Olga Raskovic Grozdanich was born on April 17, 1926, in the village of Zagrovic, Knin. She passed away peacefully at home on March 4, 2026, just 44 days shy of celebrating her 100th birthday.
She was the eldest of eight children born to the late Nikola and Joka Raskovic. At the age of 18, the war took Olga, her sister Dusanka, and their father away from their family and peaceful home, leaving behind their mother and six younger siblings. They were fortunate to find safety under the leadership of Vojvoda Momcilo Djujic and the Chetniks.
From December, 1944, until January, 1951, Olga traveled by foot, train, and boat from the former Yugoslavia to Italy and Germany, and finally “home” to America. Those years were among the most difficult of her young life, yet her stories from the displaced persons (“DP”) camps remained fascinating to all who heard them.
While living in the Eboli “DP” camp in Eboli, Italy, Olga met the love of her life, Dusan Grozdanich. They were married on November 27, 1949, in the Borhorst, Germany camp, and in 1951 they began their new life in East Chicago, Indiana, known fondly as “The Harbor.”
Over the years, Olga and her sister worked tirelessly to bring their parents, four siblings, and their families to America, while never forgetting their brother and sister and their families who remained in the old country. She was a devoted member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, an active member of the St. George Church Kolo, and the Chetnik Kolo.
Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild were her proudest accomplishments. She loved deeply, gave freely, and taught her family the importance of helping others.She was preceded in death by her parents, Nikola and Joka Raskovic; her sister and brother, Dusanka and Milan Bjelotomich; her sister, Dragica (Ilija) Kolundzija; and her brothers Milan Raskovich and Djordje (Ika) Raskovic.
Olga is survived by her loving children, Milan (Ruth) Grozdanich and Sonja (Mane) Ogrizovich; her grandchildren, Pero (Nina) Ogrizovich, Milana Grozdanich, Jelena Grozdanich, and Nina Ogrizovich; and her sweet great-grandson, Branko Ogrizovich. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Nada Raskovich; her sister, Mara (Slavko) Raskovic; her brothers, Lazo (Milka) Raskovich and Ratko (Dusanka) Raskovich; many loving nieces and nephews and their families both in the United States and abroad; her devoted caregiver, Perka Milovanovic; dear Kumovi and lifelong friends.
Olga will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her faith, and her Serbian Orthodox community.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church, 905 E. Joliet St., Schererville, at 9:30 A.M. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 8:30 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will follow at Calumet Park Cemetery.
