Vukoman Martinovich, age 97, of Munster, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, in the early morning on Sunday, September 1st, 2024. Born on March 6, 1927 in Prokuplje, Serbia, the son of Krsman Martinovic and Petrija (Radojevic) Martinovic. Vule, as he was known to those who loved him, had an idyllic childhood in his beloved Prokuplje. Even though he was an only child, he grew up among many cousins, aunts and uncles. His father was a member of the city council, and his mother was a homemaker. He enjoyed school, making mischief with his friends, and basking in the love of his family. The Second World War entered the scene, and life changed for Vukoman and his family as it did for so many.
After the war, Vukoman found himself in a displaced persons camp first in Italy, and then in Germany. His father Krsman lost his life during the war, and Vule hoped to earn a living and return to his homeland once it was free again. His mother Petrija was left behind, and he worried about her, trying to support her by sending money, medication and care packages.
Vukoman was able to immigrate to America with many other displaced Serbian people thanks to the sponsorship of the Serbian Orthodox Church in America. He was set up with a job in the steel mills of South Chicago, a shared apartment, and felt at home in the church which was always a refuge of peace and sanity. Sadly, his mother Petrija passed away back home. He now hoped for a better future in the United States.
In South Chicago Vule met Milos and Olga Peyovich (nee Martinovic) who became the family he had lost back home. This very close relationship continued to thrive over the years. Even after their passing, Vule considered their daughter Sandy and her husband Jovan Jovanovski as members of his immediate family.
At a church dance one evening in South Chicago, Vule met the love of his life. The beautiful and talented Milica Dobrijevich. She had spotted him at the church services several times, and told her good friend he was the guy for her. After a few kolo dances and a bit of an engagement, they married in 1959. They had three children together and ultimately 3 grandchildren.
Vule and Milica chose the best kumovi in the world, Vojin and Ljubica Jeknich of South Chicago. Their relationship evolved into a loyal lifelong friendship spanning many decades and has even crossed into the next generation. What a blessing.
The steel mills of South Chicago were a valuable place of employment for many immigrants after the war. Vule worked at Republic Steel upon his arrival in the US until his retirement. He helped many newcomers by teaching them English in his spare time.
Vukoman was always focused on his family and taking care of them. He was a supportive husband and did whatever it took to take care of their every need. From cooking to shopping to car repair, he was there. He loved visiting with the customers in Milica’s beauty shop, and was very friendly and personable to everyone that he met.
Church and faith were very important to him. He served his church in a leadership position for a time, and was continually dedicated to supporting his parish in every way. He spoke several languages, was talented at repairing cars and anything mechanical, but finally, he was a people person and he shined when he could interact with everyone around him. Even near the end of his life, he was trying to cheerfully engage with hospital staff.
Vule loved dancing, especially ballroom. He and Milica were known to attract an adimiring crowd at the weddings and dances they attended. Waltzes, tangos, and especially Serbian kolo dancing. He encouraged his children to learn to play musical instruments and to sing. He was so happy that his grandson Alexei learned to play and master the accordion.
A doting and loving grandfather, Vule loved to lavish attention and affection on his first grandchild Aleksa, and then Luke, and finally Alexei. They were lucky to have a grandfather who loved them with all his heart, was there to joyfully celebrate every occasion with them.
He was a person who didn’t spend money on himself, but focused on his children and grandchildren above all else. Vule was very proud of the fact that his children finished college, a task that he didn’t get to embrace due to the war, as well as his grandchildren who are finding their own success in life due to the stable and loving upbringing that they had.
Vule leaves behind his devoted wife Milica, daughter Patty (Vladimir) with grandson Alexei, son Kris (Dawn) with grandchildren Aleksa and Luke, son Zoran, cousin Sandy (John) and many loving friends, family and kumovi.
Visitation is at 8:30-9:30 AM this Thursday, September 5, 2024 and Opelo/Funeral Service is at 9:30AM at St George Serbian Orthodox Church, 905 E. Joliet Street, Schererville, Indiana.
Burial service follows at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Monastery, 32377 N Miilwaukee Ave, Libertyville, Illinois.
Dacha (Mercy Meal) following at New Gracanica Serbian Orthodox Monastery, 35240 N Grant Avenue, Third Lake, Illinois.
