Obituaries & Memorials

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

Violet Potts, age 86 of Munster passed away Monday, July 11, 2016.

Violet was born and raised in Gary, IN. She was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and loving Sunday school teacher for over 24 years.

Violet was a retired teacher from the Flossmoor Montessori School, Flossmoor, IL with several years of service. She had such a great passion and respect for ballroom dancing, and she was very fond of her visits to Michigan.

Violet was preceded in death by her beloved husband William Potts in 1985.

She is survived by her five loving children: Karen Potts, Michele Potts, William (Mark Roscoe) Potts, Pauline (Sharon) Vought, Matthew (Carmela) Potts; three cherished grandsons: Matthew Potts, Jacob Potts and Christopher Sapone.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, at 10:00 a.m. DIRECTLY at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN, with Father Ilija Balach, officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St., Merrillville, IN with a Pomen Service at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America 322 Eighth Ave., 7th Fl., New York, NY 10001.

For further information please call Savich & Semplinski Funeral Directors of Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, (219) 736-5840 or: www.mycalumetpark.com.

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

Mary Ann “Baba” Cox, 86, resident of Naples, FL, for over twenty years, previously from Crown Point, IN, passed away on Friday, July 8, 2016.

Mary Ann was born in Centenary, IN. Preceded in death by her parents, Dan and Mildred Latinovich; and her husband of 44 years, Vernon W. Cox.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberley (William) Slepcevich of Naples, FL, and Tammie (Mark) Muhinski, of Chesterfield, MO; grandchildren: William and Evan Slepcevich, and Zachary, Paige, and Lauren Mushinski.

Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., at St. Paul Antiochian Orthodox Church, 2425 Rivers Rd, Naples, FL, 34120, with V. Rev. Jovan Todorovich and V. Rev. Joseph Shaheen officiating.

Interment at Naples Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN, 46410.

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

Robert M. Devyak, age 63 of Hobart, passed away June 21, 2016.

He was a graduate of Lew Wallace High School Class of ’70 and retired from U.S Steel after 30 years of service. Rob was an avid golfer, bowler, fisherman and hunter. He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Freida.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Lorraine; step-children: Mark (Conni) Morgan, David (Steph) Morgan, and Ruth Morgan; step-grandchildren- Alex, Cassi, Ty, and Cade; siblings: Georgia (late Gary) Becker, Carol (Paul) Abbate, Mary (Jim) Luebcke, Barbara Nicholson, Diane (Tom) Lukasik, George Jr. (Sue) Devyak; uncle, George Batalis; aunt, Dorothy (Don) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; loving dog, Jenny III.

Friends may visit with Rob’s family from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23, 2016, at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, with aPomen service at 7:00 p.m.

A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 24, 2016, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery.

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

Rose Mary (Polizzotto) Vrtikapa (November 15, 1925 – May 27, 2016), age 90, of Merrillville, IN passed away Friday, May 27th 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emanuele and Rose Polizzotto, her daughters Karen and Susan Vrtikapa and sisters Frances (late Dale) Erickson of Valparaiso, IN and Sara (Ed) Beladela of Hobart, IN. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Richard Vrtikapa, daughters Kathy (Jay) Friedlander of Carmel, IN , Nancy (Tom) Allesee of Palm Coast, FL and her 5 grandchildren Susan, Michael and Karen Friedlander and Taylor and Tyler Allesee, sisters Ann (late Kalman) Geleta, Sandra Jo (late Russell) Maranto, and Barbara (Jim) Shinovich, and many nieces and nephews.

Rose Mary, was a graduate of Froebel High School in Gary, IN where she was given the nickname, Polly. She was known for her famous spaghetti sauce, homemade Italian sausage and ziljanica. She was a founding member of the Indiana Chapter of Children’s Research Foundation, and a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Sava Serbian Sisters, and supporting member of Karageorge Choir and St. Sava Historical Society. She retired from JCPenney drapery workroom, and Associates Loan Company in Gary, and volunteered at St. Sava Bingo.

She was loved by her grandchildren, close family and many life-long friends and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will take place at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St., Merrillville, IN on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a Pomen by Fr. Marko Matic at 6:30pm.

Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 DIRECTLY at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, Merrillville, IN.

Interment Calumet Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Rose Mary’s name may be made to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church or Children’s Research Foundation, P.O. Box 205, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514.

Arrangements entrusted with Savich and Semplinski Funeral Directors at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel. For info please call 219-736-5840.

See more at: http://www.mycalumetpark.com/obituaries/Rose-Vrtikapa

With 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 Monday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, Indiana in the front section of the cemetery offering blessings. At 10:00 a.m. Father Marko will offer blessings in the Calumet Cemetery in the Serbian Section.

Beginning Monday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary, Indiana (45th and Harrison) offering blessings at the cemetery in the front section.

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, 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.

