Marinko Kraljevich was born in Croatia in 1945 where he lived until he was twelve.  He then moved to Naples in Italy.  At the age of fourteen, he made his way to the United States and settled in San Francisco.  He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1963.  Then, he studied Mechanical Engineering at San Jose State University and made his career in the engineering field. 
 
In 1966, Marinko became a family man  by married Thelma and started family.  Marinko and Thelma have two daughters and six grandchildren.  For twenty seven years, they lived in South San Francisco.  Thelma and Marinko were very active in their parish of Mater Dolorosa, where Marinko served in many ministries.
 
In Jan. of 2002, Marinko and his family moved to Rocklin, right after which they joined St. Clare parish.  Here again, Marinko was active in the parish.  He has been a Eucharistic Minister, a Lector, the head of the Prayer Line, and helped with several other ministries. He is also a Knight of Columbus, and he serves as a Chaplain at Auburn County Jail.  Marinko enjoys serving our Lord through his service at St. Clare parish.
 
The desire to serve the Lord made  Marinko consider a lifelong call of service as a Deacon.  Thus, in Jan. 2007 he started Diaconate Formation, a process of four and a half years of discerning, praying and learning.  On July 24, 2011, Bishop Soto of Sacramento ordained Marinko a Permanent Deacon to serve the Lord with all his heart and all his might.
 
He is grateful to his wife and to his family for their support.  He is also grateful to St. Clare parish for being  “…a joyful  and welcoming Eucharistic community…“ and for living and sharing the love of Christ.  Marinko prays:  “Dear Lord; …let me love you;  …let me serve you;  …then do with me as you will!”