Obituaries & Memorials

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Stojanka “Stella’ Suvajac. Memory eternal.

Stojanka “Stella’ Suvajac, age 82 of Crown Point, passed away March 13, 2025 peacefully with her family by her side. Stojanka immigrated to the United States in November 1966 with her family. She was a lifelong member of St. George East Chicago & St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Merrillville, IN.

Stojanka was employed by Anderson Co.  (ANCO) for 25 years. Her hobbies were gardening, exercising, and cooking. She also appreciated her flowers and took pleasure in watching them bloom. She cherished spending time with her family and preparing a variety of meals for them to enjoy.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ostoja, her parents Gospava & Cedomir Milankovic and brother Zarko Milankovic.

Stojanka is survived by her brother Slavko Milankovic from Futog Serbia, her two beloved children, daughter Ljilijana (Lilly) Trkulja, son Srecko Suvajac; loving grandchildren Mirjana (Nenad) Milosevic, Milorad (Dejana) Trkulja; precious great grandchildren Andrej & Atina Trkulja.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 17, 2025 at 10am at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville with funeral service starting at 11am. V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Internment Calumet Park Cemetery. May her memory be eternal. For further information please contact 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 friends and family of Ilija “Ico” Savic. Memory eternal.

Ilija “Ico” Savic born and raised in Siljkovaca ,Velika Kladusa on July 15, 1924.  He lived a long and happy life surrounded by his loving family. He was 100 years old when he passed away peacefully with his family by his side on March 01, 2025. He came to United states in 1974 where he permanently stayed and lived since 1994. He retired in 1980 back in Bosnia from custodial engineering. He retired from being a janitor at the local school where he lived. He enjoyed spending time with his family and loved his grandkids and great grandkids unconditionally. They were his pride and joy!

Ico is preceded in death by his wife Milica, his parents Nikola and Kata and his loving brothers Pajo and Branko and his half sister Mica and his granddaughter Mirjana who passed at age 5.

Ico is urvived by his 5 children; Mile (Dragica), Mira (Thomas), Milka (Lazo), Boro (Ranka ), Smilja”Seja” (Milan); 13 adored grandchildren Radmila (Vlado), Milorad (Milijana), Milica (Mladen), Ilija, Nikola (Nada) Nikolina (Alec), Bryan (Bri),  Jadranka (Dave),  Milica (Jason), Nikola, Zoran ( Makenzi) Jovica, (Kristiana) and Danijela; 20 beloved great grandchildren Dusica, Dusko, Milica, Lydia, Emilija, Hayden, Dejan, Mihailo, Mia, Maja, Micah, Nikola, Maja, Drazen, Nemanja, Lorelei, Hudson, Nadia, Oliver, and Niko; also numerous nieces and nephews and many friends and kumovi here and in both Bosnia and Serbia.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville IN with V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating . Interment St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery . For future information please contact Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel. 219-736-5840. May his memory be eternal!

Кладуша 15. јула 1924. године. Живео је дуг и срећан живот окружен вољеном породицом. Имао је 100 година када је мирно преминуо са породицом поред себе 01. марта 2025. У Сједињене Америчке Државе дошао је 1974. године, гдје је за стално боравио и живио од 1994. године. Пензионисан је 1980. године назад у Босну од старатељског инжењеринга. Пензионисао се са места домара у локалној школи у којој је живео. Уживао је да проводи време са својом породицом и безусловно је волео своје унуке и праунуке. Они су му били понос и дика!

Ицу су умрли супруга Милица, родитељи Никола и Ката и вољена браћа Пајо и Бранко и полусестра Мица и унука Мирјана која је преминула са 5 година.

