Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovich

Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovich, of Merrillville, IN, fell asleep in the Lord on Sunday, April 14, 2024. He was born May 18, 1945, in Gary, Indiana to the late Bosiljka and Marko Vitkovich of Hercegovina, Serbia. Tim was a lifelong member of the Serbian Orthodox Churches here and during his residences in Wisconsin, Nevada and Ohio. Tim’s favorite day of the week was Sunday. He always said God loves us; we all need God. Tim carried a strong faith in God; he loved and promoted his church and heritage. He was a graduate of Emerson High School; was recognized at Indiana State violin competitions receiving gold medals. Tim completed graduate studies in school administration at Indiana University. Before teaching elementary school, he was employed at U.S. Steel. Tim’s teaching assignments included Culver Military Academy in Culver, IN. Tim excelled in math and history: he was well read and was gifted artistically and vocally. His musical talents were welcomed by the Karageorge Choir at his beloved Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church that he was born into. Tim was a member of the SNF King Peter Lodge for many years. He assembled articles in drama, opera, literature, and fine arts for St. Sava Serbian Heritage Days which was an early beginning of the now St. Sava Historical Society. Tim is preceded in death by sisters: Elaine (Dr. Dusan) Zeremsky, Nancy (Gilbert) Vuyakovich; brothers-in-law: Eli Kirby and V. Rev. Stavrophor Vasilije Sokolovic. He is survived by his loving sisters: Helen Kirby and Zorine Sokolovic. Uncle Tim will be missed dearly by his nieces: Donniella Zeremsky, Betsy Kirby (Jerry Davis), Dr. Cindy Kirby (Rudy Labovic), Tammy Kirby Esq., Zorine Kirby, Luanne Vuyakovich, Mirjana (Dn. Milan) Damjanovic, and nephew, Dn. Toso, (Tanja) Sokolovic. His great nieces and nephews: Stana, Ilija, Juji (Ryan), Marko, (Tereza), Bosa, Lucija and Izabella; great nephews: Maksim, Makarije, Metodije and Antonije enjoyed sharing in his knowledge academically and spiritually as did Kumovi and relatives in Serbia and Canada. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 11:30 am until the time of the funeral service at 12:15 pm at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, IN. Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Sava Building Fund in Tim's memory. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. www.burnsfuneral.com

Timothy (Tihomir) M. Vitkovich

May 18, 1945 - April 14, 2024