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

Stana Shesto

Stana Shesto, age 92 of Crown Point, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

She is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Linda Shesto (Robert Robertson), nephew, Branko (Tanja) Karapandza and niece, Dusica Karapandza and many other relatives, Kumovi and dear friends both here and abroad. She is preceded in death by her husband, Mike, her parents, Nikola and Stoja, and her brothers and sisters, Dragan, Milan, Pero, Mirko and Vasilija.

Stana was born in the former Yugoslavia. She emigrated to the United States in 1968. Stana was a gifted seamstress, extraordinary cook, talented baker and skilled gardener. Her baked goods and meals were more than just food-they were expressions of her love and care. Family and friend gatherings were always filled with the comforting aroma of her cooking. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, creativity, and warmth.

Stana was a lifelong and very active member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and the St. Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Sestara). Stana will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Vecnaja Pamjat.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, July 25, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Very Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.

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

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

Jeffrey Evans

Jeffrey David Evans, age 74, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was born on February 28, 1950, to the late Kenneth and Bernice Evans. He was a graduate of Lake Central High School, class of 1968. He spent his 32 year long career working for Pepsi Cola of Munster, IN.

As a young retiree, he spent much of his time golfing, achieving a Hole in One at Palmira Golf Club, traveling within the states, studying and admiring airplanes, attending the Indy 500 year after year, cheering on the Chicago Cubs as a true Chicagoan does, and cruising in his red 1979 T-top Corvette.

Jeff was a devoted family man, who never skipped out on a good game of cards and dessert around the table. He succeeded in maintaining contact with his family and friends no matter where they lived. He had a quick wit and a heart of gold. Jeff will be truly missed by all the many lives he touched.

Jeff is survived by: The love of his life, his beloved wife of 36 years, Mira (Mirjana Mileusnic); Daughter, Tammy (David) Kistler of St. John, IN; Grandson and the joy of his life, Nathan Kistler; Brother, Richard (Jane) Evans of Valparaiso, IN; Sister, Nancy (Pete) Bloomfield of Australia; Brother, Dan (Kim) Evans of Hartland, WI; Brother-in-law, Mitch (Sonja) Mileusnic; numerous nieces, nephews and their spouses and families, along with Kumovi.

Visitation will take place Friday, July 5, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St. Merrillville, IN with a Pomen Service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place Saturday, July 6, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN at 10:00 a.m., friends may pay respects between 9:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. May Jeff’s Memory be Eternal.

For any further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Cemetery, (219) 736-5840.

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

Vera Krasich

Vera Krasich, age 87, passed away on June 6, 2024, peacefully in her home surrounded by her two daughters. She is preceded in death by the love of her life of 59 years, Ilija Krasich, and her first-born daughter, Julie Santucci.

Vera was born in Grotte, Sicily on June 27, 1936, to parents, Giovanni and Francesca Cimino. She married in July of 1953 to Ilija, and eight months later she traveled to a country where she would start a new life. This new life brought her a loving providing husband, four beautiful children, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

She had a love for cooking, baking, gardening, and most importantly her family. Her heart was filled with unconditional love, kindness, and compassion. She was a hard worker, devoted wife, loving mother, generous grandmother, and a gentle great-grandmother. She will always be the heart and soul of the family, and with each day we will carry that within ourselves.

She is survived by her second daughter, Francesca (Louie) Varela, son, John (Mary) Krasich, and youngest daughter, Joann (Joseph) Serpico; nine grandchildren: Angela (Lynn) Powell, Michael (Lauren) Mitrevski, Anthony (Katie) Santucci, Maryanne Mitrevski, Rachel (Chris) Krasich-Ward, Kristina ( Kyle) Krasich, John (Jordan) Krasich, Christian (Michelle) Serpico, and Emily (Carlos) Font; ten great-grandchildren: Logan and Hunter Mitrevski, Amanda and Zoey Powell, Amelia Santucci, Caleb Mitrevski, Anthony Santucci Jr., Riley Krasich, Vera Ward, and Ilija Krasich.

A visitation will take place on Monday, June 10, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, Indiana. Funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.

With the weekend of Memorial Day approaching, let us remember all of the departed from this life, their names and their deeds, and let us rededicate ourselves to work for peace and good will and love among all people.

Beginning Saturday, May 25 Father Marko Matic will be blessing graves at Graceland Cemetery and Angel Crest Cemetery in Valparaiso.

Sunday, May 26 Father Marko will be blessing graves at our Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church.

Monday, May 27 Father Marko will be blessing graves at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville and Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary. The complete list of times is available below.

In these days when so much is said about the high cost of living, it is fitting to pause on Memorial Day and acknowledge the great price that thousands of others have paid that we might live in this land of freedom, the United States of America.

