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Ilija Dukic Obituary
Ilija Dukic, age 41, of Merrillville and San Ramon, CA, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2008. Born August 24, 1966 in Gary, IN, he was a lifelong member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, and its Karageorge Choir. A graduate of Merrillville High School Class of 1984, he went on to earn a B.S. Degree from Indiana University in Criminal Justice, and had a lifetime ambition of serving in law enforcement. Ilija spent several years in the employ of Charles Schwab Financial Services and was a member of the High Tech Crime Investigations Association. In 2004, he was delighted to join the California Reserve Officers Assn. and accept a position as a police officer for the City of Pleasanton, CA. Since his transfer to California in 1999, he served as financial secretary of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Oakland, CA and was also a former member of St. Nicholas S.O. Church of Indianapolis. He was a lifetime member of the Movement of Serbian Chetniks-"Ravna Gora" and was president of the Oakland, CA chapter of the Serbian National Defense Council. He was an expert marksman and was a handgun aficionado. His mother Mara Dukic and dear grandfather Vojislav Rajkovich preceded him in death. Ilija is survived by his father Mijo Dukic of Merrillville; siblings: Vojo Dukic and Joka (Triva) Garcev; nephew Petar Garcev; beloved grandmother Cvijeta Rajkovich; aunts: Djuka Sormaz, Gospova Trninic and Stana Baros and their families; close friend Diana Emyeart; also many cousins, other close relatives and Kumovi throughout. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 9:00 a.m. Directly at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of Merrillville, with Rev. Marko Matic, officiating. Interment New Gracanica Cemetery, Third Lake, IL. Visitation will be Monday from 2-8 pm at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN under Savich & Semplinski Directors. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7pm Monday.
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jeff berry
March 17, 2008
My condolences to the family.
A story: When I first passed my broker's exam in '99 I joined an over-flow group at Schwab called "Star Traders" and began taking live customer orders; for the uninitiated this was a very stressful endeavor. Ilija was a supervisor for the group walking the floor, answering questions and helping out. He was such a patient guy, so easy going and willing to help. You never felt bad asking him the same dumb question multiple times, he never got frustrated, or irritated, he was great.
It is through memories like this that he will live on, his influence, his willingness to help without condition is folded into the fabric of other people's lives and experiences.
The guidance he gave me as a freshman broker is the foundation of a skillset that I use currently to support myself and my family.
Thank you Ilija, and Godspeed.
Beannachd Dia dhuit
Marilyn Craig
March 5, 2008
Ilija was the book of life, everything one should be, would like to be and dream of being.
To honor Ilija spread all his kindness, laughter and wisdome to the four corners of the earth. And remember Ilija will never leave us, for he has touched our souls and hearts for ever.
Lori Dennison
March 3, 2008
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ilija for many years by working with him at Schwab. I will miss his visits to me in Indy and the phone calls from SF. He was a friend of mine - one who could always make me laugh. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
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Timothy O'Donnell
February 29, 2008
Dear Dukic Family,
My sincerest condolences and sympathies for your loss. I worked with Ilija at Schwab in Indianapolis. He was a man of unique and remarkable character with a sense of humor everyone appreciated. Ilija's compassion for others, his strong commitment to integrity and goodness, and his unwavering dedication earned him the respect and admiration of us all. He experienced much difficulty in health yet he never complained or felt sorry for himself - rather, he endured patiently and with a trusting hope that ofetn provided a source of inspiration to others. I will pray for your consolation and the repose of his soul. May the Face of the Lord shine upon him and grant him everlasting peace in the heavenly Kingdom.
Jessika Garcia
February 28, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Ilija through Schwab. I always ran in to Ilija at lunch time or the copy room. He knew exactly what to say to get a smile or giggle out of me. When I wasn’t feeling up to par, he’d tell me a story to keep me distracted. I miss my run-in’s with Ilija. I miss his jokes and stories. I miss his friendly face at lunch, but most of all I miss my co-worker, a person who went out of their way to put a smile on my face. My condolences go to Ilija's family and friends.
Ronald Dudley
February 27, 2008
I have known and worked with Ilija for many years here at Charles Schwab. I can say without hesitation that we were friends. We use to meet mornings for breakfast and he would share his stories from his adventures with the Police Department. We all will miss him here at Schwab. To his family I say "don't worry because he truly sit's at the right hand of God". He was a good soul.
