Well-traveled businessman knew how to close a deal

It's easy to see how Nestor Jovanovic racked up 3 million frequent filer miles.

Mr. Jovanovic, 68, of unincorporated Lake County near Grayslake, globe-trotted in a construction equipment career that included being chairman of Dressta Co. Ltd. He died Jan. 11 from injuries he suffered in a vehicle crash on Route 45 in Grayslake.

Dick Middlecamp, product marketing manager-wheel loaders at Komatsu North America in Rolling Meadows, worked with Mr. Jovanovic for roughly 25 years. He and Mr. Jovanovic stayed at various times in the same rented house when they traveled Poland while working for the former International Harvester.

Picking from a plethora of stories he could gave shared, Middlecamp recalled how an Italian man died in a unit at that housing complex when it was Mr. Jovanovic's turn to be in Stalowa Wola, Poland. He said forced entry was necessary to remove the man's body.

He said Mr. Jovanovic contacted the U.S. Consulate in Warsaw to arrange for the man to be flown back to Italy for a proper funeral. He said Mr. Jovanovic went the extra mile to ensure the man's casket was sealed with solder, as required, and drove the body to the airport.

"Nestor was a driven man," Middlecamp said. "He refused to give up."

Mr. Jovanovic launched his career as an entry-level engineer at International Harvester in 1967. Dressta eventually was formed as a successor to Harvester and the original Dresser Industries construction equipment brands.

A 32-year resident of the Grayslake area, Mr. Jovanovic collected more than 3 million frequent-flier miles. Middlecamp said Mr. Jovanovic's travels were essential for business deals to be completed.

"Nestor was the one guy that could make a decision," Middlecamp said. "He could talk product. He could talk finance."

Mr. Jovanovic retired in February 2005.

Tom McGonigle, president of Dresda North America in Buffalo Grove, remembered Mr. Jovanovic's penchant for collecting cars and motorcycles. Mr. Jovanovic's collection included a Volkswagen turbocharged diesel model.

Middlecamp said his friend also enjoyed getting a good deal at flea markets.

A memorial service for Mr. Jovanovic is set for noon Saturday at St. Sava Monastery in Libertyville Township. Survivors include his mother, Ljub; wife, Persida; daughter, Milena; son, Jovan; and grandchildren Matthew, James, Mark, Kate and Adam.