Obituaries & Memorials

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.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Zagorka (Zaga) Micic. Memory eternal.

Zagorka Micic

Zagorka (Zaga) Micic, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones Wednesday August 23, 2023.  Born in Dvorovi, Yugoslavia April 12, 1938 to late Andrija & Stana Mihajlovic.  She was a loving wife to late Stevan Micic and she was an amazing mother to daughter; Marija (Vinko) Topalovic, daughter; Ivanka Rada (Milos) Tomich; and grandchildren Natasha, Marko (Chrissy) and great Grandson, Bogdan. Son Milos (Lori) Micic and grandchildren, Stevan, Ivana (Dyllan) Bakker, and Tatiana. Son Ljuboje Micic, grandchildren Danijela, Alek, and Kristina.

Also survived by loving sister Milica (Mijo) Loncarovic and family; and loving brother Dobrinko (Goja) Mihajlovic and family, as well as numerous Kumovi and lifelong friends.

Zaga was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and Kolo.  She lived for her late husband and children.  She had a great appreciation for beautiful flowers, plants, and trees.  She was known for her baking and generous heart.  She was a giver and rejoiced mostly in doing for her family.  She adored her parents and always talked of her siblings and their respective families in Serbia.  Zaga was a very independent, smart, and spunky woman.  She will be missed by many.

Funeral Services will take place Friday, August 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with a visitation beginning at 8:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment New Gracanica Cemetery, 35240 West Grant Ave, Lake Villa IL 60046. For any 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 Vesa Wolanyk. Memory eternal.

Vesa Wolanyk

Vesa (Galić) Wolanyk, age 88 of Griffith passed away peacefully at home on July 1, 2023 with her family by her side.

Vesa was born April 25, 1935 in Donje Peulje, Bosnia to parents Dušan & Jela Galić. She came to the U.S. in 1967 to have a better life to be with her uncles, aunts, cousins & family. In 1974 she married Dmytro  Wolanyk. She had her only daughter in 1976 Tamara Jelena.

Vesa was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Circle of Serbian Sisters. She worked at St. Mary Medical Center Hospital in Hobart for 9 years in the Dietary department.

She was preceded in death by husband Dmytro Wolanyk in 2008, parents Dušan & Jela Galić, sister Milica Ačamović and brothers Slavko & Dravko Galić.

She is survived by her loving daughter Tamara Jelena (James) Papenleur; one sister Milica Ajduković; one brother Miloš Galić both from Serbia and many loving family, friends kumovi, throughout U.S., Canada & Europe

She enjoyed helping at her St. Sava Serb Fest in the bakery and folklore festivals, and she will be well remembered for her many years of dedication to her church. She enjoyed being a “True” historian of “Selo” stories drinking coffee with her family, friends & Kumovi.

Vesa loved watching “Friends ” TV show, Wheel of Fortune, doing cross words, enjoying her coffee candy & lastly NBA basketball.

She was a sister, a Kuma, a Tetka, a friend, a strong Bosanka & the “Best” mama with a “heart of gold” that anyone could ask for.

Vesa is survived by her loving daughter Tamara Jelena (Son in law James Papenleur), one sister Milica Ajduković and one brother Miloš Galić both from Serbia many cousins, kumovi & family throughout U.S., Canada & Europe

Our wounded Mother bird may you fly away into the heavens and meet your other loved ones. Vječnaja Pamjat  Memory Eternal

Funeral Services will take place Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with a visitation from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. and Funeral beginning at 9:00 a.m., V. Rev Aleksandar Novakovic officiating.

Interment New Grancanica Monastery Cemetery 35240 W. Grant Ave, Lake Villa, Il 60046. May her memory be Eternal Vecnaja Pamjat!

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

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

Lidija Subotic

Lidija Subotic (nee Ignatiev), age 95 of Hobart, passed away peacefully on June 1, 2023. Lidija was born in Russia-Ukraina in 1928 to Nikolaj and Olga (Parkevich) Ignatiev. She emmigrated to America with her husband and made their home in Hobart, IN. Lidija was a retired housewife and a dedicated member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville.

