Obituaries & Memorials

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

Kathryn “Kata or Katie” Bozich (nee Kuruzovich), age 91 (May 15, 1924 – February 25, 2016) of Merrillville, passed away on February 25, 2016.

She was a former employee of U. S. Steel, Gary Works. She was a lifetime member of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church where she was the assistant to the Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the Serbian Sister’s Circle (KOLO) for 25 years.

She was also a member of the King Peter Lodge and a supporting member of the Karageorge singing society. Kathryn was a beautiful generous soul who was beloved by her many friends and family. She will always be remembered and cherished as a selfless, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She worked tirelessly and was totally devoted to her Serbian faith. She was also known for her legendary homemade walnut rolls.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, Steve Bozich; brother, George; father, Dan; mother, Mildred and her stepmother, Rose. She is survived by 3 children – Steven (Gene) Bozich of Cincinnati, OH, Nancy Christensen of Chicago, Daniel (Denise) Bozich of Schererville; 2 grandchildren, Daniel Bozich and Faye Cinquina; great grandchild, Alice Cinquina; sisters, Nadine Bruhl and Darlene Sever; many nieces and nephews; special friend, Missy.

Funeral service will take place Monday February 29, 2016, 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN, V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

Friends are invited to visit with Kathryn’s family on Sunday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A pomen service at 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Sava Serbian Sisters (Kolo).

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Kathryn-Bozich/

Violette Bundalo, age 88 – December 24, 1927 – February 12, 2016

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

Violette Bundalo, age 88 (December 24, 1927 – February 12, 2016), lifetime area resident passed away Friday, February 12, 2016.

She was born December 24, 1927 in Hegewish Illinois to Serbian pioneers Sam and Ella Panayotovich.

Graduated from Thornton Fractional High School in Calumet City. She worked for NIPSCO in Hammond.

Violette met her late husband (Milan) at a SNF Bowling Tournament in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Violette was a professional Bowler and bowled at SNF Tournaments regularly. Violette still holds the all-time high scoring record at 286 pins.

Violette and Milan, were then married and together for 58 years.

The couple then worked together in business in Hobart. Milan was very well known as a wholesale meat dealer and preparer of roasted lamb and pork for numerous occasions from the former Bundalo Picnic Grove. They worked together side by side, and Violette was the entrepreneur of the business.

Violette was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. She was also a member of “Karageorge” Choir, and S.N.F Lodge #16 – “King Petar II” Gary, IN.

Her passion for singing and playing the piano, led her to join in and sing with numerous “Tamburitza” groups. Violette was also a member of the Indiana Symphony choir.

Violette also worked the Hobart City School System as a bus driver for over 20 years.

Violette is survived by her son David (Pamela) Bundalo, Daughter Dawn Z. Bundalo, Grandson Zachary David Bundalo, and Larry W. Shotwell; many nieces, nephews and Kumovi.

Funeral services will take place Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN. with Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Entombment, Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 2:00-9:00 p.m. At Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. under Burns Funeral Directors. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2016.

The family wishes to extend it sincere gratitude to Dr. Barbara Fuller, Dr. Eric Shulte and Dr. Donald Phillips.

Memorials may be donated The Leukemia Foundation and St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, IN.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Violette-Bundalo/

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

Mara Savic, age 56 (February 22, 1959 – February 5, 2016), passed away at Methodist Hospital/Southlake Campus on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Born in Gary, IN on February 22, 1959 to the late Obrad & Elfrieda Savic. Since birth, She was a lifelong, active Member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, of which She served on its Executive Board, and supported nearly every Parish event–dating back to the days the Church was located at 13th & Connecticut St. in Gary.

For years, She was also a faithful supporting Member of the Organization of Serbian Chetniks-“Ravna Gora.” A retired employee of U.S. Steel-Gary Works in the Quality Assurance Department. Mara was a Graduate of Lew Wallace High School–Class of 1977. In addition to Her Parents, She was preceded in death by Her Dear Sister- Mitzie (2007) and Brother, George Savic.

