Obituaries & Memorials

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

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Ann “Anka” V. Rudman. Memory eternal.

Ann “Anka” V. Rudman

Ann “Anka” V. Rudman, age 92 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 16, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, past president of St. Sava Serbian Sisters’ Circle, supporting member of Karageorge Choir & Historical Society.

Ann was born in Gary, IN and moved to Valparaiso when she married her husband Theodore, a farmer. She was a dedicated mother of seven daughters and grandmother of two. As a woman of many talents, she found the most enjoyment in sewing, baking, cooking, painting and teaching others her crafts. She had a profound love for family, friends and the church, all of which she kept very close to her heart. As a sports enthusiast, you could find her and Ted at Purdue football and basketball games.

She is preceded in death by her husband Theodore Rudman; parents Marko & Bosiljka Vrtikapa; brothers Richard (Polly), Mirko (Jeri), Gordon and Steve (Judy); sisters Olga (Ted) Vukelich, and Dessa (John) Bogosian. Survived by her seven daughters, Jolynn (John Derado), Tami, Kim (Aaron Graves), Danella, Carla (Bodo) Gajevic, Marissa (Ray Rub), and Jennifer Rudman; two grandchildren, Gabriella and Max Gajevic; brother John (Sue) Vrtikapa; and sister Milena (+George) Rudman; dear in-law Maria (+Ken) Dubie; Kumovi Millie (+Pete) Zakula and many nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friend Florence Stefanovich.

Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN, V. Rev Marko Matic officiating with funeral service immediately following. A private burial will be held. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Pavilion Fund would be much appreciated – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form. 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 Vladimir “Walter” Tomich. Memory eternal.

Vladimir “Wally” Tomich fell asleep in the lord on Sunday, January 16, 2022 in Hobart, Indiana. Born in Orahovac, Bosna on April 30, 1938.

He loved fishing, photography, and football “futbal”. A graduate of Emerson High School’s class of 1961 where he excelled at many sports. He enjoyed performing music and cruising with his band-mate.

Regular donor and volunteer at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Festivals and events.  44 years of tenacious work ethic during his personal time as well as at US Steel Plate Mill from which he retired.

Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 53 years Miholjka (nee Herin), his father Risto, mother Stoja (nee Cosovic), and brother Tihomir “Cheech.”

Valdimir is survived by his three sons; loving father of Nikola, Ilija (Tammy Podunovich), and Ostoja (Natalie “Mimi” nee Pastar) Tomich; his three grandsons who he was very fond of  “Djedo” of Ristan, Milan, and Damjan; his siblings,  Alex and Alexandra;

Sisters and Brother-in-law; Mary (nee Persley, Tihomir) Tomich, Michelle (nee Foster) Tomich, Bob (Alexandra) Jeka; nieces and nephews Tommy (Dianne), Sandy, and Marko Tomich; Angelia and Gabriel Jeka; and many other Kumovi, prijatelje,  both here and in Europe. May His Memory Be Eternal.

Visitation will take place Friday, January 21, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN. Funeral Services will take place at 9:30 a.m. with V. Rev Marko Matic Officiating.

Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. 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 Jeka Kolundzija. Memory eternal.

Jeka Kolundzija, age 87 of Hobart, passed away Friday, January 7, 2022.

Visitation will be Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 930am, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN. Funeral Service will begin at 10am, V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Memory Lane Cemetery, Schererville.

For further information please call Mileva or Dave 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 Julio Cesar Velazquez. Memory eternal.

Julio Cesar Velazquez, age 73 of Portage IN, passed away on Thursday October 14, 2021. He lived the life he loved and loved the life he lived. He retired with over 30 years of service as a licensed clinical social worker.

He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, and a former coach/board member of the Portage Soccer Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rose and Julio Velazquez Sr. and sister Rosemary Cothran. Survived by wife Olga (nee Galic) of 43 years; sons: Adam (Christine) and Daniel (Kelly) Velazquez; grandchildren: Mara, Charlie, and Nick Velazquez; Brothers, Bob (Mary) and Jim (Julie) Velazquez; aunts: Maria Miller and Libia Pabon.

Also survived by many nieces, nephews, sister and brothers-in-law, cousins, dear Kumovi, and CLOSE friends.

Julio was gentle, kindhearted, and full of life. He brought humor to any gathering and prided himself on his ability to bring joy/laughter to others. The “Sugar Bear” was always there when you needed him, never met a stranger, and LOVED his family. In the end, Julio fought his health battles with tenacity and immense courage. He will be missed by all who knew him. May his Memory be Eternal.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 11am St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN with V. Rev Marko Matic Officiating. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until the time of service, 11:00 a.m. Interment St Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. May his Memory be Eternal. For further information please call Mileva or David at CALUMET PARK FUNERAL CHAPEL, 219-736-5840.