She is preceded in death by her husband Mihajlo and her parents Nikolaj and Olga.

She is survived by loving friends and caretakers.

Funeral Services will take place, Tuesday, June 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with a visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment Calumet Park 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 family of Paun Stankovich. Memory eternal.

Paun Stankovich

Paun Stankovich, age 83 of Crown Point, Lake of the Four Seasons, passed away peacefully, Saturday, May 6, 2023 with his family by his side. Paun is preceded in death by his parents Paun Stankovich preceded in death by parents Sima and Zivka (Stanisavljevic) Stankovich.

Paun is survived by his loving wife Smilja (Jovanovic) Stankovich;  beloved children, son Jovan (Dragana) Stankovich daughter Emily( Michael Buendia) Stankovich; cherished grandchildren, Aleksandar Stankovich, Anastasia Stankovich, Olivia Buendia; his two sisters Dusanka Petkovic and Danica Tufegdzich.

Visitation will be Friday, May 12, 2023 at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville from 12 noon to 4pm. Memorial Service will be held at 3pm, V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Final resting place for Paun will be in California with his family. For further information please call Mileva or David at (219) 736-5840.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Dragica Trikich-Spletzer. Memory eternal.

Dragica Trikich-Spletzer

Dragica Trikich-Spletzer, age 89, of Crown Point, formerly of Drvar, Bosna, passed away March 17, 2023.

She was a member of the St. Sava Circle of Serbian Sisters where she took pride in preparing foods for celebrations, and the yearly Serb Fest. She remained active with the Sisters.

Her story is that in 1968 she emigrated to the Region with her husband Nebojsa and their two children, where she found a very young Rade Petrovich and kept him close throughout her life. After the first year, Nebojsa passed at age 36. She continued to nurture her children in the Serbian community.

When both her children were settled, she married Richard. They traveled, throughout the world and often visited Vegas. They were members of the Sportsmen Club, along with her brother Milan and Carolyn Tomich. Like her father Branko, she sponsored and arranged for family members and friends to emigrate and to visit the U.S.

Dragica was known for her philanthropy. Thru her efforts, she helped to raise funds for war effort and relief for Serbian soldiers. She was able to reopen a shoe factory to make boots for them. Dragica was instrumental in rebuilding the church in her birthplace and then the re-interment of her brother Dragan on those consecrated grounds. Even in her final weeks she continued to send money to Bosna, this time to a friend in need.

Dragica was preceded in death by Nebojsa Trikich; parents- Branko and Stefanija Tomich; sister- Dusanka and Danica; also Richard Spletzer.

She is survived by her son- Bogoljub, and daughter- Bozana; four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The visitation will take place Tuesday, March 21, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN. She will be buried at Calumet Park Cemetery next to her husband and parents. Father Marko Matic officiating. Burns Funeral Home, Crown Point entrusted with arrangements.

Please join us for a special Zadusnice Memorial Service taking place Saturday, February  18, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Church, Merrillville, IN.

We encourage anyone to attend. There is no need to bring anything special to this service other than your memories and prayers for your loved ones. However, we do encourage you to write down a list of departed family members and friends, if you wish, to bring with you to the service so that we may read the names and remember all of them.

The purpose of the memorial service is to bring comfort to both the living and the dead. As is sung in the concluding song – Memory Eternal – it also helps us keep the memory of loved ones alive.

Zadusnice, also known as Saturday of Souls or All Souls’ Day, is a day commemorating the faithful departed, particularly but not exclusively one’s relatives. This special observance takes place on a Saturday, a traditional day for prayer for the dead, because Christ lay dead in the Tomb on Saturday.

For the Zadusnice observance, there is normally a Panikhida (memorial service) served on the Saturday morning for which Koliva (a dish made of boiled wheatberries and honey) is prepared and placed in front of the cross or icon with a lit candle, before which the Panikhida is served.

After the service, the priest blesses the koliva and it is then eaten as a memorial by all present.

Zadusnice Memorial Service takes place four times per year. If you are not available this Saturday, we encourage you to join us for the next Zadusnice Memorial Service