Obituaries & Memorials

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

Danilo Radusin “Brko”, age 74 passed away peacefully, with this family by his side on Sunday, August 4, 2024.

Brko was born on April 5, 1950 in Gracac and moved to the United States in 1974. He was a Union Painter with Local 460 before his retirement in 2012. He was a proud member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and avid soccer player who also loved to hunt, fish and build things. Brko looked forward to growing his garden every year. After his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, relaxing while drinking his beer. He lived his life to the fullest, everyone he met loved him and he loved everyone.

He is preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother and numerous friends.

Brko is survived by his 5 loving children, Daniyela, Nicole, Mara, Alex and Lauren; 10 adored grandchildren, Daniel, Robert, Julia, Audriana, Nicholas, Anthony, Milan, Brandon, Brianna, Mischa, and 1 special great-granddaughter Ana. He is also survived by family both here and abroad and his lifelong family friends The Pejnovic Family.

Brko will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. We will never forget his signature saying “BETTER BELIEVE IT”. Memory Eternal our dear Brko. Memory Donations may be made to the family.

Visitation will take place Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville, IN 46410 with a Pomen Service beginning at 5:00 p.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.

Funeral Services will take place Friday directly at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville. Interment at Holy Cross St. Sava Cemetery. 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 Dane Pokrajac. Memory eternal.

Dane Pokrajac, a former United Auto Workers union steward and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away July 26, 2024, just shy of his 94th birthday. Dane’s incredible mind and strong, warm-hearted spirit remained plainly in evidence his entire life up through when he passed away surrounded by his family last Friday.

Dane was born in 1930 in the village of Raduc, Lika County, Croatia in the former Yugoslavia. Dane grew up with his mother Boja ✝, brothers Ilija ✝ and Jovan ✝, and sister Neda ✝ in their village in the shadow of the Velebit Mountains as his father Dane ✝ worked in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania to bring the family to America. Dane’s roots in Aliquippa go back well over a hundred years to when his grandfather first came to work in Aliquippa’s steel mills, one of many Serbs who forged the coming American Century in the steel mills of Western Pennsylvania.

Dane endured great tragedy at a young age when war broke out with the invasion of Yugoslavia in 1941. After losing his home and his brother Ilija, Dane lived for four years through a hellish civil war enveloped within a global conflict that brought German, Italian, Croatian, Partisan, and Chetnik forces through the idyllic mountainside he called home. Along with his family, and the family of his childhood friend Mara Pejnovic, Dane survived those four years in the Velebit Mountains. He often spoke of how narrowly he escaped death and how lucky he was to survive past adolescence.

Following the war, Dane served as a police officer in Yugoslavia for six years before immigrating to America. In 1958, he and Mara joined Dane’s father just outside of Aliquippa in Monaca, Pennsylvania where Dane’s father built and operated a general store.

Dane and Mara then moved to Gary, Indiana where Dane became a union steward for the United Auto Workers at the Budd Company automotive plant. With so many from the former Yugoslavia working at the plant, Dane proved invaluable in resolving disputes between employees and the company and helping his fellow workers obtain their part of the American dream. His fair-minded and gentlemanly approach earned him universal respect from everyone he met; he had an uncommon ability to explain his side of an issue while always maintaining respect and courtesy towards the other.

It was in the Glen Park neighborhood of Gary that Dane and Mara raised their son Ned ✝ and daughter Milena. Through their hard work and sacrifice, Dane and Mara built a storybook life for their family that was filled with activity, including baseball games, music, and church dances; and put their children through college—something they could only have dreamed of when they were young.

Part of a generation that believed in community and making sacrifice for the benefit of posterity, Dane and Mara devoted substantial time and energy to the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. In addition to helping with numerous Church events and fundraisers, Dane served on the Church Board, including during the construction of the Church building in Hobart after fire destroyed the Church’s previous location in Gary. Dane also served for many years as President of the local order of the Organization of Serbian Chetniks Ravna Gora. Always cognizant of the great sacrifices made during the war, Dane was sure to remind his family and community of the incredible story that brought them here.

In the 1980s, Dane’s job at the Budd Company plant was eliminated as globalization wreaked havoc on the American auto industry. This was, however, a blessing in disguise, as it came just before Dane’s grandchildren were born and allowed Dane to spend the next four decades imparting his love and wisdom upon them. Dane made priceless memories with his grandchildren in the years that followed, getting to see a number of sporting events and graduations and travel with his grandchildren across the country. He even lived to become a great-grandfather to two beautiful great-granddaughters.

Dane led a remarkable life that cannot be described adequately in words or pictures. He endured unimaginable challenges and persevered through unthinkable tragedy. He experienced unadulterated hatred, yet lived with endless love and compassion. He loved sharing stories, jokes, and perspectives with everyone. He cherished nature, especially the cherry tree planted by his father. He valued learning, patience, and a job well done. He enjoyed 70 years of marriage with his wife Mara. He was a chess champion and taught the game to his grandchildren. He helped build a family, a community, and a country where the middle class thrived. He was the epitome of the Greatest Generation.

Dane is survived by his wife Mara; daughter Milena and son-in-law Nick; grandchildren Marko, Marissa, Nina, Dean, and Nick; great-grandchildren Mia and Nora; nieces Neda, Jovanka, and Sladjana and nephews Danilo, Dusko, Jovica, Nick, and Milan. Through his grateful family and friends, his memory lives on. Vecnaja Pamjat.

Funeral services will take place Thursday, August 1, 2024 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, Indiana with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with funeral service beginning at noon. Following interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, the family invites all to St. Sava for a luncheon in memory of Dane.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dane’s memory may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church https://www.saintsava.net/donate/ (www.saintsava.net/donate). For further information please contact 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 Stana Shesto. Memory eternal.

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 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, 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.

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. 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 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.

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.