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Obituaries & Memorials

Jeka Kolundzija – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Jeka Kolundzija. Memory eternal.

Jeka Kolundzija, age 87 of Hobart, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 930am, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN. Funeral Service will begin at 10am, V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Memory Lane Cemetery, Schererville.

For further information please call Mileva or Dave at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840

Julio Cesar Velazquez – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Julio Cesar Velazquez. Memory eternal.

Julio Cesar Velazquez, age 73 of Portage IN, passed away on Thursday October 14, 2021. He lived the life he loved and loved the life he lived. He retired with over 30 years of service as a licensed clinical social worker.

He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, and a former coach/board member of the Portage Soccer Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Julio Velazquez Sr. and sister Rosemary Cothran. Survived by wife Olga (nee Galic) of 43 years; sons: Adam (Christine) and Daniel (Kelly) Velazquez; grandchildren: Mara, Charlie, and Nick Velazquez; Brothers, Bob (Mary) and Jim (Julie) Velazquez; aunts: Maria Miller and Libia Pabon.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, sister and brothers-in-law, cousins, dear Kumovi, and CLOSE friends.

Julio was gentle, kindhearted, and full of life. He brought humor to any gathering and prided himself on his ability to bring joy/laughter to others. The “Sugar Bear” was always there when you needed him, never met a stranger, and LOVED his family. In the end, Julio fought his health battles with tenacity and immense courage. He will be missed by all who knew him. May his Memory be Eternal.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11am St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN with V. Rev Marko Matic Officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, 11:00 a.m. Interment St Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. May his Memory be Eternal. For further information please call Mileva or David at CALUMET PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 219-736-5840.

Radmilo “Rade” Radojcic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Radmilo “Rade” Radojcic. Memory eternal.

Age 83, of Crown Point, Indiana.  Born on the 23rd of September, 1938 in Kragujevac, Serbia.  Loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side on Friday October 8th.  Radmilo emigrated to the U.S. in 1965, became a U.S. citizen, and established roots in Northwest Indiana.  He was a retired steelworker with 37 years of service at U.S. Steel, Gary Works.

Radmilo was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana and was well-known in the community.  A lifelong soccer enthusiast, he was also a member of Avala Soccer Club for many years and enjoyed playing in his youth, as well as coaching and staying active.  After retirement, Radmilo stayed busy by gardening and tending to his large fruit orchards with his wife Mimi.  When he wasn’t busy with his horticultural interests, he would care for his honey bees and enjoyed his retirement hobby of beekeeping.  Being a life-long learner and doer, there wasn’t much he couldn’t do.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paun and Borika Radojicic.  He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Milovanka “Mimi” Radojicic, his sons Milan, Nenad (Tami) and Tomislav as well as his grandchildren Stevan (18) and Tijana (15).  Radmilo also had an extensive network of family and friends in Serbia and here in the U.S.  He was well loved and will be dearly missed by many.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, October 13, 2021 directly at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191  Mississippi St, Merrillville, with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment New Gracanica Cemetery, Third Lake, Illinois. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.

Nedeljka “Nena” Marinkovich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Nedeljka “Nena” Marinkovich. Memory eternal.

Nedeljka “Nena” Marinkovich, age 93, of Crown Point, IN passed away peacefully on October 4, 2021. She was lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Kolo Sestara. She served her church and Kolo Sestara faithfully with joy in her heart. You saw her working every banquet, funeral and Serb Fest. She loved her church and it’s people dearly. Her love for the Karageorge Choir of St Sava was immeasurable. Nena retired from St Mary Medical Center in Gary, IN with over 15 years of dedicated service in the housekeeping department.

She was preceded in death by her siblngs: Marija, Milica, Dragan and Sava.

Nena is survived by her beloved son Milan (Rada) Marinkovich; two cherished grand children, Milan Jr and Aleksandra Marinkovich (fiancé Nicholas); sister Milka of Germany, Niece Mitzie (Zarko) Zakula and family, nephew Danny Ivankovich and family; and her dear Kuma Stana Djinovich and family; and many other relatives and friends both here and in Europe.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, October 12, 2021 directly at 10am St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross St Sava Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Nena will be fondly remembered and dearly missed. Vecnaja Pamjat.

For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840

*Due to the Covid-19 virus that has sadly affected the family, we are requesting all precautionary measures be taken including face coverings – masks to be worn indoors at the funeral and social distancing to protect everyone. Thank you.*

Donald Potrebic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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Donald Potrebic

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Donald Potrebic. Memory eternal.

Donald Potrebic, age 81, born November 4, 1939 in Gary, IN to Peter and Olga Potrebic (nee Trbovich), passed away on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, peacefully at home.

