Gojko “George” Planojevic age 83 of Lemont, Illinois, passed away with his family by his side on April 12, 2024.

Gojko was born in eastern Bosnia (formerly Yugoslavia) and immigrated to the United States in 1972 with his wife and children to Gary, Indiana. Gojko immigrated to US to provide better opportunities for his children and worked until retirement age at places like US Steel and Tube City, dealing with many Steel industry ups and downs along the way.  He was lifelong member of St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church and actively participated in church & cultural functions. Gojko loved soccer and through soccer clubs, Serbian community, his workplaces, Gojko made many lifelong friends from all cultures and backgrounds.  In addition to soccer, Gojko loved gardening and would often ask family members to take picture of him with his prized vegetables: banana or bell paper, tomato, zucchini, and watermelon occasionally. During Draginja’s illness, Gojko learned how to make Sarma & cheese pita.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Draginja; parents Milorad and Obrenija Planojevic; sisters Radojka Basevic and Jelenka Vukojcic and brother Petko Planojevic.

Gojko is survived by his two beloved children, son, Brane “Branko” (Carrie) Planojevic, and daughter Branka (Nenad) Radoja; five cherished grandchildren: Gina, David, Katarina, Sanja and Stefan; and many other relatives, Kumovi and friends both here in the US, Canada, Australia, Bosnia and Serbia.

Gojko lived in NW Indiana most of his life.  After Alzheimer’s diagnosis in fall 2014, with the help of his family, Kumovi, church members and caregivers, he was able to live in his NW Indiana home independently for several years.  Eventually, Gojko agreed to sell his Indiana home and live with his son & family in Lemont, Illinois.  It was music to his ears when any of the grandkids called him “DEDA.”  Even with advanced age and illness, Gojko was able to maintain his pleasant nature (“not bothering anyone” as he would say).

Gojko will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his family, Kumovi & friends.

Visitation will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at St Sava Serbian Orthodox Church beginning at 9:00am. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00am. V. Rev Marko Matic  and V. Rev Aleksandar Novakovic officiating. Interment Calumet Park Cemetery, Merrillville. For any further information please call Mileva or David at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 219-736-5840. Vecnaja Pamjat