Mirko Milisavljevic
"PaPa Mirko", age 97, of Hobart, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Mirko had been a Hobart resident since 1982. He was born in Yugoslavia on August 8, 1913. He came to the United States in 1951 and lived in East Chicago until finally settling in Gary. Mirko was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. He became a member when St. Sava was originally located at 13th and Connecticut in Gary. He was a very active member of St. Sava Serbian Karageorge Choir, member of the Serbian Pioneer Club of National Defense, and the Serbian Republic Club. Mirko was also a member of the Serbadija Club and Brotska Pomoch (Brother's Helpers). He retired from Blaw-Knox Corp. in East Chicago with 21 years of service. Mirko was a kind and gentle man who never had a harsh word for anyone. Not only was he very devoted to his family, Mirko was always willing to lend a helping hand when his church brothers needed him for any church function.
He is survived by his loving wife, Alma, whom he married on June 14, 1946 and they would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this year. Mirko is also survived by his loving daughter, Angela Spurling of Hobart, IN, Violette (Tom) Stroumbakis of Crown Point, IN and son, Andy Milisavljevic of Arkansas. Grandchildren include: Dena L. Gary of Hobart, IN, Natalie (Geordie) Drake and Sonya (Rob) Thomas, all of Georgia. Proud "Gramps" of Anthony D. Gary of Muncie, Indiana at Ball State University and Loving "PaPa Mirko" of Alex N. Gary of Hobart, IN, the "apple of his eye" and his "pumpkin"; Robbie Thomas, Jr. and Elle Drake, both of Georgia. Also many nieces, nephews and extended family in Yugoslavia and Germany as well as Kumovi and many lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by both his parents at a very young age which taught Mirko to be a Survivor which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. Alma & Mirko enjoyed many "senior trips" together with their friends in Hobart. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 10 am at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, with Fr. Marko Matic officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Gary. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4-8 pm with the Pomen Service at 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., Hobart, 219-942-2109 or online www.ReesFuneralHomes.com.
Grandpa, may God grant you eternal peace now…Until we see you again…
We love you, We love you, We love you.