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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
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Catherine Jelovcic Obituary
Catherine "Katie" Jelovcic (nee Vild)
age 90, of Portage, IN, was called home by the lord on Wednesday, October 16, 2025. Catherine is survived by her loving daughter, Nadine (Mark) Derek; cherished grandchildren, Christine (Chauncey) Kasmark and Katie (Justin) Nicol; great grandchildren, Clay Kasmark, Charlotte Kasmark and Oliver Nicol. She is also survived by her brother, Tom (Peg) Vild. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milan Jelovcic; son, Marty Jelovcic; daughter, Margie Jelovcic; parents, Katica and Frank Vild; siblings, Emma (late, John) Swab, Mary Stewart and Marge (late, Thad) Brody.
Catherine was born in Sarajevo, Croatia, and came to America with her family, where she built a beautiful life rooted in love, hard work, and community. She was the proud owner and proprietor of Milan’s Tap for over 70 years, where countless memories were shared and friendships made.
A 1953 graduate of Tolleston High School, Catherine enjoyed reconnecting regularly with her classmates and fellow alumni. She was a devoted member of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge 170, Rosary Sodality, and St. Joseph the Worker Church in Gary for many years.
Catherine had a deep love for music-its melodies brought her great joy and peace throughout her life.
Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Solan – Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, Indiana. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Funeral Home with Deacon Peter Znika Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville, IN.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dunes Hospice in Catherine’s honor.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Crown Point Health and Brentwood staff for their loving care and kindness.
Catherine will be remembered for her kind spirit, enduring strength, and the joy she shared with everyone, blessed to know her.
solanpruzinfuneralhome.com
Memories and Condolences
for Catherine Jelovcic
Mike
October 27, 2025
May God and family welcome you into Heaven with open arms and may he bring peace to the family still here. You will be dearly missed but not forgotten. In prayers
Mike Bev and the boys.
Jill McNamara
October 23, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dan Vild
October 23, 2025
Aunt Katie - I am sending all my love to my wonderful aunt, who meant so much to me. I'll forever cherish the time we spent this last year, especially our walks together. Thank you for your endless love and care. She was truly a special person who will be deeply missed. Love, Dan
Cathie Spolaric
October 23, 2025
My deepest heartfelt condolences to Nadine and the entire Jelovcich family. Katie was such a wonderful person! My prayers are with all of you. She is in good hands with God, Milan, Marty & Margie. I hope that will give you all some comfort and peace. She will be remembered fondly.
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Pam Grynovich
October 22, 2025
That beautiful smile brings back so many good memories. May you rest in peace. Prayers for you family.
The many members of the Gary Police Department
October 22, 2025
Katie, thank you for the many memorable Fridays at Milan's. You always welcome the officers just like brothers. We missed all the wonderful people that came to Milans to dine on your great fish dinners. Milans was the last great place in Glen Park.
JOVAN DJOKIC / ROTONDA WEST, FLORIDA
October 22, 2025
Dear Nadine, Mark and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences. " Mom" Katie was like a Mother to many of us who passed thru the doors of Milan's 51st Tap back in the day. GOD REST HER SOUL and May her Memory Be Eternal !!!!
Donna,Irene and Pam
October 22, 2025
So sorry for your loss
Tim Sheeran
October 22, 2025
Nadine - my condolences to you and your family. I have such great memories at Milan's and how your mother seemed to always be smiling. And she was Katie, not Mrs. Jelovcic! I hope those happy memories will always be in your hearts.
Ray Price
October 22, 2025
So sorry
Milan's 2015
Kevin Keough
October 21, 2025
Milan's felt like home. You are with Sony and your family! God bless you!!
Brenda Ford
October 21, 2025
Katie was a very sweet and special lady that I have known from St. Joseph The Worker Church. She will be sadly miss. My prayers go out to the family. God Bless You, Katie
John Swab
October 20, 2025
My dear Aunt Catherine, Thank you for all of the kindness that you gave to me always . Your warm smile and loving touch was always enough to brighten my day. I thank you for everything you gave to all of us. ❤❤.
Amy Hume
October 20, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
John Eich
October 20, 2025
Such a beautiful, warm & loving person. The world could use a lot more people just like her. My deepest heartfelt sympathy for Katie's entire family. She was like a second mother to me. Love you! R.I.P. Katie.
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Funeral services provided by:
Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory - Schererville14 Kennedy Avenue, Schererville, IN 46375