Mile Kubat, 78, of St. John and formerly of East Chicago, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Mile also known as Big Miles, Veliki Mile, and Milan is survived by his sister, Milojka (Svetko) Gasich of St. John; cousin, Mile (Gordana) Kubat of St. John, cousin, Mileva (Ilija) Gasich and Family of Schererville, and Borka (Milan) Sorgic and Family of Highland; and numerous nephews, nieces, Kumovi and relatives in the United States, Serbia and Bosna.
Mile was very devoted to his family. Although he never had children of his own, he spent time with his nephews, nieces, and their children, becoming an integral part of their lives. He was just simply known as “Uncle Mike” to Ross (Milena) Gasich, George (Barbara) Gasich, Zelka Gasich, Alex Kubat and others who viewed him as their adoptive uncle, while “Big Cici” to Anika, Leksi, Lara, Stevie, Nina, Lizzie, Audrijana, and Alina.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Djuro and Sava as well as sisters; Jovanka and Danka.
He was born in Selo Marinkovci outside of Bosansko Grahovo, in the former Yugoslavia on December 13, 1945. He immigrated to America in 1962 with his mother to join his father in East Chicago and was soon joined by other members of his family. Mile became a staple of the Indiana Harbor Serbian community for decades to come.
Mile attended Indiana University in Gary, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He worked for Inland Steel and Blaw Knox in East Chicago before transitioning to a career as an independent contractor, where he honed his skills in construction and masonry. During this time, he also generously helped many friends and family with various projects. He later retired from the East Chicago Public School System.
Mile was a member of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, where he served as Church Board President and taught Serbian School. He was also a dedicated member of the White Eagles Serbian Soccer Club.
When he wasn’t partaking in daily bantering about sports, weather, or world affairs with his cousin Mile, or charming his family and friends with his quick wit and great sense of humor, he was deeply absorbed in his passion for history and philosophy, voraciously reading, refining his “Tablić” skills, playing chess, and indulging in Western movies, sports, and The Three Stooges.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 9:00 am at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, IN with V. Rev. Radovan Jakovljevic officiating. Visitation will be from 8:30-9:00 am. At rest, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery, Libertyville, IL.
Mile will be greatly missed, may his memory be eternal – Vjecnaja Pamjat!
