April 2024

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovich. Memory eternal.

Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovic

Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovich, of Merrillville, IN, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, April 14, 2024.

He was born May 18, 1945, in Gary, IN to the late Bosiljka and Marko Vitkovich of Hercegovina, Serbia. Tim was a lifelong member of the Serbian Orthodox Churches here and during his residences in Wisconsin, Nevada, and Ohio. Tim’s favorite day of the week was Sunday. He always said God loves us; we all need God. Tim carried a strong faith in God; he loved and promoted his church and heritage. He was a graduate of Emerson High School; was recognized at Indiana State violin competitions receiving gold medals.

Tim completed graduate studies in school administration at Indiana University. Before teaching elementary school, he was employed at U.S. Steel. Tim’s teaching assignments included Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN. Tim excelled in math and history: he was well read and was gifted artistically and vocally. His musical talents were welcomed by the Karageorge Choir at his beloved Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church that he was born into. Tim was a member of the SNF King Peter Lodge for many years. He assembled articles in drama, opera, literature, and fine arts for St. Sava Serbian Heritage Days which was an early beginning of the now St. Sava Historical Society.

Tim is preceded in death by sisters: Elaine (Dr. Dusan) Zeremsky, Nancy (Gilbert) Vuyakovich; brother-in-laws: Eli Kirby and V. Rev. Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic. He is survived by his loving sisters: Helen Kirby and Zorine Sokolovic. Uncle Tim will be missed dearly by his nieces: Donniella Zeremsky, Betsy Kirby (Jerry Davis), Dr. Cindy Kirby (Rudy Labovic), Tammy Kirby Esq., Zorine Kirby, Luanne Vuyakovich, Mirjana (Dn. Milan) Damjanovic; and nephew, Dn. Toso, (Tanja) Sokolovic. His great nieces and nephews: Stana, Ilija, Juji (Ryan), Marko, (Tereza), Bosa, Lucija and Izabella; great-nephews: Maksim, Makarije, Metodije and Antonije, enjoyed sharing in his knowledge academically and spiritually as did Kumovi and relatives in Serbia and Canada.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:15 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery.

BURNS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements (www.burnsfuneral.com).

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Gojko “George” Planojevic. Memory eternal.

Gojko “George” Planojevic

Gojko “George” Planojevic age 83 of Lemont, Illinois, passed away with his family by his side on April 12, 2024.

Gojko was born in eastern Bosnia (formerly Yugoslavia) and immigrated to the United States in 1972 with his wife and children to Gary, Indiana.

Gojko immigrated to US to provide better opportunities for his children and worked until retirement age at places like US Steel and Tube City, dealing with many Steel industry ups and downs along the way.

He was lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and actively participated in church & cultural functions. Gojko loved soccer and through soccer clubs, Serbian community, his workplaces, Gojko made many lifelong friends from all cultures and backgrounds.

In addition to soccer, Gojko loved gardening and would often ask family members to take picture of him with his prized vegetables: banana or bell paper, tomato, zucchini, and watermelon occasionally. During Draginja’s illness, Gojko learned how to make Sarma & cheese pita.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Draginja; parents Milorad and Obrenija Planojevic; sisters Radojka Basevic and Jelenka Vukojcic and brother Petko Planojevic.
Gojko is survived by his two beloved children, son, Brane “Branko” (Carrie) Planojevic, and daughter Branka (Nenad) Radoja; five cherished grandchildren: Gina, David, Katarina, Sanja and Stefan; and many other relatives, Kumovi and friends both here in the US, Canada, Australia, Bosnia and Serbia.

Gojko lived in NW Indiana most of his life.  After Alzheimer’s diagnosis in fall 2014, with the help of his family, Kumovi, church members and caregivers, he was able to live in his NW Indiana home independently for several years.  Eventually, Gojko agreed to sell his Indiana home and live with his son & family in Lemont, Illinois.  It was music to his ears when any of the grandkids called him “DEDA.”  Even with advanced age and illness, Gojko was able to maintain his pleasant nature (“not bothering anyone” as he would say).

Gojko will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family, Kumovi & friends.
Visitation will take place Friday, April 19, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church beginning at 9:00 a.m. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic  and V. Rev Aleksandar Novakovic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

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

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Bosiljka “Boja” Cucuz. Memory eternal.

Bosiljka “Boja” Cucuz

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bosiljka “Boja” Cucuz, who left us on March 30, 2024 at the age of 92. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones after a long and full life.

Bosiljka was born on May 1, 1931 in Bosansko Grahavo. She was a wonderful daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She had many friends and was a well-loved member of communities in Zenica, Bosnia; St Petersburg, Florida; Oshkosh, Wisconsin; and Northwest Indiana.

Bosiljka was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Nedeljko Cucuz, parents Petar and Joka (Nenadic) Gasic, brother Branko (Milica) Gasic, and sisters Danka Gasic, Jelka (Milos) Gasic, and Mileva (Jovo) Skapina.

Bosiljka is survived by her loving children: son Branko (Slavica) Cucuz, Daughters Jelka Burayidi-Cucuz, and Ljilja (Nedeljko) Balac. As well as her beloved grandchildren: Milica (Dejan) Grujic, Velibor (Vanja) Cucuz, Nenad Avramovic, Nikolina Balac, Aleksandra Balac, Akiwele Maja Burayidi, and great-grandchildren: Sofija, Gabriela, and Mia Grujic; Mario, Dorian, and Ema Cucuz; Thomas Toma Avramovic.

During her life, Bosiljka touched the hearts of many with her kindness, generosity, humor, and wisdom. Her legacy will live on through cherished memories and the lives of those she influenced all over the world.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 4,2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Mererville, Indiana. We invite all who would like to pay their respects to join us. Visition begins at 10am with services at 11am and burial to follow.

May Bosiljka’s soul rest in eternal peace.