Mara is survived by Her Kumovi-“Godchildren”–Lauren & Ryan Ivankovich and their Father, Danny-‘Junior’ and Family; Also, numerous Cousins in Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as Her many Dearest Friends–with whom She shared a majority of Her time with during Her lifetime.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016, Directly at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Church of Merrillville with V. Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Interment, New Gracanica Cemetery, Third Lake, IL.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, Feb. 10 from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorials will be greatly accepted by the St. Sava Pavillion Building Fund, c/o 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410, as this was Mara’s wish. May Mara’s Memory Be Eternal!

For further information please contact Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors at Burns Funeral Home (219) 769.0044 or www.burnsfuneral.com.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Mara-Savic/

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Stojan “Stanley” Galich. Memory eternal.

Stojan Stanley Galich Age 87 (January 9, 1929 – January 10, 2016), passed away at His Home on January 10, 2016.

He was born on Jan. 9, 1929 in Drvar, Bosna (former Yugoslavia) to Parents-Marko & Mara Galic. In 1942 at a rather young age, He joined His Father & several relatives in the Serbian Chetniks Resistance Movement in Bosna upon the tragic outbreak of WWII.

At the end of Wartime, He went on to play professional Soccer in Italy, Germany and Chicago, IL. For Decades, “Stanley” was an active Member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church–where He Lovingly served as a dedicated Vestryman–“Parish Tutor.” He retired after many years of service as a general foreman of Laborers Local #81.

In addition to His Parents, He was preceded in death by His Granddaughter Amy Marie Inman, 3 Brothers, 3 Sisters.

Stanley is survived be His Beloved Wife of 58 years, Lillian Galich; Children- Mary “Mara” Littrell, Milan “Mike” (Allison) Galich and Dragica “Debbie” (Kenny) Ludwig; Grandchildren: Julie (Greg) Barker, Steven (Amanda) Littrell, Ashley (Dustin) Harris, Christy (Juan) Galich-Gonzalez, Brandy Galich and River Ludwig; Also, 5 dear Great Grandchildren; Niece Gordana (Slobodan) Lakich; Nephew Dragan Galich; Brother-in-law Dragan (Maca) Dragic; Sisters-in law, Borka (Arfin) Grimsgard, Dorothy (Larry) Mokry, Sasha (Smilka) Parker and many other Kumovi and dear friends.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, Directly at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sava Church (9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville) with V. Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Interment, Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials will be greatly accepted by St. Sava Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN 46410 or to V.N.A. Hospice, 2404 Valparaiso Street, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

For further information, please phone Savich & Semplinski Directors of Burns F.H. at (219) 769-0044 or www.burnsfuneral.com.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Stojan-Galich/#!/Obituary

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich. Memory eternal.

Desanka “Daisy” Wuletich (May 8, 1918 – December 31, 2015) of Merrillville, born on May 8, 1918 in Gary, IN to John and Cveta Gerun Wuletich and known to her extended family as “Aunt Daisy,” passed peacefully away on December 31, 2015.

Throughout her life, Aunt Daisy held dear her faith and devotion to St. Sava Orthodox Church where, following her work at the Cloverleaf Dairy Company, she served as Church Secretary and where, over the course of her life, she sang in the Choir, taught Sunday School, was a member of the Serbian Sisters Kolo and carried on the work of her father, John Wuletich, who was instrumental in founding St. Sava’s in 1913.

As with her faith, Aunt Daisy’s love of and devotion to family was absolute. Likewise, her appetite for knowledge, which blossomed at Indiana University where she was one of the first women to study astronomy, was an enduring passion in her life.

Aunt Daisy’s devotion to community was just as strong; she was a member of the Srbijka Club and the Serbian Republican Club, and she offered her services as a translator for Serbian refugees in the 1950s.