Marilyn Beatty
February 27, 2008
It's hard to believe Ilija is gone from us. He was an accomplished storyteller and relentless in investigations. We had occasion to work together over the past 8 years. He was witty yet thorough. May God comfort his family at this time of grief.
Erin McFall
February 27, 2008
To Ilija's Family,
I worked with Ilija at Schwab and I was always in awe of his positive and vibrant energy. I am so sorry for your loss. Ilija will be greatly missed.
Esther John-Crandall
February 27, 2008
To Ilija's family and friends: I didn't often work directly with Ilija, but our paths crossed once in a while, and he always stopped to say hi and have a friendly chat. He was very passionate about his work and interests. I know he will be missed by many. My condolences to all family, friends and co-workers.
Nick Vezmar
February 27, 2008
Dear Dukic Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Ilija was a good man. He had a strong heart, a witty sense of humor, and great ambition. He was a part of the Vezmar-Kakarigi family in a sense. He would always be here for Slavas, birthday parties, Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc. when he wasn't back at his home. He's been there to help us, and we've been there to help him.
Over the years he's become a big part of the Serbian community in the Bay Area. He will be missed greatly by his community, his church, and his friends in California.
Philip Ho
February 26, 2008
To Ilija's family. My wife, Nelly and I would like to extend our deepest condolences for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Ilija in Compliance when he first moved to the Bay Area in 1999. He had a natural ability to strike up a conversation with anyone and was always calm and articulate. He will be greatly missed.
Mike Gloster
February 26, 2008
I only knew Ilija for a short time while working at Schwab but he was always very nice to me and told great stories. He'll be missed very much!
Louise Vogel
February 26, 2008
Ilija was always very positive and had a wonderful sense of humor! I am from Schwab and we in the Registration group worked with Ilija over the past few years. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Jane Hemauer
February 26, 2008
Dear Dukic Family,
I want to express my deepest sympathy. Ilija was a kind and gentle soul. As a friend and co-worker, Ilija inspired me by the way he enjoyed life despite his personal health struggles. He will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
Jane Hemauer
Gerard Martins
February 26, 2008
My Deepest Sympathies and Condolences to the Dukic Family. I have known Ilija since the mid 90's and was priviliged to work with him. He was a hardworker who never forgot his friends and family. He was really proud of his nephew and always talked about him. His other passion was being a cop, and loved to talk about his latest adventures. I am saddened by his passing but comforted that he is no longer suffering. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
John & Celeste Radanovich
February 25, 2008
On behalf of the Radanovich family, we wish to express our heartfelt condolences to Ilija's family and loved ones. We knew Ilija only a brief time while he lived in Oakland. He was quickly accepted and loved by all in our small Serbian community. He made his mark here. He will truly be missed.
Yvonne Orlich
February 25, 2008
Dear Mijo, Vojo, Joka and family:
Sam and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to all of you on this untimely loss. Ilija will always hold a special place in the hearts of all of our household. His pleasantness, friendliness, and respect to us will remain special. Take pride in his valiant fight against his failing health and know that he will now forever be at peace. Vjecnaja pamjat.
Sam and Yvonne Orlich
Steve Lucett
February 25, 2008
My deepest sympathies to all...
Some memories:
Ilija would frequently take the most dire of situations and make a well timed, well placed and witty comment (sometimes just a silent expression) to lighten the mood.
Other mornings he would share stories from a weekend of police work in Pleasanton, which again were told in an entertaining way that only Ilija could pull off!
I will certainly miss his presence around here (at work, and on the ride into work on the train). I feel blessed to have known and worked with him and I will always carry fond memories in my heart.
God Bless,
Michael Riedel
February 25, 2008
I am very saddened by the passing of Ilija. He was a wonderful, caring friend who was part of our Schwab family in San Francisco. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. His wit, intellect and friendly disposition will be missed....Michael Riedel
Jane Milam
February 25, 2008
I worked with Ilija at Charles Schwab in San Francisco, and his cubicle is right next to mine. He brightened my days with his wry sense of humor and his diligence to do the very best at whatever he was doing. I will miss him tremendously. We have a small memorial for Ilija on his cubicle wall. His boss Pat Murphy said it best with this note: "Here once worked one of the best Schwab employees ever. Here, in this very place, resided a man who truly loved his work. Here in this space there lived an extraordinary investigator. Here once worked one of God's more compassionate and humble creations. Here once lived one of the kindest and most decent men I have ever met. Here once lived my friend, Ilija."
I will be thinking of all of you and praying for you as you pay the final respects to Ilija. Wish that I could be there too.
Jane Milam
Jelena Stevanovic
February 25, 2008
To the Dukic Family.....
Please accept my deepest condolences. Ilija was such a wonderful human being and kindred spirit; always there with a quick smile, encouraging words, and humorous stories. Being the oldest sibling in my family, I always thought of Ilija as the proverbial "big brother" that I didn't have. I will miss him immensely.....and will remember him forever.
Vecnaja Pamjat Ilija
Jelena Stevanovic
Stevo and Donna Medich
February 25, 2008
To the Dukic Family,
I was saddened to here of Ilija's passing. My sincere condolences to the entire family. I have such fond memories of Ilija front and center to help our orchestra Prijatelji set up, tear down and just being a fan and friend. Milan, Nick, Wayne and myself always enjoyed him being around. May he rest in peace.
Nick Urukalo
February 25, 2008
I would like to express my condolences to the Dukic family with all my heart.
Duro i Milica Ivancevic
February 25, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Dara Todorovich
February 25, 2008
Cika Mijo, Vojo & Joka,
Please accept my sincerest sympathies on the passing of Ilija. I pray that God will grant you all the strength to endure this difficult time; however, be comforted in knowing you will be rejoined with +Teta Mara & +Ilija in a more perfect place where there is no illness or suffering! You all are in my thoughts and prayers and may Ilija peacfully rest and always be remembered.
Debi Rodich
February 25, 2008
Ilija was always a pleasant person, and suffered too much and is gone too soon. he will be truly missed.
Lou-Ljubisa Milicich
February 25, 2008
Dear Djukic Family,
Dear Mijo, Vojo, Joka,
Dear Baba Cveta:
Words cannot express the sadness that we felt upon hearing the news of Ilija's falling asleep in the Lord, but we know that Ilija's devotion/service to our Serbian Orthodox Church and his firm belief in the eternal life of God's heavenly kingdom gives us and you the comfort of knowing that Ilija is now with God, where there is no sighing, no sickness, no pain, but only joy, happiness and life-everlasting.
Ilija's good deeds, his self-sacrifice for his family, for his Church, for his Serbian people, will never be forgotten. May Ilija Djukic's Memory be Eternal! Vjecnaja Pamjat! Bog Dusu da mu prosti! Slava mu!
Ljubisa and Marya Milicich
Beograd, Serbia
Lake Forest, Illinois
Christie Wilmoth
February 24, 2008
Ilija will always and forever be remembered by me as a great friend to not only my mother, Diana Enyeart, but also to me and my sisters as well. We will miss him terribly. He had a great sense of humor that we will never forget! Our hearts extend from our family to his family in this time of great loss.
Denise Kangrga
February 24, 2008
Dear Mijo, Vojo, Joka, and the Djukic Family,
My husband and I would like to express our most heartfelt sympathies on the loss of yet another one of our young people from St. Sava. When I moved to Phoenix and traveled to San Francisco with my husband for New Year's dances, I was always so happy to see Ilija there. Having Ilija there was like having a piece of home with me, it was such a comfort. Please know that we are praying for you all, and hoping God gives you the peace and comfort you need during this difficult time. Ilija was a wonderful human being with a huge heart. May he rest in peace, Vjecnaja Pamjat.
Jovan & Denise Kangrga
Phoenix, AZ
Vicki Torrens (Ferro)
February 24, 2008
Praying for friends to comfort you,
faith to uphold you,
and loving memories
to help you smile again.
With Sincerest Sympathy
Nicholas Orlich
February 23, 2008
I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the Dukic family with all my heart.
Milos Pavicevich
February 23, 2008
To the Dukic family our deepest sympathies, we loved Ilija deeply and he will be missed. The Pavicevich family.
Aleksandar Culafic
February 23, 2008
Dear Vojin & Djukic Family,
My heartfelt condolence is extended to evveryone in the lose of our friend Ilija. Ilija will always be remembered by me and the rest of the band as always fun to be around.
Leaving us at a young age is never easy and all of us believe that he is in a better place that awaits us all when our time comes.
Orkestar Sumadija
Ilija Tomich
February 22, 2008
My condolences to Mijo, Vojo, Joka, Baba Cveta and all of Ilija's family and friends. I will forever remember Ilija as a warm, positive and caring friend whom i will miss dearly.
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