General Information/News

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

Petar “Miloš” Konjević (left side)

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

Nenad Konjević, star 39 godina od Kraun Pointa preminuo je u nedelju 17. marta 2024. godine,  nakon toga 19. marta 2024. godine njegov voljeni otac Petar “Miloš” Konjević pridružio mu se mirno u Raju sa porodicom pored sebe.

Nenada preživljava njegov obožavani sin Stefan; brižna majka Nada Konjević; voljena sestra i zet Marija (Milanko); sestričine Jovanu i Sofiju; Stric Nikola Konjević i porodica takođe mnogi drugi prijatelji, članovi porodice i kumovi.

Miloša preživljava njegova voljena supruga Nada; jedna voljena cerka Marija (Milanko); jednog unuka Stefana, dve unuke Jovanu i Sofiju; njegovog brata Nikolu Konjevića i porodicu; mnogim drugim prijateljima članovi porodice i kumovi.

Poseta i Milošu i Nenadu biće održana u subotu, 23. marta 2024. godine od 14 do 16 časova pogrebnim službama koje počinju u 16 časova u Pravoslavnoj katedrali Svetog Save, 9191 Misisipi Sveti, Merilvil sa Proto Marko Matićem. Svetog Save (Sveto krst) groblje. Za dalju infomraciju pozovite Milevu ili Dejva u pogrebnu kapelu Kalumet Park 219-736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat

Nenad Konjevic, age 39 of Crown Point passed away Sunday March 17, 2024, shortly thereafter on March 19, 2024 his beloved father Petar “Milos” Konjevic joined him peacefully in Heaven with family by his side.

Nenad is survived by his adored son Stefan; loving mother Nada Konjevic; sister and brother in law Marija (Milanko); nieces Jovana and Sofia; uncle Nikola Konjevic and family also many other friends, family members and kumovi.

Milos is survived by his loving wife Nada; one beloved daughter Marija (Milanko); one grandson Stefan, two granddaughters Jovana and Sofia; his brother Nikola Konjevic and family; many other friends family members and kumovi.

Visitation for both Milos and Nenad will take place Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Funeral Services beginning at 4:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment St. Sava (Holy Cross) Cemetery.

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

Nenad Konjević (right side)

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

Nenad Konjević, star 39 godina od Kraun Pointa preminuo je u nedelju 17. marta 2024. godine,  nakon toga 19. marta 2024. godine njegov voljeni otac Petar “Miloš” Konjević pridružio mu se mirno u Raju sa porodicom pored sebe.

Nenada preživljava njegov obožavani sin Stefan; brižna majka Nada Konjević; voljena sestra i zet Marija (Milanko); sestričine Jovanu i Sofiju; Stric Nikola Konjević i porodica takođe mnogi drugi prijatelji, članovi porodice i kumovi.

Miloša preživljava njegova voljena supruga Nada; jedna voljena cerka Marija (Milanko); jednog unuka Stefana, dve unuke Jovanu i Sofiju; njegovog brata Nikolu Konjevića i porodicu; mnogim drugim prijateljima članovi porodice i kumovi.

Poseta i Milošu i Nenadu biće održana u subotu, 23. marta 2024. godine od 14 do 16 časova pogrebnim službama koje počinju u 16 časova u Pravoslavnoj katedrali Svetog Save, 9191 Misisipi Sveti, Merilvil sa Proto Marko Matićem. Svetog Save (Sveto krst) groblje. Za dalju infomraciju pozovite Milevu ili Dejva u pogrebnu kapelu Kalumet Park 219-736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat

Nenad Konjevic, age 39 of Crown Point passed away Sunday March 17, 2024, shortly thereafter on March 19, 2024 his beloved father Petar “Milos” Konjevic joined him peacefully in Heaven with family by his side.

Nenad is survived by his adored son Stefan; loving mother Nada Konjevic; sister and brother in law Marija (Milanko); nieces Jovana and Sofia; uncle Nikola Konjevic and family also many other friends, family members and kumovi.

Milos is survived by his loving wife Nada; one beloved daughter Marija (Milanko); one grandson Stefan, two granddaughters Jovana and Sofia; his brother Nikola Konjevic and family; many other friends family members and kumovi.

Visitation for both Milos and Nenad will take place Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Funeral Services beginning at 4:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment St. Sava (Holy Cross) Cemetery.

For further information please call Mileva or Dave 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 Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov. Memory eternal.

Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov

Velko “Dr. Detroit” Kapetanov, age 78, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on March 8, 2024. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on August 7, 1945. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery.

Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements.

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

Ljiljana Stefanovic

Ljiljana Stefanovic  age 82 of Crown Point, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on February 28th, 2024.

Ljiljana was born in Boboviste (Aleksinac), Serbia and came to the United States on February 19, 1970 with her husband Zoran and children to Gary, IN. They later moved and settled in Crown Point, IN.

Ljiljana was a former member of St George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago. She then became an active member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox church in 1978, where she was currently a parishioner, and actively involved in the St Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters (Kolo Sestara). Ljiljana was a retired employee of Bivona after many years of dedicated service.

Ljiljana was preceded in death by her husband Zoran; parents Djordje and Milunka Djordjevic; sister Vidosava Marjanovic and brother Dragoljub Djordjevic. She is survived by her two beloved children, son, Ljubisha “Lou” (Helen) Stefanovic, and daughter, Biljana “Billie” (Igor) Vrbica; three cherished grandchildren: Dejan, Sasha and Petar; and many other relatives, Kumovi and dear friends both here and in Serbia.

Ljiljana was a wonderful homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, and gardening. She enjoyed hosting and entertaining family, friends, and guests in her always welcoming home.  Ljiljana’s biggest pride and joy were her grandchildren.  She was very supportive and enjoyed being part of all their activities as they were growing up.  She was always proud and full of joy attending their events.   Ljiljana will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her. Vecnaja Pamjat.

Funeral Services will take place Monday, March 4, 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 St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. 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 Peter “Pete” Skorich. Memory eternal.

Peter “Pete” Skorich

Peter “Pete” Skorich, age 82 of Crown Point, IN, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024. Pete was a 1959 graduate of Emerson High School in Gary. He retired from US Steel with over 40 years of dedicated service and served in the Indiana National Guard. Pete was a very active member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville where most will remember his years of dedication to the Serb Fests and Golf Tournaments. Over many decades, he was very fond of Tamburitza Music and enjoyed roasted lamb at numerous Lake County establishments. He never forgot his Alma mater Emerson High School of Gary.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary (nee Shaban) Skorich and two brothers, Nick and George.

Pete is survived by his loving niece & nephew Laura Skorich and Kurt Skorich; great nephew Sean Taylor; also many of his dear friends such as Gene Shayotovich and George Skrivan as well as the entire St Sava Church congregation. Pete will be remembered by all for being a friendly outgoing man with a very generous spirit.

Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For any further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.