остављен да тугује Ицо су његово петоро деце; Миле (Драгица), Мира (Томас), Милка (Лазо), Боро (Ранка), Смиља”Сеја” (Милан); 13 обожаваних унука Радмила (Владо), Милорад (Милијана), Милица (Младен), Илија, Никола (Нада), Николина (Алек), Брајан (Бри), Јадранка (Даве), Милица (Јасон), Никола, Зоран ( Макензи) Јовица, (Кристијана) и Данијела; 20 вољених праунука Душица, Душко, Милица, Лидија, Емилија, Хејден, Дејан, Михаило, Миа, Маја, Мића, Никола, Маја, Дражен, Немања, Лорелеј, Хадсон, Нађа, Оливер и Нико; такође бројне Hећаке и Нечакиње и многи пријатељи и кумови овде и у Босни и Србији.

Посета ће се одржати у уторак, 4. марта 2025. године у 11 часова до времена опела  у 12 часова у Српској православној цркви Светог Саве 9191 Миссиссиппи Ст. Мерриллвилле ИН уз саслужење проте Марка Матића. Погребно гробље Светог Саве. За будуће информације контактирајте Милеву у погребној капели Цалумет Парк. 219-736-5840. Нека му је вјечна успомена!

Ilija “Ico” Savić rođen je i odrastao u Šiljkovači, Velika Kladuša 15. Jula 1924. godine. Živeo je dug i srećan život okružen voljenom porodicom. Imao je 100 godina kada je mirno preminuo sa porodicom pored sebe 01. marta 2025. U Sjedinjene Američke Države došao je 1974. godine, gdje je za stalno boravio i živio od 1994. godine. Penzionisan je 1980. godine nazad u Bosnu od starateljskog inženjeringa. Penzionisao se sa mesta domara u lokalnoj školi u kojoj je živeo. Uživao je da provodi vreme sa svojom porodicom i bezuslovno je voleo svoje unuke i praunuke. Oni su mu bili ponos i dika!

Icu su umrli supruga Milica, roditelji Nikola i Kata i voljena braća Pajo i Branko i polusestra Mica i unuka Mirjana koja je preminula sa 5 godina.

Ostavljen da tuguje Ico su petoro dece; Mile (Dragica), Mira (Tomas), Milka (Lazo), Boro (Ranka), Smilja”Seja” (Milan); 13 obožavanih unuka Radmila (Vlado), Milorad (Milijana), Milica (Mladen), Ilija, Nikola (Nada), Nikolina (Alek), Brajan (Bri), Jadranka (Dave), Milica (Jason), Nikola, Zoran ( Makenzi) Jovica, (Kristijana) i Danijela; 20 voljenih praunuka Dušica, Duško, Milica, Lidija, Emilija, Hejden, Dejan, Mihailo, Mia, Maja, Mića, Nikola, Maja, Dražen, Nemanja, Lorelej, Hadson, Nađa, Oliver i Niko; takođe brojne nećakinje i nećake i mnogi prijatelji i kumovi ovde i u Bosni i Srbiji.

Poseta će se održati u utorak, 4. marta 2025. godine u 11 časova do vremena opela u 12 časova u Srpskoj pravoslavnoj crkvi Svetog Save 9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville IN uz sasluženje prote Marka Matića. Pogrebno groblje Svetog Save. Za buduće informacije kontaktirajte Milevu u pogrebnoj kapeli Calumet Park. 219-736-5840. Neka mu je vječna uspomena!

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

Sreten Vasiljevic age 84, went home to heaven on February 15th, 2025. He was born July 29th, 1940 in Vitanovice, Kosovo Serbia and immigrated to America.

Sreten loved being surrounded by his family, played the lottery every week, enjoyed gardening and helped build his beautiful church Sveti Sava in Merrillville.

He retired from Local 81 after over 30 years of his hard work and dedicated service. You could always catch him singing a tune or telling a joke. He loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids the most of all.

He is preceded in death by his parents Zivko and Natalija (Radivojevic) Vasiljevic and brother Milovan Vasiljevic.

Sreten is survived by his wife of 58 years, Slobodanka. His brother Miodrag Vasiljevic; 2 cherished daughters Olivera Vasiljevic & Vera (Proto Jerej Stavrofor Mijoljub)Matic; he was the loving Deda of Milica (Anthony) Kurek, Stefan Matic, Anastasija (Brandon) Webb, Luka Matic, Alexander Vasiljevic & Natalija Matic; he was the most amazing pradeda to Adrijana Webb, Dimitri, Niko & Viktorija Kurek.

