Ilija (Eli) Kosier, age 84, of Highland, IN died peacefully surrounded by family on January 12, 2026.
Ilija was born, the youngest of 4 siblings, in the village of Kosjersko Selo, in the Kordun region of Krajina, in what was then Yugoslavia, a land scarred by war and suffering. Still an infant, his life began amid profound hardship: his father was imprisoned as a prisoner of war, and his devoted mother, guided by unwavering faith and courage, raised four children while fleeing religious persecution. Through these early trials, and by the grace of God, he was shaped into a man of remarkable strength and spirit; fierce, energetic, charismatic, and confident, who loved life deeply and embraced every challenge set before him. He carried these virtues throughout his life, bearing witness to perseverance, faith, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War (1968–1969), where he was also a prisoner of war, and was discharged as a Sergeant (E-5). As immigrants from the former Yugoslavia, he and his beloved Milka (Sormaz) met in the Harbor of East Chicago, Indiana, where their life together began. Married on January 23, 1971, they went on to build a life defined by faith, perseverance, and deep devotion to family.
A true force of nature, he was adventurous and entrepreneurial. He opened Korduns Auto, honoring his birthplace, and later Eli’s Pub, where patrons quickly became family. He and Milka raised two daughters, Mirjana and Donna, encouraging them to pursue education and opportunities they themselves had not had, while also valuing love and partnership in life. He was proud of his two exceptional sons-in-laws, Branko Jasnic and George Dobrijevich; and from the first grandchild to the youngest, he loved each one of them uniquely and unconditionally. His greatest joy was being Deda to his Rade, Kristina, Lazar, Sofia, and Katarina.
A devoted member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, he served as President of the Church School Board and was also a past member of the Executive Church Board at various levels. He dedicated countless hours to volunteering and greatly enjoyed his role as a Tutor during his retirement years.
He is survived by his loving wife Milka, daughters Mirjana (Branko) Jasnic and Donna (George) Dobrijevich and their families, brother-in-law, Vlade Sormaz, Kumovi Glumac and Galic, nieces and nephews, many relatives and countless friends in the U.S., Serbia, and Canada. He was preceded in death by his parents +Jovo and +Danica Kosier, sisters, +Milena (+Mile) Dmitrovich and +Mira (+George) Kirincic, brother +Marinko Kosier, and nephew, +Jovo (John) Dmitrovich.
Eli will be remembered for his boundless energy, fierce love of life, charismatic presence, and unwavering devotion to his family, faith, and Serbian Orthodox community.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church Schererville at 10:00 A.M. Friends are invited to visit with Ilija’s family on Saturday at Church from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service. At rest, Calumet Park Cemetery.
