Matthew Cvijanovich

Matthew Isaac Cvijanovich, 23, Fargo, died Sunday in Innovis Health, Fargo. Matthew was born November 20, 1981, in Evergreen Park, IL, the son of Michael and Sheryl (Pazdro) Cvijanovich. Matt graduated from Fargo South High School in May 2000. He was one of two State of North Dakota Advanced Placement Scholars for 2000, and one of three National Merit Scholars from Fargo-Moorhead for 2000. Matt attended Iowa State University on a National Merit Scholarship from 2000-2004. He graduated with honors, earning triple majors in History, Philosophy, and Classical Studies. Matt accepted a five-year post-graduate fellowship at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with an emphasis on Medieval Intellectual History. Matt?s lifelong dream was to become a university professor, preferably somewhere in the ?North Country?. Matt was an active participant in Quiz Bowl throughout his college career. Perhaps ISU?s star competitor, he devoted countless hours not only to learning and practice, but also to writing and editing ?packets? for tournaments and to various administrative functions which kept ISU?s team going. He competed in tournaments throughout the country, frequently placing highly and earning himself a reputation on the national circuit. He continued to be active in Quiz Bowl as a graduate student on the University of Illinois team. Matt was not only a well read scholar, but also an independent and insightful thinker. He always strove to eliminate bias from his understanding and analysis of history. He had something profound to add to almost any discussion. Matt?s impish charm and quick wit will always be remembered. Although Matt never failed to complain about doing his chores, he also never failed to get them done. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Emil Cvijanovich and Edward Pazdro; his aunt, Linda Cilek; and his great uncle, Rade Cvijanovich. He is survived by his parents, Sheryl and Michael Cvijanovich of Fargo; his brother, Dan Cvijanovich of Fargo; his grandmothers, Ellen Pazdro of Orland Park, IL, and Helen Cvijanovich of Fargo; his aunts and uncles, Edward and Nan Pazdro of Nashville, TN, Donna Wach of Monument, CO, and Charles Cilek of Lemont, IL; his cousins, Charles Cilek of Romeoville, IL, and Amanda and Melissa Pazdro of Nashville, TN; and his great aunts, Elsie Smith of Chicago, IL, and Ann Rogul of Orland Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Iowa State University Quiz Bowl Team. Visitation will be held from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday in Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, with a time for sharing at 7 p.m. Burial of ashes will be Thursday at 3 p.m. in Riverside Cemetery, Fargo. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com