Daisy was preceded in death by her parents; by her siblings Bronko, Rudy, Violet “Fid” and Sam; and by her nephews, Tommy, Randy and Doug. She is survived by her brother-in-law, Michael C. Masters; her nieces and nephews: Jim Wuletich (Terry); Ann Krimmel; Teri LaJone (Jay); Sandy Funk (Jack); Ross “Gary” Wuletich (Brenda); John Masters (Jennifer); and Barbara Riley. In addition, are many grandnieces and grandnephews and great-grandnieces, all of whom will remember with love a woman of extraordinary curiosity, intellect, generosity, spirit and grace.

Friends are invited to meet with Daisy’s family between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point. The Pomen will take place at 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410; interment will follow at the Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Sava Church.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Desanka-Wuletich/#!/Obituary

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

Margot Sanetznik (Simic) age 92 (September 25, 1923 – December 18, 2015), passed away on December 18, 2015 with Her loving family at her side.

Margot is survived by 2 Daughters: Eva Simic (Mike) Czarnecki and Danica (Dusan) Pejnovic. She lived a very full life, and was able to see Her 3 Grandchildren: Nikola (Jelena) Pejnovic, Vesna (Clint) Konopasek & Mirjana Pejnovic–reach adulthood, and attended 2 of Their Weddings. She also took much pleasure and enjoyed time with Her Great-Grandson Luka.

For many years, She was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and retired employee of Lake Ridge Schools. In Her retirement years, She enjoyed Crocheting, reading non-fiction works and spending quality time with Her Grandchildren & Great-Grandson. Her 7 Brothers & Sisters who resided in Germany–all preceded Margot in death.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, Directly at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Church, (9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville) with V. Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Interment, Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. A Pomen Service will be offered at 6:00 p.m., Sunday.

For further info: phone Savich & Semplinski Directors of Burns F.H. at 219-769-0044.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Margot-Sanetznik/#!/Obituary

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

Sheila Zorich, age 79 (December 10, 1935 – November 16, 2015) of Hobart, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 16, 2015 with her loving family by her side.

Sheila was a lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Serbian Sister’s Circle Kolo Sestara. She was preceded in death by her parents, Millie and Gerald Reese and her husband of 59 years, Dan Zorich.

Sheila is survived by her four beloved children: Diane Bair (Don Cervantes), David (Elaine) Zorich, Dane (Lisa) Zorich, Dawn (David) Maksimovich; Seven loving grandchildren, Stefanie (Warren) Fournier, Danielle (Nick) Szymanski, Adam, Stephen, & Ana Maksimovich, Nicholas & Alec Zorich; five great grandchildren and her brother Gerald Reese and Family.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m., with V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday directly at 10:00 a.m., St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Sheila will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew her.

For further information please call Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors at Burns Funeral Home (219) 769-0044 www.burnsfuneral.com.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Sheila-Zorich/#!/Obituary

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Very Reverend Vasilije Budimir Sokolovic. Memory eternal.

Very Reverend Vasilije Budimir Sokolovic, age 77 (May 13, 1938 – October 10, 2015), Orthodox priest of 45 years, retired parish priest of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, Cleveland fell asleep in our Lord Jesus Christ Saturday, October 10, 2015. May his Memory be Eternal – Vecnaja Pamjat!

Son of Holy Priestmartyr Saint Budimir of Dobrun and the late Protinica Desanka Sokolovic. He was the 42nd ordained priest in the Sokolovic lineage.

Beloved husband of Protinica Zagorka “Zorine” (nee Vitkovich). Dear father of Mirjana (Milan) Damljanovic and Deacon Teodor (Tanja). Loving grandfather of Maksim, Makarije, Izabella, and Metodije. Dear brother of Mirjana (deceased) and Vladimir (Erika). Friend and Kumovi to many.

Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will take place Friday, October 16 at 8:00 AM at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 6306 Broadview Road, Parma, OH followed by funeral liturgy at 11:00 a.m.

His Grace Bishop Dr. Mitrophan officiating. The V. Rev. Vasilije Sokolovic will lie in state at church on Thursday, October 15 from 3-8:00 p.m. POMEN service 7:00 p.m.

Interment Monastery Marcha Serbian Orthodox Cemetery. Arrangements by the Donald A. Faulhaber Funeral Home – www.faulhaberfuneralhome.com.