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

George Rosich

George Rosich, age 94, of Spring Hill, FL passed away peacefully at home on February 15, 2024. His wife of over 70 years, Paula (Pickford), and other family members were at his side at the time of his passing.

George was preceded in death by his father, Milos Rosich; mother, Mildred Konderla; brothers: Charles Rosich, Junior Rosich, Andrew (Billie) Dopiriak, and Michael Dopiriak; and sister, Joann (Jack) Lyons.

He is survived by his wife, Paula; son, Ron (April) Rosich; daughter, Terry (Harry) Revetta; grandson, Ryan Rosich; granddaughter, Elizabeth Rosich; brothers: Daniel (Phyllis) Rosich, John (Carol) Dopiriak; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

George and Paula were married in 1953 and resided in the Gary, IN area until building a new home in Portage, IN in 1959. They lived in Portage and raised a family there until retiring to Spring Hill, FL in 1989 and have lived there ever since.

George was born in Aliquippa, PA on November 11, 1929, and was baptized in the Serbian Christian Orthodox Church in Aliquippa. He relocated to Gary, IN at a young age with his family where he was raised.  George attended Merrillville High School where he met his future wife, Paula.

He is a U.S. Military Veteran having served in the Army and fought overseas on the front lines in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1953.

George was an Ironworker and a proud member of Ironworkers Local 395 for over 70 years. Over his career, he built a number of hospitals, schools, bridges, and other structures throughout Northwest Indiana. George was also the owner of Portage Ornamental Iron and had a welding shop for many years in Portage.

He was an antique car enthusiast, having been a member of several car clubs. He was often seen driving his 1929 Ford Model A which he restored with his son Ron and his brother Danny. George was seen in the neighborhood in his Model A only a few months before his passing. He had many friends who were also antique car enthusiasts during the time he lived in Florida.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, February 24, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN 46410, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM.

Burial to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, IN. Father Dragan Petrovic of St. Nicholas Serbian Orthodox Church-Indianapolis presiding.

The family wishes to thank Chapters Hospice of Brooksville, FL for their excellent care during George’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to Chapters Health System Hospice HPH in memory of George Rosich.  https://www.chaptershealth.org/foundation/hph-hospice-donation/

George was a dedicated father, a loving husband to his wife, a veteran of the armed forces, a proud union member, and a skilled craftsman. George never met a stranger and was a friend to many

Visit Thomas’s online guestbook at www.GeisenFuneralHome.com 219-663-2500.

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

Helen Baroevich, a life long resident of Griffith, Indiana and member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church passed away Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the age of 100. Helen is survived by her 2 daughters Kathleen Baroevich and Diane (+Bob) Holstein and her 2 granddaughters Lauren (Matt) Yukich and Caitlyn (Riste) Talev, also numerous nieces and nephews as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great-great nephews and 1 great-great-great niece.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband Steve Baroevich; her son and daughter-in-law Steve and Marie Baroevich; her parents Geroge and Anna Zelenak; her 4 sisters and brother-in-laws, Mary (Leo) Grogan, Ann (John) Sopko, Julie  (Max) Hutka, Josephine (Norman) Kellams, her brothers George (Sue & Betty) Zelenak

Helen was a very active St. Sava church member especially with the sisters making the Nutroll and Strudels. She loved baking and cooking and trying new recipes. She also loved to crochet and knit and made many blankets of various sizes and patterns.

Helen was also a member for many years of the American Legion Post 66 in Griffith and as an Honorary member of War Mothers. God rest her soul, she will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with a visitation for friends, family and Kumovi which will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service; V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Church, St. Sava Sisters Auxiliary or Karageorge Choir, or charity of your choice. 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 family of Stevo Djankovic. Memory eternal.

Stevo Djankovic

Stevo Djankovic, aged 64 of Hobart, IN passed away on January 26th, 2024. He was born June 25, 1959 in Perna, Yugoslavia (Modern day Croatia). Stevo came to the US in his early 20s and worked as a millwright and machinist for several different companies for 43 years. Stevo was an active member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church where he enjoyed volunteering at the lamb area for many events. He was also a member of M. L. McClelland #357 Masonic Lodge in Hobart.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Julika Djankovic.  Stevo is survived by his father Ljubomir Djankovic, Daughter Juliana Djankovic, Grandson Logan, Brother Jovo Djankovic, Sister Mara, Nephews Steven & Marco, Niece Julia as well as many friends & loved ones with special acknowledgment to Virgil & Brenda Clary.

Funeral Services will take place Saturday, February 3, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery, Merrillville, IN. Vecnaja Pamjat.

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 family of Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich. Memory eternal.

Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich

Mihailo (Michael) V. Dobrich, age 87, of Merrillville passed away October 28, 2023. Mihailo was born July 28,1936 in Belgrade, Yugoslavia to the late Velibor M. Dobrich, a former Yugoslav Royal Army Colonel and late Darinka (Kocic) Dobrich, a former schoolteacher.  He was preceeded in death by Sister Danica and Brother-in-Law Aleksandar Trifunovic.