Our lives will not be the same without our Dear Deda. Sreten is also survived by his nieces and nephews, cousins, family, friends and Kumovi across the United States & in Serbia.

Funeral Services will take place Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Internment St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery.

For further information please call Mileva  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 friends and family of Alex Mileusnic. Memory eternal.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alex Mileusnic, on January 15, 2025 with his family by his side. Alex enjoyed life and was considered to be a great guy, who had a fun sense of humor, kindness, intelligence and could fix almost anything. He also had stubbornness that helped fight his battle with renal failure and recently pancreatic cancer. Sadly it was too much for him.

Alex is preceded in death by his father Milorad and his brother Mitch.

He is survived by his loving wife Kim (nee Cannon) Mileusnic of 35 years; his cherished son Nikola Mileusnic; his beloved mother June Mileusnic; and best buddy Leif; also many Cousins and Kumovi.

Alex/Tat, we will miss eating your wonderful and delicious meals, spending time watching sports and movies, traveling, working on projects and other various activities we did together. Your life gave us memories too good to forget. Lastly, we promise to carry on the Serbian Orthodox traditions that were so important to you. Love, Mum, Kim and Nikola.

An intimate funeral service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Alex’s name may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2101 Rosecrans Ave, Suite 3200, El Segundo, Califnornia, 90245 https://pancan.org/ways-to-give/ or to The National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016 https://www.kidney.org/

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 friends and family of Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic. Memory eternal.

Darinka (Dara) Pejnovic 88 of Hobart Indiana, passed away at home on January 11, 2025 after living a long and fulfilling life.

Darinka was born May 13, 1936 in Selo Raduc, Lika (former Yugoslavia). She came to the U.S. in 1975 with family. She is a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and St. Sava Serbian Sisters Circle.

Darinka enjoyed knitting, gardening, baking and spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She had immense passion for her family.

Preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years Milan “Mile” Pejnovic, daughter Rada Josifovski, parents Milos & Soka Rutalj, brothers Mirko and Nikola, and sister Marica.

Darinka is survived by her three children Dusan (Danica) Pejnovic of Hobart, IN, Jovo (Gordana) Pejnovic of Valparaiso, IN, and Nikola (Vera) Pejnovic of Milwaukee, WI; eight dear grandchildren Sasho Josifovski, Nikola (Jelena) Pejnovic, Vesna (Clint) Konopasek, Jovica (Nicole) Josifovski, Mirjana (Sean) McBride, Michael Josifovski, Alex Pejnovic, Marko Pejnovic; four great grandchildren Luka, Emilija, Nikola, and Isabella; sister Mira Mogus. Also many other relatives, kumovi, and life long friends here and in Canada, and the former Yugoslavia.

Visitation will take place Friday, January 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m.

V Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville, IN

For further information, please contact Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at (219) 736-5840.

May her memory be eternal.

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the friends and family of Debra Rodich Zoumis. Memory eternal.

Debra Rodich Zoumis, 63, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Debra was born on October 22, 1961 in Gary, Indiana, the daughter of Pero and Violet (Medich) Rodich.

Debi graduated from Hobart High School in 1980, and then earned a Bachelors of Science Degree at Indiana University. Debi loved music and most especially loved Sting. Her devotion to her favorite rock star was as legendary as the singer himself. Her love of music led her to work in the music industry in a variety of jobs, from managing Sgt. Roxx, a local band from the late 20th century, to working briefly at WXRT.

Debi finally chose to make a career in the financial departments at Ivy Tech and The American Academy of Art in Chicago. Debra was also a long-time member of the St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.
Some favorite memories of Debi include her amazing culinary talents. Family and friends enjoyed many delicious Thanksgiving meals around her table.

