Dusan I. Jelaca, age 86, of Hobart, IN passed away peacefully on September 7th, 2024. Dusan was born on April 20,1938, in Zaklopac, Lika, former Yugoslavia. He was orphaned at age 7 and was raised by his aunt and uncle along with 5 cousins, who he considered to be his immediate family. He also served in the Yugoslavian Army. In 1964, he immigrated to the United States, where he met his future wife Jovanka Ivankovich. They were married 54 years until she passed away on January 8th, 2019. They had 3 loving  children  and 2 beautiful granddaughters. Dusan worked at Inland Steel Company where he retired after 30 years of service and probably enjoyed working as much as he enjoyed family time. He loved to travel, work on projects around the house, and play bocce ball. He played several instruments, including guitar and accordion being his favorite. In 1993, he became involved with “Save Displaced Serbs” a humanitarian non-profit organization. He traveled to Serbia along with his wife Jovanka to distribute financial aid to Serbian children in need. Dusan was a lifelong member of St Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, which he previously served on the Church board.

    Dusan is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years Jovanka Jelaca, and loving daughter Donna Jelaca; his parents Ilija and Anka Jelaca; brothers Milan Jelaca, Dragan Jelaca, sister Dara Jelaca; uncle and aunt Todor and Smilja Jelaca; cousins/siblings Bosko Jelaca, Mile Jelaca, Djuro Jelaca, Rade Jelaca,and Radojka Jelaca,

    Dusan is survived by his daughter Diane (Leo) Wilkoz, son Danny Jelaca and 2 adored granddaughters  Kimberly  Wilkoz and Katie (Dean) Dotson, several brother and sister-in-laws, nieces, nephews, and Kumovi both in the US and Serbia. May his memory be Eternal.