Momcilo “Momo” Rankovich, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
He was born on February 25, 1934, in Sibnica, Serbia, to his parents, Cedomir and Draginja Rankovich. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Divna (Dragi) Bogdanovic.
After coming to the United States, Momo built a life in East Chicago, Indiana, through hard work and dedication. He worked for many years at Simmons Mattress Company and later became a foreman at Inland Steel. Momo was a devoted member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and the Kornelije Stankovich Choir in “the Harbor”, where his faith and community were an important part of his life. Music was a great passion for Momo. From the time he first picked up an accordion as a teenager to the last time he played it at age 86, he played it naturally by ear. He was the founder of The Momo Rankovich Orchestra, sharing his love of music and Serbian culture with many throughout the community.
Above all else, Momo’s greatest joy in life was his family. His wife and children were the center of his life, and he never missed an opportunity to make them feel like they were his highest priority.
Momo was married for 49 years to his beloved wife, Maria. He is survived by his children, Aco (Veronica) and Ljilja Rankovich. He is also survived by his nephew Tane (Cica) Bogdanovic and daughters (Jelena and Dragana Bogdanovic), niece Biljana (Mita) Bejin and sons (Nebojsa and Vladimir (Jelena) Bejin), aunt Dragica Milosevic and children (Zoran (Vera) Milosevich and Verica (Nikola) Pejnovic), cherished kumovi, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.
Momo will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his faith, his strong work ethic, his generosity, his infectious smile, the boundless love which he shared with everyone in his life and the joy he brought to others through his music.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at Lincoln Ridge Funeral Home (7607 W. US Highway 30, Crown Point, IN 46307), with a Pomen Service at 4:00 P.M.
Funeral services will take place on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at New Gracanica Monastery (35240 West Grant Avenue, Third Lake, IL 60046), officiated by Rev. Milorad Jancic and V. Rev. Aleksandar Savic. Visitation begins at 10:30 A.M.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Momo’s name to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in East Chicago, Indiana.