Mihailo met Ljiljana Tesovic in 1974 while she was visiting family. They were married on November 23, 1978 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Hobart, IN. He was a loving husband to Ljiljana and doting father to his Pilence, Doris. His family was his world and he would do everything for them.

Mihailo had many talents in his lifetime. In addition to English and Serbian, he was fluent in French and Russian. Early on in Belgrade, he was a professional cyclist for Beogradski Sportski Klub. He was also a talented artist and was the youngest Cartoonist at 18 years of age to illustrate for the Yugoslav Satire Magazine, JEZ.

In 1956, he left Yugoslavia for Austria, and then Paris, France for 1 year before coming to Gary, Indiana to reunite with his father after 18 years apart. His mother and sister rejoined the family soon after.

Mihailo worked as a Commercial Artist at U.S. Steel in Gary from 1957-1971, and was a member of the Glee Club.  He received his B.S. in Education in 1971 and M.S. in education in 1973 from Indiana University Northwest. He spent his summers at Aix en Provence, France from 1974 – 1978 and received his second Master’s in French Literature.

Mr. Dobrich was a beloved fifth grade teacher at Bailey Elementary in Lake Station, IN from 1971-1974. He then moved to Edison Sr. High School in Lake Station as the French Teacher for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. He was affectionately known as DOB and DOBI by his students. His humor and wit in addition to his artistic posters invited his students into the French culture and language. The H.S. students took French just to be in Mr. Dobrich’s class. He was the sponsor of French Club, and was an illustrator of “Eagle Feathers”, the High School newspaper. He retired in 1999 but he continued his love of education in retirement and became a Substitute Teacher in the Merrillville Schools, this time affectionately known as Mr. Sub.

In addition to his Teaching career, Mihailo taught cartooning and French at Kid’s College at Indiana University Northwest. He was a member of PHI DELTA KAPPA, the association of professional educators and served as President. And like many teachers, he had his side business, Dobrich Signs. He did freestyle sign painting all over N.W. Indiana and Chicago area. He lettered trucks, cars, walls, boards, and posters with his steady, delicate hand. In an age where digital art became popular, he continued his artistic trade that was valued by his clients.

Mihailo was a faithful member of St. Sava Church. He served on the Executive Board for many years as the Serbian Secretary, and he was Chairman of Serbian Day in July. But, most people would remember the hundreds of business posters ads he created for the Annual Golf Tournament and Serb Fest. His huge Serb Fest Signs were visible all over Northwest Indiana.

Mihailo is survived by his loving wife, Ljiljana, Daughter Doris (Alan) Manojlovic, cherished grandchildren, Olivera and Nikola. He leaves behind niece Ariane Montemurro and family of TN, nephew Robert Trifunovic M.D and family of CA,  cousin Branimir Dobric and family of Belgrade, Serbia, and many friends, family, and kumovi in the USA and abroad.

The loss of Mihailo leaves a huge hole in our hearts and he is missed beyond words can describe. He was one of a kind, with his humor, heart, and personality. And if you met him, you never forgot him.

Visitation for dear Mihailo will take place Friday, November 3, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Holy Cross (St. Sava) Cemetery Merrillville, IN. Donations can be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church or it’s Karageorge Choir. Vecnaja Pamjat. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840.

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

Tomislav Borjan

Tomislav Borjan, age 74, of Hobart passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, with his family by his side.  Tomo was born January 10, 1949, in Drniš, Yugoslavia to the late Nikola and Marija (Popac) Borjan.  Tomo was a loving husband of 50 years to Dragica Borjan, also of Drniš, Yugoslavia.  Though their villages were only separated by a small mountain, Tomo met Dragica upon emigrating to the United States in 1975.  Six months after meeting, they were married at St. Sava church in Gary, Indiana.

Tomo was a trained mason in Split, Yugoslavia.  He went on to work in Benghazi, Libya where he spent several years building a university.  He then returned to his family in Yugoslavia, including his sister, Milka, and brother, Stevo, before emigrating to the United States.  Tomo worked as brick layer at United States Steel for 35 years.  Through his hard work, he was able to provide an education to his three children.

Tomo is survived by his loving wife Dragica; children Marija (Paul), Branka (Toby) and Nikola; granddaughter Lilijana; Kumovi Crncević; and nephews Ante and Tomislav Pleadin.

Tomo was a faithful member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.  He lived for his granddaughter, Lili.  He had a natural talent for gardening.  Strangers would stop and take pictures of the beautiful flowers he’d planted.  Tomo had a curiosity for life, always reading and watching documentaries.  He enjoyed sports and western films.  His wisdom and always well-chosen words will be cherished.  He had an incredible sense of empathy toward others and could find joy in even the smallest things.

Tomo was the best husband and father anyone could ask for.  He was an incredible human being.  He will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation for Tomo will be Friday, September 8, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (219) 736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat.