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Thomas Dakich Obituary
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 two years. His teammates included his brother, Roy. Tom transferred to Bowling Green State University, where he played for two more years. After earning his Bachelor degree in 1956, he served in the US Army for two 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. Tom 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 seven 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 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Pomen service at 5:00 p.m. Funeral service Monday, April 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at 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
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dakich
Jerry and Bob Fuzak
April 4, 2022
Dear Bobbie and Family.....
We have such fond memories of our trip to the Holy Land. Great times with strangers that became instant friends. We had such fun, and have many pictures of the places we went and fun times we had.
God Bless you all, and you are in our prayers on a daily basis!
Jerry and Bob Fuzak
April 4, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family are a daily regimen. While our friendship was short, but extremely meaningful, we treasure the time with you and Bobbie on our visit to the Holyland. May the Lord Bless you and your Family. Amen.
George Dubovich
April 4, 2021
It has been 7 years already & I still think of him often when I look across the cul de sac & see his house. Tom was such a nice guy, miss his friendship, & smiling face.
Koz
April 4, 2020
Miss him! He was so much fun to be around.
Clementeen Wilbon
August 28, 2014
Mr. Dakich was a great principal fun days at Calumet High!
Frank Roman
April 28, 2014
Tom,
I happened to notice this online just this morning, and would like to extend my condolences to you and your family at your father's passing. My dad passed last year and his memory still lives with me, as will yours. Peace to you, and best regards.
Frank
Jerry and Bob Fuzak
April 21, 2014
Dear Bobbie and Dakich Family..... We met on the Trip to the Holy Land in 2011. What a grand time we had. Spiritually lifting and rich in memories of terrific people. You and Tom were part of what made that adventure so very meaningful. I can still hear the stories and jokes at our 'debriefing' sessions each day during Happy Hour! You are in our hearts and prayers, and may the Lord Bless you and keep you.
Dennis And Trish Crane
April 16, 2014
Our sympathies to Bobbie, Jackie, Danny and Tommy on the loss of your husband and father. We regret not being able to talk with you during your time of mourning but wanted you to know that we were thinking of you all and remembering all the good times we would have shared with you then. May God bless you all and your families.
April 16, 2014
I have very fond memories of Papa too! You each are in our prayers….Kelley Donawa and Family
Mike Abell
April 16, 2014
"Keep me in your heart and I will live there forever"
Listening to Dan on the radio today was so emotional for me as I lost my Mom last year. God Bless the Dakich family, but I think he already did by having Tom in their lives.
Scott hARP
April 16, 2014
May you rest in peace Mr Dakich .. Dan clearly spoke more highly of you then any man I have ever heard talk about their father...
#1 DAN DAKICH SHOW FAN !!
Barbara Bolden
April 16, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
April 16, 2014
Great Man, great family.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Terry Burns
Rob Tretter
April 15, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Dakich and the entire Dakich family. Mr. D was such a great guy - always had a smile on his face. I loved talking to him about anything! He was so proud of all of his children - that's one thing I will always remember about him. Mr. D - you touched so many lives. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Judy (Roll) Brletich
April 14, 2014
I had Mr Dakich as a teacher at Calumet. He was always one of our favorite. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God keep you in His care.
Joe and Marylou Gent
April 14, 2014
Watching so many, many people go through the endless line to pay their respects at the wake…what a true measure of a successful man and a great life! He will be missed by us all. Bobbie, we're here for you.
Laura Bade-Limbach (One of your many daily listeners)
April 14, 2014
Dan,
Losing a parent is something you'll never get over but you will get through. May your many cherished memories of your Dad be of comfort to you and your family during this difficult time.
Ryan & Jodi Dubovich
April 13, 2014
Tom was my parents neighbor and a dear friend to our entire family. He always made the effort to check in on me when I visited and came to our wedding in Indy. He provided many laughs and kind words. The world needs more people like him. Our condolences to the entire Dakich family.
Tim & Karen O'Connor
April 13, 2014
Dear Bobbi,
Sue Hussey called to tell us about Tom. Our sincere condolences to you and your family. We certainly enjoyed our many activities with your family. Please keep in touch. We won't be back in Indiana until July.
Tom Burns
April 13, 2014
RIP From the entire Burns Family
Robyn Payne
April 13, 2014
Dear Bobbie and family, May your loving memories carry you through this difficult time. Thomas was an exceptional person, teacher, mentor and friend. He touched so many lives and we are all better people for knowing him. He is now your guardian angel and his love will always be in your hearts!
Joyce and Ted Seabloom
April 12, 2014
Dear Bobbi and your wonderful family:
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I can, we can still hear his voice and feel the hugs of friendship. He would boyishly come into my office and say, "Hey Mrs S. can you take my pulse and blood pressure?", then sit a while singing his version of a few Sinatra songs or tell jokes about the Rat Pack!" God bless his soul, he will be missed!