Debra is survived by her daughter Nikki Zoumis; brother, Eli (Arleen) Rodich; sisters, Marcia (Charles) Crnoevich; Anica (Djurica) Marjanov; nieces and nephews, Michael Rodich, Nicholas (Carol) Steen, David (Sara) Rodich, Jeffery (Jill) Steen, Charles (Cydney) Crnoevich, Alexandra Crnoevich (Jackson) Huemer, Matthew (Mia) Steen, Viera Marjanov (Joel) Mora, Stevan (Monica) Marjanov; and many great-nieces and nephews.

Preceding Debra in death are parents Pero and Violet Rodich and sister Mary (Rodich) Steen.

Visitation will take place Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville with a funeral service beginning at 12 noon at the chapel.

V. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840. May her memory be eternal.

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

Dosta Ninkovich, 101, passed away peacefully on December 15th, 2024. Born on October 20, 1923 in Glamoc, Yugoslavia to Maksim and Stefanija Radoja.

She immigrated to the United States and settled in Gary, Indiana in 1972. Preceded in death by husband Rajko Ninkovich and stepson Mike Ninkovich. She is survived by her two step-daughters Radmila (Nick) Grubnich and Brenda (John) Brakulis, daughter-in-law Cyndi Ninkovich, grandchildren Tanya (Will) Maddocks, Eric (Lindsay) Coker, Ashlee (Bryan) Skaggs, Jessica (Sam) Porter, Matthew Ninkovich, Michael (Stacey) Ninkovich, and Jenna Brakulis, along with 7 great grandchildren, dear kumovi and friends.

Visitation will take place at 8:30 a.m. Friday, December 20 at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN. Funeral services will follow at 9:00 a.m. Burial will take place at St. Sava Cemetery in Libertyville, Illinois.

Dosta was a member of the Kolo Sisters and worked at St. Sava’s Hall for several years. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.

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

Leslie Kljajic (nee Chandler) baptized “Alexis”, age 49 unexpectedly passed away on October 13, 2024.

Leslie is survived by her husband Ogy Kljajic; five loving children, Chase Zrnchik, Maja Kljajic, Mija Kljajic, Tijana Kljajic, Mirko Kljajic; her beloved parents Linda Chandler and Larry Chandler; siblings Larry Chandler and Carly Chandler and many other extended family members.

Visitation for Leslie will take place Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi Street, Merrillville with Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Friends may join the family in remembering Leslie at this time. May her memory be eternal.

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 friends and family of Simeon “Simo” Glumac. Memory eternal.

Simeon “Simo” Glumac, age 78, of Highland, passed away with his family by his side on September 29, 2024.

A lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Simo was deeply devoted to his faith, always volunteering to serve in as many services as he could attend. His presence and dedication to the church community were unwavering, as was his love for capturing moments through his camera lens.

Simo worked at Budd Company for 12 years. Thereafter he pursued his own business venture in photography and videography. He was a well-known photographer within his community, capturing weddings, sporting events, historic and private events throughout the Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland areas.

His photographs became treasured memories for many, reflecting his deep love for his heritage and his keen eye for the beauty in everyday moments. Whether at a religious celebration or a family gathering, Simo was never far from his camera, always ensuring the significance of these events would be preserved and memorialized for future generations.

Beyond his passion for photography, Simo found joy tending to his beautiful garden at his home in Highland, IN and in helping others whenever they asked. His undeniable love for his wife, Zorka and sons, Dane and Simo, was known by all.

His gentle spirit, humor, and love for his Serbian culture and traditions left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Simo is preceded in death by his parents Dane and Jelisaveta Glumac. He is survived by his beloved wife, Zorka; his two loving sons, Danny (Sarah) Glumac and Simo Glumac; brother Luka (Nada) Glumac in Germany. His loving Kumovi Eli (Milka) Kosier and their daughters Mirjana (Branko) Jasnic and Donna (George) Dobrijevich. Many cousins and relatives both here and in Serbia, and the friends that he made throughout his life.

Visitation will take place Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, with the Funeral Service beginning at 10:00 a.m., officiated by V. Rev. Aleksandar Novakovic and V. Rev. Aleksandar Savic. Interment will follow at St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery.

For further information, please contact Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at 219-736-5840.

May his memory be eternal.