Don was a loving and devoted husband to his late wife Ellen (nee Conway) for 46 years, and a loving and proud Dad to Heather and his late son Nick. His grandchildren, Taylor, Nicole and Tyler Nicholas were his ultimate joys. He loved his family more than anything in this world; nothing ever came before his family. He loved music and loved to dance.

Don is survived by his daughter, Heather Isley of Hobart; his granddaughter, Taylor Reid of Colorado and his grandson, Tyler Reid of Valparaiso; his nephews: Ron (Shaina) Potrebic, Mike (Lisa) Bilkey, Scott (Kim) Bilkey, and Patrick Conway, his nieces: Donna (Stacy) Adams, Rhonda (Kevin) Curtis, Karen (Lee) Jones and Beth (Patrick) Eder; sister-in-laws: Barb Potrebic and Kaye Conway; lifelong best friends, his “Barbara Ann” and Bill Gallo; and several great nieces and nephews as well as great-great nieces and nephews and many friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ellen (Len); parents, Peter and Olga Potrebic; and son, Nick (Donald Nicholas);brother, Ron Potrebic; brother-in-law, James Conway; mother-in-law, Catherine Conway and father-in-law, George Conway.

Don was an avid sports fan and a graduate of Hobart High School, class of 1957. He lived by the motto “once a Brickie, always a Brickie”.

Don enjoyed politics and helping his community serving on the Hobart City Council for 8 years before moving on to County Council serving for another term. Don proudly served in the United States Army 101st Airborne as a paratrooper and medic and worked at US Steel in the 84-inch hot strip mill as a roller for 44 years before he retired.

Don lived a very full and active life. He is loved and missed so very much for his sense of humor, his kindness and love.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 19, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at BURNS FUNERAL HOME, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. Funeral Service will take place on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

Bozo (Bogdan) Djankovich – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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Bozo (Bogdan) Djankovich

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Bozo (Bogdan) Djankovich. Memory eternal.

Bozo (Bogdan) Djankovich, age 76 of Hobart, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, Sunday, August 15, 2021. Bozo was born on March 30, 1945 in Katinovac, Croatia.

He was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and a long time member of the Avala Soccer Club. He was a retiree of The Budd Company.

Bozo was preceded in death by his parents, Djuro and Stanica and brothers Ilija and Milan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Mary Ann (Marija) Djankovich; three beloved children, Magda (Mico) Serdar, Milan (Milanka) Djankovich and Vesna (Stevan) Gagic; four cherished grandchildren, Aleksandar and Aleksandra Serdar, Marina (Andrew) and Miki Djankovich, and his beloved great-grandaughter Alena Rae; two siblings, Milka Bajic and Jeka Kolundzija; many other nieces, nephews, Kumovi and friends in the United States, Canada and Serbia.

He will always be remembered for his love of his homeland, his family and for his world travels.

Funeral Services will be held, Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at 10 am at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with visitation beginning at 9am, V. Rev Marko Matic, officiating. Interment St Sava Holy Cross Cemetery. Vecnaja Pamjat.

For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.

For more information, please visit: https://mycalumetpark.com/2021/08/15/bozo-bogdan-djankovich/

John “Johnny Boy” Micic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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John “Johnny Boy” Micic

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of John “Johnny Boy” Micic. Memory eternal.

John “Johnny Boy” Micic, Age 55, of Muncie and Portage, IN, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2021. He was always excited to see people and he loved everyone that he met. He would enter a crowd of 5 to a couple hundred and say “everybody is here!” He would then try to approach every person to show his newest radio, purse, or sports attire.

John loved to shop as well for the newest radio and/or purse. Anytime it was time for lunch or dinner, he would let people know he wanted to eat cheeseburgers and some French fries from McDonalds. He also loved going to the movies and watching comedies and action thrillers. He didn’t care what he had to snack on, as long as he had his favorite drink, a large Pepsi. He liked to watch Chicago sports on TV, and he loved the Chicago Bears and would always spell it out “B-E-A-R-S, DA BEARS!”

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milan & Koviljka Micic, his brother, George Micic, his sister Millie Micic, and his nephew Michael Micic. John is survived by his sister Mary (David) Nelson, Anne (Roger) Crafton, Nickey (Minerva) Micic, and Dona Micic. He will sadly be missed by his nieces and nephews, Mandy, Katie, Zoe, Noah, and Jonah, Vanessa, Rachel,  Kumovi, and family and friends.

Visitation services will be held on Friday, June 4, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410, followed by a Service at 10:00 a.m. with Father Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sava Serbian Church. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

For more information, visit: https://mycalumetpark.com/2021/05/27/john-micic/

 

Donna Winarski – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Donna Winarski. Memory eternal.

