The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Theodore Erceg. Memory eternal.
Theodore Erceg
Theodore Erceg, 91, of Chesterton, Indiana, formally of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on Friday, August 5, 2022. Ted, the youngest of five siblings, was born August 9, 1930 in the Kirk Yard neighborhood of Gary, Indiana.
After graduation from Horace Mann High School in 1948, Ted enlisted in the United States Army. A member of the Chosin Few, Ted served as a high-speed radio operator in six campaigns during the Korean War. Upon returning home, Ted attended Indiana University and worked in the building trades. He then had a successful 36-year career in hospital/pharmaceutical sales. In 2003, Ted was hired by Valparaiso Public Schools as Director of Public Information.
Ted was a faithful, life-long member of St. Sava Church, where he served as church board president for six terms. He was most proud of the new church, where he had the honor of laying the first foundation block in 1986 and the last stone in 1991. Ted was also a founding member of the St. Sava Historical Society.
Writing was a passion for Ted. He was a regular contributor to Serb World, USA. In 1995, Ted published his book, With Pious Gravity, a biography of St, Sava volunteers in World War I, Its inclusion in the Library of Congress was a crowning achievement. In 2008, Ted was the recipient of the “Distinguished Hoosier Award” from Governor Mitch Daniels.
An avid sports enthusiast, Ted enjoyed working as a high school football referee for twelve years. Well into his forties, Ted played league hockey with the Valparaiso University hockey club. An advocate of sports for all ages, he particularly encouraged children and young adults to “just move”, and in his retirement, was an aide in the Valparaiso High School Athletic Department.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Mile and Danica Erceg, siblings Mirko, Ranko (Juanita), and Dorothy Erceg, and Helen (Louis) Paulson, in-laws Spero and Karavilka Petrovich, and son in-law George Eberhardt.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Donna, and children Lauren (James) Thorstad, Susan Eberhardt, and Joann (Thomas) Meyer; grandchildren Nicholas Mandich, Natalie (Jason) Sutton, Thomas (Audrey) Thorstad, Andrew Thorstad, Henry (Mary) Meyer, Martin Meyer, Jason (Kristin) Eberhardt, and Julie (Doug Muller) Eberhardt; great-grandchildren Troy Feller, Samuel and Joseph Griffin, Cora Thorstad, Grace and James Sutton; Godchild Daniel Anomanni and family, dear friend Emil Conde, Kumovi, relatives and friends. Heartfelt appreciation to Dunes Hospice, especially nurses April and Pam.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville, IN, 46410, beginning with visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. with V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Funeral will begin at 11:00. Interment Holy Cross (St Sava) Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Sava Church – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online website form, or to Dunes Hospice 4711 Evans Valparaiso, IN 46383. For further information please call Mileva or David at 219-736-5840
