Obituaries & Memorials

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 28 Father Marko Matic will be blessing graves at Graceland cemetery in Valparaiso. Sunday, May 29 Father Marko will be blessing graves at our Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Church. Monday, May 30 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 28-30, 2022

Services offered by Saint Sava Church

Saturday:

• 9:00 a.m. – Parastos and blessing of graves at the Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso

Sunday:

• Parastos and blessing of graves at the Holy Cross Cemetery (at Saint Sava Church) immediately after Holy Liturgy

Monday:

• 10:00 a.m. – Parastos and blessing of graves at the Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville
• 1:00 p.m. –  Parastos 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 family of Desse Crnoevich (née Chelovich). Memory eternal.

Desse Crnoevich

Desse Crnoevich (née Chelovich), age 98, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2022.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Milan “Mickey” Crnoevich and cherished son Michael “Butch” Crnoevich. She is survived by her devoted son Charles (Marcia) Crnoevich, adored grandchildren Charles and Alexandra, and many dear nieces, nephews, and kumovi.

Desse and Mickey operated the Glen Park Tavern for over thirty years and were lifelong members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Desse was also a lifelong member of the Church’s Circle of Serbian Sisters and, in retirement, was the financial secretary of the Church for twelve years. She was a champion bowler and an even better baker. Her family especially enjoyed her Christmas cookies and her chocolate chiffon cake.

Desse lived a long, full life and will be missed.

Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. at St. Sava with the Very Reverend Marko Matic officiating. The burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information, please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Mille Kokotovich (née Kuprešanin). Memory eternal.

Mille Kokotovich

Mille Kokotovich (née Kuprešanin), age 92, passed away peacefully April 8, 2022. Mille was a life-long member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and its Circle of Serbian Sisters, Kolo Sestara.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Kokotovich; parents Dusan and Sofi Kuprešanin;  and sister Ann Keprešanin Markovic.

Mille is survived by her 4 loving children, Dara (Tom) Perry, Vasilije (Mileva) Kokotovich, Desa Kokotovich- Halstead, Kevin (Betty) Kokotovich; beloved grandchildren, Timothy, Jacquelyn, Kristina, Nicole, Dustin, Aleksandra & Natalija; cherished great-grandchildren, Matthew, Kalani, Aria, Lawson & Brynn; Nieces and Nephews, Chris, Karen & Sophie; and dear Kumovi Gerbick, Ivankovich, Rudman & Derado.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sava with V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Public burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

Any expressions of sympathy including flowers, cards, or donations to the family in Mille’s loving memory are welcome.

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

Dragica Matijevich age 84 of Crown Point, Indiana passed away Monday, March 21, 2022. She is survived by her loving daughters;  Anka Matijevich and Danka Lekovic,  and son Rade Vuckovic.  Five grandchildren;  Nikola, Ivan, Vladimir, Stefan, and Natalia.  Dragica is preceded in death by her husband Radomir.

Funeral Service for Dragica will take place Friday, March 25, 2022 directly at the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Merrillville, Indiana at 10:00 a.m.  Friends are invited to visit with Dragica’s family on Friday at Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.  At rest, Holy Cross Cemetery Merrillville, Indiana.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Nikola “Nicky” Tomich. Memory eternal.

Nikola “Nicky” Tomich

Nikola “Nicky” Tomich, a gentle giant, entered the gates of heaven on Thursday, March 10th 2022 from Hobart, Indiana.

A loyal and kindhearted friend, brother, and son, he was born in Gary, IN November 6th, 1965 to Miholjka (nee Herin), and Walter “Vlado” Tomich to which he was preceded in death;

A graduate of Hobart High School’s class of 1984 where he excelled in physical fitness and the sciences. He especially enjoyed physics, photography, and chess;

Unconditionally loyal, helpful, and caring with an infectious laugh the timbre of which is on par with that of a grizzly bear. Generous to a fault and a smidge stubborn at times. He was well known for his analytical mind, persistence, defense of the downtrodden, and for solving complex problems on a napkin;

A traditional and moral man who was spiritually and inextricably at one with his beloved Eastern Orthodox faith and the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church;

Nikola is survived by his brothers Ilija (Tammy Podunovich), and Ostoja (Natalie “Mimi” nee Pastar) Tomich; his three nephews Ristan, Milan, and Damjan;

His Uncle Alex and Aunts Alexandra (nee Tomich, Bob) Jeka, Mary (nee Persley, Pokonji Tihomir “Cheech”) Tomich, Michelle (nee Foster) Tomich;

Cousins Tommy (Dianne), Sandy, and Marko Tomich; Angelia and Gabriel Jeka; and many other familija, Kumovi, and prijatelje, both here and overseas;

While we’re on the way to there, Why not share. Please honor his memory with an unexpected act of kindness for some less fortunate soul. May His Memory Be Eternal;

Visitation will be Friday, March 18, 2022 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville at 9:30 a.m. with Funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. officiated by Very Reverend Father Marko Matic. Interment to follow at Calumet Park Cemetery. CV19 contagion prevention encouraged.