With 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 Monday, May 30 at 9:00 a.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville, Indiana in the front section of the cemetery offering blessings. At 10:00 a.m. Father Marko will offer blessings in the Calumet Cemetery in the Serbian Section.

Beginning Monday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. Father Marko Matic will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary, Indiana (45th and Harrison) offering blessings at the cemetery in the front section.

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, 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.

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

Jerry Dusich (January 30, 1919 – May 7, 2016), age 97 of Crown Point passed away on May 7, 2016.

Jerry was a life long member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and member of it’s building committee. He was a Sargent in the US Army Air force and also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps Colorado and Utah. Jerry retired from US Steel-Gary Works after 38 years of service. He was an inventor and holds a couple of patents. He was also a craftsman, artist and loved to tell stories.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Miter and Mary Dusich; and siblings: Miter, Paul, John, Mark, Marie, Ann and Martha. He is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years Sophie Dusich; loving children: Robert (Irene) Dusich, Jeralyn (Frank) Yards; cherished granddaughters: Heather (Zane) Stellakis and Kimberly (Scott) Wilkinson; adored great grandchildren: Harper and Violet Wilkinson.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrillville, with a Pomen service at 7:00 p.m., V. Rev Marko Matic officiating.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, directly at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

For further information please call Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.

See more at: http://www.mycalumetpark.com/obituaries/Jerry-Dusich/

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

Sofia (nee Jensen) Drca, age 83, of St John, formerly of Merrillville and Gary, passed away peacefully May 2, 2016 with her family by her side.

Sofia came to America in 1955 where she met her husband Dusan. She was a member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and it’s Circle of Serbian Sisters-Kolo Sestara. She was a retired employee of Joyce Sportswear of Gary with several years of service.

She is preceded in death by her parents Nikola and Lenka Solevic, husband Dusan Drca and grandson Steve Djuric.

Sofia is survived by her loving daughters: Millie (Tom Kus) Djuric, Donna (Steven) Winarski; beloved granddaughter Donna (Adam) Bruner; grandsons: Mike, Nikolas and Steven Winarski; and cherished great grandaughter Cassandra Bruner; sister Vasa Hristovski and many nieces, nephews. kumovi and many other relatives. She will be dearly missed, may her memory eternal.

Funeral Services will take place Thursday, May 5, 2016 at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church at 12:00 noon with V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Visitation will take place one hour before the funeral service from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For further information please call Calumet Park Funeral Chapel at (219) 736-5840.

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

Eli Jovich (July 29, 1927 – March 19, 2016), age 88 of Merrillville, passed away March 19, 2016.

He was born in Gary where he attended Froebel High School. He was a proud Army Veteran of WWII where he served in the occupation of Japan.

Eli retired from U.S. Steel, Gary Works after 40 years. He enjoyed gardening and golf and barbecuing lamb in the back yard. Eli’s family was always his highest priority.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Milos and Mary; sisters, Donna Hrnjak and Violet Ruzity.

Eli is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann (nee Buchko); son, Michael Jovich and daughter, Linda (Glenn) Bettens.

Funeral Service will take place Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN, V. Rev Marko Matic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

Friends may visit with Eli’s family Monday, March 28, 2016 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Pomen service at 5:30 p.m.

Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association on behalf of Eli Jovich’s memory.

See more at: http://www.burnsfuneral.com/obituaries/Eli-Jovich/#!/Obituary

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

Mildred (nee Rigich) Erakovich, age 97 of Portage passed away at her home Saturday, March 19, 2016.

Mildred was born in Gary, IN and a lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. A long dedicated member of its Ladies Auxiliary – Circle of Serbian Sisters “Kolo Sestara.”

Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Emil, daughter JoAnn Erakovich-Andonov, grandson Buck Snider.

She is survived by her four loving daughters; Cindy (John) Rongers, Debbie (Dan) Balcerak, Carol (Paul) Klein, Emily Erakovich; son-in-law Donche Adonov; beloved grandchildren, Jody (Harry) Rippe, Geoffrey Erakovich- Andonov, Jennifer (Aaron) Noel, Sara (Dave) Schultz, Daniel Balcerak, Spencer Klein, Rob (Carrie) Rongers, Ryan Rongers, Jeanne Balcerak, Julie (Chris) Smith; cherished great grandchildren¸Harry Jr and Jimmy Rippe, Antonio and Alex Noel, Allie Snider, Maddie and Kaylee Rongers, Hailee, Braden and Jase Schultz, Madilyn and Mallory Smith.

Visitation will take place Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft St, Merrilville, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Pomen Service will be offered at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will take place Wednesday directly at 11:00 a.m. at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillvile with V. Rev Marko Matic, officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Harbor Lights Hospice, 1841 East Summit St, Crown Point, IN 46307 (219) 641-3221, or St Sava Serbian Circle of Sister “Kolo Sestara” 9191 Mississippi St, Merrillville, IN 46410.