Thomas Dakich

Thomas Dakich, age 81 of Valparaiso, loving husband of Bobbie Dakich for 54 years, passed away on April 8, 2014. Born in Gary on March 24, 1933, Tom was the middle son of Mary (Drobac) and Peter Dakich. Tom graduated from Horace Mann High School in 1951 and was a star of the Horsemen’s sectional winning basketball team, earning Tom a basketball scholarship to Idaho State University which he attended for 2 years. His teammates included his brother Roy. Tom transferred to Bowling Green State University, where he played for 2 more years. After earning his Bachelor degree in 1956, he served in the US Army for 2 years, “protecting the shores of Lake Michigan from enemy submarines”. He took a teaching and coaching position at Calumet High School in 1959, eventually becoming Assistant Principal and then Principal. He taught various Business classes for more than 40 years and was very popular with his students. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Roy. He was the adored father of Tom (Roberta) Dakich, Dan Dakich and Jackie Dakich Ehman. As a father, he was always there for his children. He was supportive and interested in everything his kids did and they sincerely appreciated him. Tom wholeheartedly loved his 7 grandchildren and they truly loved him. Tom and Bobbie would drive hours to attend every possible event of their grandchildren Ali, Pete and Tori Dakich, Andrew and Laura Dakich and Nick and Emily Ehman. Each of his grandchildren has unbelievably fond memories of “Poppers” and their time spent with him. Tom is also survived by his brother Nick Dakich; sisters in law, Barbara Dakich and Anne Dakich and many nieces and nephews. Tom was an avid golfer who played the Polish as a member of Valparaiso Country Club. He was a member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. Friends may visit with Tom’s family on Sunday, April 13, 2014 from 2-8 pm at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Pomen service at 5 pm. Funeral service Monday, April 14th at 10 am. St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St. Merrillville, IN with Rev. Marko Matic officiating. Interment at Calumet Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church. www.burnsfuneral.com

Thomas Dakich

March 24, 1933 - April 8, 2014