Donna Winarski (nee Drca), age 56 of St. John, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, May 17, 2021. She was born in Gary, IN on November 5, 1964.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steve; sons: Mike, Nickolas and Steven; sister Millie (Thomas Kus) Djuric; niece Donna (Adam) Bruner and grand niece Cassandra Bruner; nephew and nieces: Adam, Monica, Jessica and Lauryn; great nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents Dusan and Sophia Drca and nephew Steve Djuric.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Sava Serbvian Orthodox Church, Merrillville with Rev. Marko Matic officiating. At rest St. Johnt. Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, IN.

Friends are invited to visit with Donna’s family on Thursday, May 20, 2021 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at the LINCOLN RIDGE FUNERAL HOME, 7607 W. Lincoln Hwy., Schererville (Rt. 30 east of Cline Ave.). Pomen prayer servce Thursday evening at 5:00 p.m.

Donna dearly loved her children and family. She was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and she retired from nursing to be a stay at home mom to her children. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to everyone.

May she rest in peace.

For more information, please visit: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/nwitimes/name/donna-winarski-obituary?pid=198705948

 

Donald M. Pujo – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Donald M. Pujo. Memory eternal.

Donald M. Pujo, age 79, of Crown Point, IN, passed away on Thursday, April 15, 2021.

Donald is survived by his sisters: Ann Marie Pujo, Angeline (the late Rudolph) Rujevcan, Ruth (the late Milan) Radjen; brother, Ned (the late Kim) Pujo; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and kumovi.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents: Milosh and Bosiljka Pujo; three brothers: Risto Pujo, baby Risto Pujo, Rodomer Pujo; and sisters; Radmila (Alex) Jackovich and Joan (Leonard) Springer.

Don retired from US Steel Sheet and Tin Warehouse #7 with over 36 years of service. He is alumnus of Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN. Donald was a part of Local Union 1066, life long member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, and a supporting member of Karageorge. He belonged to S.N.F. Lodge #16 and was a gold card member of Gary Sportsman Club.

Donald was a generous philanthropist with a kind heart. He was always looking for ways to help others. He left a mark in the village of Gomiljani where he rebuilt St. George Church. During the time of rebuilding, Donald wrote this poem:

“Enter the gates of Salvation, The Path ahead will cleanse your soul. It is the one our Lord has provided, if redemption is your goal. Each and every one of us one day will hear the Lord’s calling. If we comprehend His message, while we are praying, we will appreciate specifically what He is saying, about the church. Enter the gate of redemption and salvation of one’s soul. Ahead awaits the sunrise of our Lord’s Presence and forgiveness. The path chosen, only He and you will know. Divert to the left all of us once born will feel the pain of the roses thorn. Beyond lies our final home here on earth. Our Lord will determine what we are worth. Pursue the path’s beauty while you are here. To secure His sacred love for He is near. Be aware of the lemon trees that greet you, tempting as they are, their fruit bitter, reminding us of life on earth. We are not far. Enter the threshold, His kingdom calls. Not all are worthy, and some will fall. Who will enjoy the comfort of this divine retreat? Only those worthy of our Lord will worship at His feet. Those of us who answer His call will find solace within, from God above and become recipients of His everlasting Love. Thank you Lord for revealing the way to the path I have chosen today. I pray I will be worthy of Thy Grace. And enable me entrance to Thy Heavenly Place. Grant this O Lord I pray with this prayer of redemption, the salvation of my soul one day, and exemption.”

Friends may visit with the family Wednesday, April 21, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 11:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Arrangements entrusted to GEISEN FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES in Merrillville, IN.

For the health and safety of the Pujo Family, we kindly ask that masks be worn while attending visitation or funeral services. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Donald’s name to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and Pavilion Fund.

Miodrag Djordjevic – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

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The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Miodrag Djordjevic. Memory eternal.

Photo of Miodrag Djordjevic

Miodrag Djordjevic

Miodrag Djordjevic, age 78 of Portage, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Thursday, March 25. 2021. He was a lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, and a long time member of it’s Historical Society.  He was an engineer by profession, a historian by passion and visionary by nature.

He was retired from Hefter Industries after many years of service. There was little that Mike couldn’t figure out how to fix or build. He enjoyed helping the Historical Society at St Sava, tinkering around the house and spending time with friends and family. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, including taking his grandchildren to their various activities where he could often be seen with a cooler of snacks waiting on the sidelines.

He was known as Visko, Tata, Deda, Prijatelj (Friend). His wisdom, strength and sage advice will be sorely missed. May his memory be eternal. Mir Boziji.

Miodrag is preceded in death by his parents Predrag and Ljubica Djordjevic, and his beloved son Viseslav.

He is survived by his loving wife Gordana Djordjevic, cherished daughter Ljubica (Dragutin) Popovich,  precious grandchildren, Savka, Mila and Mihailo Popovich; brother Slobodan Djordjevic, many other Kumovi, relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will take place Monday, March 29, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Visitation will be at church at 9:00 a.m. at the church until the time of service. Interment Graceland Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva Savich or David Semplinski at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.