of us denied as we were in a poker game. He still went to Culver’s with a few people, and got us all Culver’s.
These stories, will forever be with me and shows how Marko, was a funny/loud, generous, and genuine friend.
Love you forever Marko
Ryan
