Milorad “Mićo” Trifunović, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and devoted servant of his faith, passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2025, at the age of 57.

Born on April 3, 1968, in the village of Klinavac near Klina in the former Yugoslavia, Mićo grew up as the youngest child of Milan and Danica (Vidic) Trifunović of Serbia, a family known for their warmth, strong values, and deep love for one another. He shared his childhood with his siblings Božidar Trifunović, Goran (Jelena) Trifunović, and his late sister Marica (Momčilo) Marsenić.

In 1987, while serving in the military in Ohrid, Macedonia then part of Yugoslavia, Mićo met the woman who would later become his wife, Valentina, originally from the nearby village of Trebeništa. They married in 1988, and in 1990 welcomed their first child, son Jovica, beginning a family that became the center of his life.

In 1992, driven by determination and the hope of providing a better future for his family, Mićo became the only member of his Serbian family to immigrate to Garfield, New Jersey in the United States. In 1995, Mićo and Valentina welcomed their middle child, Aleksandar. A few years later, on March 4th, 2003, Mićo and Valentina welcomed their baby girl, Danijela, with whom Mićo had an unbreakable bond. Through immense sacrifice and relentless hard work, he built a strong foundation for his young family, always placing their needs above his own. His devotion, perseverance, and work ethic defined him. In 2005, the Trifunović family moved to Crown Point, Indiana where they currently still reside. 

Despite a life filled with responsibility, Mićo was known for his humor and joyful spirit. He loved making jokes, lifting spirits, and bringing laughter wherever he went. His warmth, wit, and ability to brighten a room were among his most cherished qualities.

Some of Mićo’s favorite hobbies included: playing chess, spending time in Macedonia and Serbia, fishing, watching his favorite soccer team FC Barcelona with his two sons Jovica and Aleksandar, spending time with family on the weekends, especially with his daughter Danijela — his Dana/Dancé/ Tatina Maza— whether they were out shopping or simply enjoying each other’s company. Mićo also enjoyed trying out new restaurants on the weekend with his family, and most recently, spending as much time as possible with his granddaughter Mia, which he referred to as “Dedino Guguvće” (Grandpa’s Little Dove).  

On February 5th, 2025, Mićo and Valentina became proud first time grandparents to their granddaughter, Mia. In July 2025, he returned to Ohrid to celebrate his eldest son, Jovica’s, wedding and Mia’s Baptism— a moment of profound happiness for him. That same year, he was deeply proud to see his daughter Danijela graduate with her bachelor’s degree and to celebrate his son Aleksandar’s engagement. These milestones brought him immense joy and fulfillment as a father.

Just a few weeks before his own passing, Mićo lost his father, Milan. Unable to attend the funeral due to flight availability, he planned this trip to honor the sacred Orthodox forty-day memorial and to join his brother in Mionica, Serbia, for their family Slava, St. John Chrysostom.

On November 22, while traveling on a direct flight from Chicago to Belgrade to fulfill these deeply meaningful traditions, Mićo became ill mid-flight and tragically passed away before arrival, leaving his family and community devastated by this sudden and unimaginable loss.

Milorad “Mićo” Trifunović was preceded in death by his parents, Milan and Danica (Vidic) Trifunović of Serbia; his sister, Marica Marsenić; and his father- and mother-in-law, Naum and Menka Krstanoski of Trebeništa, Macedonia.

He is survived by his loving wife, Valentina Trifunović (Krstanoska), and by their children: son, Jovica, and his wife, Milica Trifunović (Jokić), and their daughter, Mia Ljupka Trifunović; son, Aleksandar “Pici” Trifunović, and his fiancée, Marina Sušak; and daughter, Danijela Trifunović , and her boyfriend, Will Teske, whom he warmly embraced as family. He is also survived by his brothers, Božidar and Goran Trifunović, and by his brother-in-law, Momčilo Marsenić, brother- and sister-in-law, Nikola and Rodna Marinceski, and their respective families.

Mićo’s legacy is one of love, devotion, sacrifice, and strength. He was a man of great heart and steady character — a father who lived entirely for his children, a husband devoted to his wife, a brother who cherished family above all, a grandfather who cherished his time with his “Guguvće”, and a man whose humor, warmth, and faith guided him throughout his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. May he watch over his family and friends, and may his soul rest in peace among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Visitation for Mico will be held Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at 8:30 am at S.S. Peter and Paul Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral, 9660 Broadway, Crown Point, IN, with Funeral Services beginning at 9:30 am. Rev Aleksandar Mitrov and Rev Georgij Gligorov officiating. Interment at St. Sava Holy Cross Cemetery, Merrillville. For further information, please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840.