David Klapper
April 12, 2014
Hello Tom and Roberta, Tom Betty and I are so sorry for your loss, your dad sounded like a wonderful man he will be missed I'm sure. take care David and Betty klapper
Barbara Winegar
April 12, 2014
My heartfelt prayers to his family and friends. May God wrap you all with his love and warm you with his light.
Daniels Family
April 12, 2014
We offer our deepest sympathies. As you remember Tom may it always bring smiles to your faces and comfort to your hearts. Remember, God is a refuge and and strength for us.
April 12, 2014
No matter the age death of a loved one is hard to take. May you find support from your family and friends and God's Word.
April 11, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers to Bobbie and family. Neighbors Andrew and Mella Wargo
April 11, 2014
To Bobbie and the entire Dakich Family, our deepest condolences on the passing of Tom. We have so many good and happy basketball memories. Tom was always ready with a smile and a story. He was such a family man and always made others feel good. That is just a small part of his legacy. We know he will be greatly missed. May his memory be eternal. Chris, Becky, and Gail Zeheralis
Matt & Wendy Conger
April 11, 2014
Our heartfelt sympathy to the Dakich family for you sudden loss of such a fine individual. Every time I met Tom at events he was always so welcoming and a treat to talk to. It's clearly obvious where his kids inherited charisma and charm. Knowing Emily and Nick I can see that being carried on.
Terry Sweasy
April 11, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss…. I now know where Emily gets her beautiful smile. Rejoice in the memories and good times you had during his 81 years and know that he lives on in the hearts of all of your family.
God Bless
Coach Sweasy
Mark, Denise and Rachel Farrar
April 11, 2014
We're all so very sorry. Knowing Jackie and Emily, Tom must have been a great guy. If there's anything we can do, please let us know.
Laura Kirtley-Peddycoart
April 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the Dakich family. I had him as a teacher for Consumer Econ. in 1980-81, I enjoyed his class, what a great teacher. He had such a wonderful sense of humor. My husband, Darrell, had as a basketball coach in. 1966 and has many fond memories of him as well. RIP Mr. D.
Laura peddycoart
April 11, 2014
My deepest sympathy for the Dakich family. I had him as a teacher for Consumer Econ. in 1980-81, I enjoyed his class, what a great teacher. He had such a wonderful sense of humor. My husband, Darrell, had as a basketball coach in. 1966 and has many fond memories of him as well. RIP Mr. D.
Tim Sicula
April 11, 2014
Sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack Lemancyzk
April 11, 2014
I share my sadness with good memories of Tom,it was always sheer delight in his presence reciting adventures with clever quips.
Aurora&Bob Kelly Kelly
April 11, 2014
Our sympathy to his wife and family: Bob and I sure remember when we both lived close to 255Polk street in Gary. Words written in our HMS 51 year book: "I AM WEALTHY IN MY FRIENDS" & Tom sure was loved by all. Activities were Basketball,captain-Cross country;Football, Mgr; Student Council.
Sherry Alford
April 11, 2014
My thought and prayers go out to the Dakich family during this time of great sadness. Enjoy your memories and remember that you were a part of a well lived life.
john evetts
April 11, 2014
sorry for your loss he was a great person and he will be forever alive in so many of us that he touched god bless him
Claudia Pikula
April 11, 2014
" HE WAS A GREAT GUY AND TEACHER, HE'LL BE MISSED."
April 10, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to Tom's wife and family.Bob and I lived close to him when he lived at 255 Polk St and at Horace Mann High School. Here are the words in our 51'Annual.."I am wealthy in my Friends"..Basketball,Captain; Cross country; football, Mgr; and Student Council. Bob and Aurora Kelly
Rhonda Cannon
April 10, 2014
Very sad news today to hear of your passing . You are on my list of Favorite people I have met in my life ! You were a Great Teacher ! Your class was such fun ! Rest in Peace Mr. Dakich !
Anita Sancillo/ Steele
April 10, 2014
To Mr Dakich Family am sorry for your LOSS I loved Mr Dakich when I had him as a Teacher He was the Best ...MY prayers and thoughts are with you all
Kathy Gulley
April 10, 2014
Condolences to the family! I remember Mr. Dakich well,! He was a great guy! I can hear him and see him walking down the halls of CHS!!...RIP!!
Joe Sanders
April 10, 2014
Dan and family. So sorry for your loss.
Renee B.
April 10, 2014
Such a great teacher with a witty sense of humor. Mr. Dakich was one of my favorites. He surely will be missed.
Matthew Simmons
April 10, 2014
Dakich Family,
Sorry for the loss. I had the pleasure of being both Mr. and Mrs. Dakich's student and enjoyed them both. Who could forget how fun it was to have Mr. Dakich for drivers ed. and our field trips to the auto show.
God Bless
Eddie White
April 10, 2014
God bless the family! We lost a GREAT one!
mary smith-burney
April 10, 2014
so sorry to hear his passing, I had him for my 7 th grade was a great man
Ken Millspaugh
April 10, 2014
Thank God for men like Mr. Dakich. I was in Mr. Dakich's business math class in 1962-63. Not an outstanding student and not participating in school activities, I wanted to just get by. Yet 45 years later I saw Mr. Dakich in Branson MO. I introduced myself giving only my last name and he quickly blurted out my first name and shook my hand like I was his long lost friend. In school I looked up to him as did many other students. Calumet was blessed for his service to the school and students.
