Obituaries & Memorials

With 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 Monday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, Indiana in the front section of the cemetery offering blessings. At 10:00 a.m. Father Marko will offer blessings in the Calumet Cemetery in the Serbian Section.

Beginning Monday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary, Indiana (45th and Harrison) offering blessings at the cemetery in the front section.

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, 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.

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

Jerry Dusich (January 30, 1919 – May 7, 2016), age 97 of Crown Point passed away on May 7, 2016.

Jerry was a life long member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and member of it’s building committee. He was a Sargent in the US Army Air force and also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps Colorado and Utah. Jerry retired from US Steel-Gary Works after 38 years of service. He was an inventor and holds a couple of patents. He was also a craftsman, artist and loved to tell stories.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Miter and Mary Dusich; and siblings: Miter, Paul, John, Mark, Marie, Ann and Martha. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Sophie Dusich; loving children: Robert (Irene) Dusich, Jeralyn (Frank) Yards; cherished granddaughters: Heather (Zane) Stellakis and Kimberly (Scott) Wilkinson; adored great grandchildren: Harper and Violet Wilkinson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville, with a Pomen service at 7:00 p.m., V. Rev Marko Matic officiating.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, directly at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

For further information please call Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

See more at: http://www.mycalumetpark.com/obituaries/Jerry-Dusich/

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

Sofia (nee Jensen) Drca, age 83, of St John, formerly of Merrillville and Gary, passed away peacefully May 2, 2016 with her family by her side.

Sofia came to America in 1955 where she met her husband Dusan. She was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Circle of Serbian Sisters-Kolo Sestara. She was a retired employee of Joyce Sportswear of Gary with several years of service.

She is preceded in death by her parents Nikola and Lenka Solevic, husband Dusan Drca and grandson Steve Djuric.

Sofia is survived by her loving daughters: Millie (Tom Kus) Djuric, Donna (Steven) Winarski; beloved granddaughter Donna (Adam) Bruner; grandsons: Mike, Nikolas and Steven Winarski; and cherished great grandaughter Cassandra Bruner; sister Vasa Hristovski and many nieces, nephews. kumovi and many other relatives. She will be dearly missed, may her memory eternal.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, May 5, 2016 at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 12:00 noon with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will take place one hour before the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For further information please call Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at (219) 736-5840.

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

Eli Jovich (July 29, 1927 – March 19, 2016), age 88 of Merrillville, passed away March 19, 2016.

He was born in Gary where he attended Froebel High School. He was a proud Army Veteran of WWII where he served in the occupation of Japan.

Eli retired from U.S. Steel, Gary Works after 40 years. He enjoyed gardening and golf and barbecuing lamb in the back yard. Eli’s family was always his highest priority.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milos and Mary; sisters, Donna Hrnjak and Violet Ruzity.

Eli is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann (nee Buchko); son, Michael Jovich and daughter, Linda (Glenn) Bettens.

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

Friends may visit with Eli’s family Monday, March 28, 2016 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Pomen service at 5:30 p.m.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association on behalf of Eli Jovich’s memory.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Eli-Jovich/#!/Obituary

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

Mildred (nee Rigich) Erakovich, age 97 of Portage passed away at her home Saturday, March 19, 2016.

Mildred was born in Gary, IN and a lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. A long dedicated member of its Ladies Auxiliary – Circle of Serbian Sisters “Kolo Sestara.”

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Emil, daughter JoAnn Erakovich-Andonov, grandson Buck Snider.

She is survived by her four loving daughters; Cindy (John) Rongers, Debbie (Dan) Balcerak, Carol (Paul) Klein, Emily Erakovich; son-in-law Donche Adonov; beloved grandchildren, Jody (Harry) Rippe, Geoffrey Erakovich- Andonov, Jennifer (Aaron) Noel, Sara (Dave) Schultz, Daniel Balcerak, Spencer Klein, Rob (Carrie) Rongers, Ryan Rongers, Jeanne Balcerak, Julie (Chris) Smith; cherished great grandchildren¸Harry Jr and Jimmy Rippe, Antonio and Alex Noel, Allie Snider, Maddie and Kaylee Rongers, Hailee, Braden and Jase Schultz, Madilyn and Mallory Smith.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrilville, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place Wednesday directly at 11:00 a.m. at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillvile with V. Rev Marko Matic, officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Harbor Lights Hospice, 1841 East Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 641-3221, or St Sava Serbian Circle of Sister “Kolo Sestara” 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410.

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