Branko Ljuboja, 84, of Dyer, Indiana, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away peacefully in his home on October 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.
He was born on February 3, 1942, in Bosansko Grahovo, Crni Lug. He is proceeded in death by his Father Milojko, Mother Ruza and Brother Jovo.
Branko leaves behind the love of his life and best friend of 58 years, Milka. The newlyweds immigrated to the United States in November 1968 with a suitcase each and dreams of a better life, settling in South Chicago, Illinois to start a family.
Branko loved being a father to his three daughters, Ruza (Michael) Boinski, Joka (Brian) Emerick and “Beba” Andja (Chris) Crawford. Every extra shift and 12 hour work day was to give his three girls the best life possible.
His pride and joy and favorite role in life was being a grandfather to Joseph (Nikki), Niko, Jovana, Mila, Dimitri and Milo along with his newest role as great grandfather to Aco and Teo.
Branko retired from Ford Motor Company after 33 years, never missing a day of work and was a member of St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana.
Branko was a friend to everyone he met. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, offer words of encouragement and kept everyone laughing with his quick-witted sense of humor. He was at his happiest having a family dinner with a house full of laughing grandchildren, playing a competitive game of bocce ball and most of all, enjoying a good cup of Serbian coffee.
Branko will be deeply missed and forever loved, leaving behind the legacy he dreamed of and was so determined to create as that young man in 1968. Memory Eternal.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026,
from 10:00–11:00 am at St. Sava Monastery Church. Funeral services will begin immediately afterward at 11:00 am, also at St. Sava Monastery Church. Burial will follow on the Monastery grounds. A luncheon will be held at Tiebel’s Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana. All are welcome to attend.
St. Sava Monastery 32377 North Milwaukee Ave.,
Libertyville, Illinois