Marge Ahlgrim
April 10, 2014
I would like to express my sympathy to the Dakich family. Tom was one of the members of the teaching staff at Calumet High School when my husband, George Ahlgrim, taught there. Lots of memories of some good years.
Phyllis Ramos-Candiano
April 10, 2014
He was a wonderful man, great teacher who always encourage students to be at their best. He will truly be missed. My thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Randy Gilmore
April 10, 2014
Thanks for all you did you will be missed !
desiree' joy nelson-hausenfleck
April 10, 2014
so sorry for you lost Dakich family. I had him as a general business teacher my freshman year...he was a piss and vinegar kind of teacher...either you liked him or hated him! R.I.P. Mr.Dakich until we meet again.
Chuck Fattore
April 10, 2014
Thoughts and prayers with Dan and family. He was a great, great guy and a ton of fun to be around.
Lyniece
April 10, 2014
Prays to the family. Sorry for your loss. Mr. Dakich was a great teacher. He taught me how to drive and loved his accounting class.
Jim Keough
April 10, 2014
Bobbie, I am so sorry to read that the Lord took Tom home. He had a smile and a kind word for everyone. May Jesus guide you through this difficult time.
Darryl Collins
April 10, 2014
My sincere condolences to Dan and the entire Dakich family. He was a fine man and will be missed.
pete horbovetz
April 10, 2014
my sincere condolences to you and family dan I remember him at all are games at junedale when we won it all for the great roma pizza team
Colleen and Jack Leach
April 10, 2014
Tom will be truly missed. He and Bobbie had a zest for life like no other.
He had a very full life!!
Love to the whole Dakich family!
Charles Albright
April 10, 2014
I remember during the gas wars in early 70's he would get ,me out of class to go fill his car cause I had the keys to the zayre's gas station he will be dearly missed
Mary (Shawn) Rios
April 10, 2014
Mr. Dakich, you touched so many lives I doubt you realized how much you meant to all you students. you were a great teacher and Principle. You made a big difference in my life, especially in my Senior year. God bless your family and I hope to see you again one day.
Vel Gurgevich
April 10, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your and our loss. Memories
Vel & Sue Gurgevich
April 10, 2014
Dear Bobbie and Family,
So sorry for your loss. We will be unable to visit you at the funeral. We're on our way to Florida. Prayers to you all. Barb & Joe Chester
April 10, 2014
Our sincere condolences for your loss, we loved seeing Mr. Dakich at Emily's volleyball games. Loved his smile and enthusiasm. You will be missed!
Bloomington South Volleyball Team and Coaches
mary Tejeda
April 10, 2014
my prayers to the family. He was a great teacher and will be missed by all.
John Steinhilber
April 10, 2014
I am so sorry for the Dakich family with their loss of Tom. He was a great man who gave his all for everyone he came in contact with.
George & Nancy Dubovich
April 10, 2014
Tom was a great friend & neighbor for 18 years. We shared many good times over the years. Always had a smile & made each day I'd see him a little better. He was my hero with the way he & Bobbi enjoyed life & their continuos travels around the world. The energy he displayed for life was to be admired. He will be dearly missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to Bobbie, Tom Jr., Dan, & Jackie.
Johnny Campbell
April 10, 2014
Thanks for making my Senior year a rememberable one! Thoughts and prayers to your family. You will be missed.
Wanda Wilson
April 10, 2014
Great man, who made a difference in so many lives. He was a great inspiration and a dedicated man. God bless his family as they deal with the loss. Sincere condolences to all.
Tom Ketchem
April 10, 2014
My condolences to the Dakich Family.
Such a Great inspiration at the High School.You both were Great inspirations a fellow student.
Ketchem Family sends their Prayers.
HAROLD MARSH
April 10, 2014
He was one of my favorite teachers of all time.. Thank you for everything Mr.Dakich...RIP
Carrie (Spencer) Poulter
April 10, 2014
One of my favorite teachers. He is the reason that I studied accounting and chose my career path. I loved talking IU basketball with him and all of his crazy sayings. Many great high school memories because of him. Prayers to Mrs. Dakich, Dan, and the rest of his family.
April 10, 2014
I'm so sorry to hear this. I loved Mr. Dakich. My condolences to you Bobbi and your family. He was the best!!
Kathy Dusseau
Richard Gilmore
April 10, 2014
you were a true gift to all of your students and will be missed!
Michelle Becke-Dykhuizen
April 9, 2014
My sincere condolences to the entire Dakich family.
Veronica Rodriguez
April 9, 2014
At such a difficult age, you gave me a reason to enjoy school. Thank you.
Don & Boots Koznicki
April 9, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to the entire Dakich family. Our prayers are with you.
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