Memorial Day came as a result of Civil War. This was America’s greatest war – in the lives that were lost, in the issues and principles at stake, in the fact that it was fought on American soil, and in the results that have come from it. American Land flowed red with blood in this terrible conflict. It was fitting that a solemn day of memory be set aside for such a conflict as that.

Just as the Jewish people have their feast of Passover to remind them of their freedom from Egyptian bondage, so America has its Memorial Day to remind us of the Salvation and rebirth of the United States as a free nation.

Since that time, Memorial Day has become a national holiday to honor the dead of all wars. Even more, it has become a day in which fitting remembrance is made of all of our relatives, kumovi and friends who rest in peace.

On this Memorial Day Weekend, let us remember all of the departed from this life, their names and their deeds, and let us rededicate ourselves to work for peace and good will and love among all people.

Memorial Day Weekend May 25-27, 2024

Services offered by Saint Sava Church at the following locations:

Saturday, May 25:

• 9:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso
• 11:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Angel Crest Cemetery in Valparaiso

Sunday, May 26:

• Memorial Service and blessing of graves at Saint Sava Church Cemetery mmediately after Holy Liturgy (approximately 12:00 p.m.)

Monday, May 27:

• 10:00 a.m. – Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville
• 1:30 p.m. –  Memorial Service and blessing of graves at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary

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

Milutin Miljus

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Milutin Miljus, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, on May 20, 2024. Born in the former Yugoslavia on April 4, 1954, Milutin immigrated to the United States in 1974, where he dedicated himself to building a new life and future for his family.

Milutin is survived by his loving wife, Radmilla Miljus, and their four children: Milutin Michael Miljus Jr., Slobodan Steve Miljus and his wife, Nicole Marie Miljus, Miroslav Mark Miljus, and Marina Belski and her husband, Kyle Belski. He was a proud grandfather to Evie Grace Miljus, daughter of Milutin Michael Miljus Jr.; Mason Aleksandar Miljus, Madelyn Nicole Miljus, Nicholas John Miljus, and Jacob Maksim Miljus, children of Slobodan Steve Miljus and Nicole Marie Miljus, whom Milutin considered his second daughter. His sister, Radmilla Djilas, and his nephew, Stevo Djilas. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Petar and Mirjana Miljus, and his brother, Ilija Miljus.

Milutin was a dedicated member of the Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. He worked diligently for over 40 years at the ArcelorMittal Steel Mill, and in his off time, he renovated homes with his sons. He found great joy in spending time with them productively while teaching them the value of hard work. Just last month, he proudly walked his beloved daughter, Marina, down the aisle at her wedding. Having recently retired, Milutin chose to spend his golden years surrounded by his cherished grandchildren. Their laughter and activities brought him immense joy, and his love for them was boundless.

Milutin’s journey from Yugoslavia to America was marked by resilience, hard work, and a profound love for his family. His legacy is one of strength and unwavering dedication to those he loved.

Milutin Miljus will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with Funeral Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.  Interment St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery. For 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 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.

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

Milinko Jovanović

Milinko Jovanović, 93 godine od Koutsa preminuo je mirno sa porodicom pored sebe, 20. marta 2024. godine. Milinko je bio doživotni član Srpske pravoslavne crkve Svetog Save. Bio je penzionisani radnik američke čelične korporacije sa preko 27 godina posvećene službe.

Prethodila smrt supruga Julka i roditelji Vojislav i Leposava.

Milinko preživljava njegovih 5 brižne dece; Leposava Jović, Inosava (Branimir) Stojić, Sju Sandlin, Predrag (Snežana) Jovanović i Nenad (Vanesa) Jovanović; 10 voljenih unuka i 24 negovana praunuka kao i mnogi drugi prijatelji, porodica i kumovi.

Poseta će biti u ponedeljak, 25. marta 2024. godine u 9 sati ujutru u Crkvi Svetog Save Srpske pravoslavne crkve sa pogrebnim službama koje počinju u 10 časova. V. Rev Marko Matić službira. Internment Svetog Save (Svetog krsta) groblje.
Za bilo kakvog daljeg informisanja molimo pozovite Milevu ili Dejva u pogrebnu kapelu Kalumet Park 219-736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat

Milinko Jovanovic, age 93 of Kouts passed away peacefully with his family by his side, March 20, 2024. Milinko was a lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. He was a retired employee of US Steel corporation with over 27 years of dedicated service.

He is preceded in death by his wife Julka and parents Vojislav and Leposava.

Milinko is survived by his 5 loving children; Leposava Jovic, Inosava (Branimir) Stojic, Sue Sandlin, Predrag (Snezana) Jovanovic, and Nenad (Vanessa) Jovanovic; 10 beloved grandchildren and 24 cherished great-grandchildren as well as many other friends, family and kumovi.

Visitation will take place Monday, March 25, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Internment St Sava (Holy Cross) Cemetery.

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