Nikola Gasic, age 80 of Chesterton, formerly from Portage, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2009.

Nikola was born on November 9, 1928 in Peulje, Krez, Grahavo, Yugoslavia.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years Radojka (Rada), one daughter Mladenka (Margo) Bryan Cooley. Grandchildren Austin and Sydney, all of Chesterton; neices and nephews, Nikola, Bosko and Jelka in Yugoslavia. Mioljka, Bozana, Javorka and Bosko, all of Northwest Ind.

He was preceeded in death by his mother Smilja, father Bosko and sister Milica.

He served three years in the Serbian Marine Corps. He worked for 21 years as a ship welder in Yugoslavia. He came to the United States in 1969 where he worked at the Budd Company and retired from US Steel. He was an avid boxing fan and loved outdoor activities. Nikola was a dedicated member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville.

Funeral services, Fr. Marko Matic officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 9191 Mississippi St., Merrillville, at 11 a.m.

Friends may call Tuesday, April 14, from 2-8 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point under Savich and Semplinski directors. A Pomen Service will be offered at 7 p.m., Tuesday.

Posted 4/13/2009