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 Sladjan Alempijevic. Memory eternal.

Sladjan Alempijevic

Sladjan Alempijevic, age 59 passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on March 2, 2022.

Sladjan was born and raised in Trstenik, Serbia. He came to the United States in 2014, shortly thereafter his children followed to be with him.

Sladjan is survived by his beloved son Igor Alempijevic, loving daughter Anja Alempijevic, and his wife Esada Pecanac; his mother Milanka Alempijevic; and his brother Ivica Alempijevic.

Sladjan was a wonderful man who loved life and enjoyed laughter and will be greatly missed. He will be fondly remember and his deeds in life will grow and continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville, IN with funeral services beginning at 10:00 a.m. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Internment Holy Cross Cemetery at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Vecnaja Pamjat.

For further information please call Mileva or Dave at 219-736-5840.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of David “Autsi” Cimesa. Memory eternal.

David “Autsi” Cimesa

David “Autsi” Cimesa, of Hammond, Indiana passed away on February 23, 2022.  David was born in Gary, Indiana May 5, 1941 to Nicholas and Olga Cimesa.  Along with his 4 siblings (Diane, Danny, George and Joe) he spent his childhood helping his mother in her corner grocery store, Olga’s Food Mart.  He graduated from Froebel High School, and in 1961 he enlisted in the US Air Force.

He was a talented and passionate musician, and a notable drummer who even had a stint in the Doc Severinsen band on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.  He and his band, The Al White Duo, toured the US and Europe in the 1970’s entertaining clubs with smooth jazz and funk music.

He was a welder of the Pipe Fitters Association Local Union 597.  He started his company, Industrial Trades In-House Training, and was a welding instructor for a Federal Government training program.  His company provided maintenance craftsmen industrial training for HUD, Army Corps of Engineers, and Fermi Labs.

David is preceded in death by his mother and father, and brother, Daniel.  He is survived by his children: Dominic Cimesa and April (Gary) Lickovitch; and grandchildren: Jake, Caden and Colton; brothers George Cimesa and Joseph (Cynthia) Cimesa; and sister, Diane (Doug) Tweeten.

He will be missed dearly by all who loved him.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Sava Orthodox Church (9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410).  V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating.  Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 1, from 3:00 – 7:00 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel (7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN, 46410).  For information, call 219-736-5840.

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

Mildred “Mitzie” Zakula

Mildred “Mitzie” Zakula, age 70 of Hobart, passed away with her family by her side, February 21, 2022. Mitzie was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1969, was retired from Methodist Hospital with many years of service as the Food Service Manager.

Mitzie was preceded in death by her parents Bozidar and Marija Ivankovich, brother Peter Ivankovich and niece Nichole Ivankovich.

She is survived by her beloved son Zivan (Kris) Zakula, her partner Zarko Zakula, two cherished granddaughters Zora and Sunny; brother Danny Ivankovich, nephews; Danny Jr, David (Milka), Bozidar “Robert” (Brooke), Timothy, Jeffrey and Joyce Ivankovich, great niece and nephews; Lauren, Ryan, Danika, AJ, and Viktor Ivankovich.

Mitzie will always be remembered for her love of family, especially her two granddaughters, whom she loved to spoil. She adored her family and always made sure they had everything they needed. She was very close with her great niece and nephew, Lauren and Ryan, whom Mitzie had a lot of love and pride for.

Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., 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 Calumet Park Cemetery. She will be missed and fondly remembered. May her memory be eternal.

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 Mildred (Millie) Griggs. Memory eternal.

Millie Griggs

Mildred Griggs (Nee Tatalovich), age 93, a long time Hobart resident, passed away February 17, 2022, with her family by her side. Millie graduated from Hobart High School in 1946. She was a bookkeeper for both Calumet Securities and Karras Tire in Gary, IN for many years.  She was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, as well as the St Sava Serbian Sisters Circle, King Peter II Lodge, and a supporting member of the Karageorge Choir.

She was preceded in death most recently by her husband of 67 years Clyde Griggs, her parents Sava and Sara Tatalovich, sisters Violet Shematz and Mary Magurean, and brother George Tatalovich.

Millie is survived by her sons Jeff (Chris) Griggs and David (Deb) Griggs; four grandsons, Garrett, Jeffery, Joseph, and Alexander; numerous nieces and nephews and many longtime friends.

Millie had a loyalty and dedication about her that brought her respect from all that knew her. She loved her family unconditionally; her friends were like family to her. She enjoyed simple things in life, peach picking with her sisters, family gatherings, watching her grandson’s sporting events, trips to Shipshewana, Serbian Music, Serb Fest and of course the Chicago Cubs.

Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, Feb 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. A visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VNA Hospice Valpo, 501 Marquette St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 or St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form.  She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

For further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840