Vlade Sormaz was born on September 3, 1925, in the village of Peulje, Bosansko Grahovo, in what was then Yugoslavia, to his parents Lazar and Danka Sormaz. He was the eldest of seven children and from an early age demonstrated responsibility, resilience, and deep devotion to family. Throughout his life, Vlade was known as a loving son, caring brother, devoted stric and ujak, faithful Kum, and a loyal friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
At the age of 18, Vlade enlisted in the Chetnik army, where he bravely fought for freedom. His service and sacrifices became a defining part of his life, and he remained one of the last and oldest surviving members of this historic generation. Following the hardships of war, Vlade immigrated to the United States in 1950 in search of opportunity and a better future.
In America, Vlade met the love of his life, Ljubica Katic, through mutual friends Bosko and Danka Katic. The two were married in 1961 and built a life rooted in faith, service, and love. Together they were devoted members of the St. George Serbian Orthodox community, giving generously of their time, talents, and hearts. Although they did not have children of their own, their love for family was boundless. Vlade and Ljubica remained deeply connected to their relatives in Yugoslavia and worked tirelessly to help whenever possible, including sponsoring Vlade’s younger sister, Milka, to immigrate to the United States so she could pursue a better life. This act was just one example of Vlade’s remarkable selflessness. He never turned away a friend, stranger, Kum, or anyone in need, always offering help with humility and kindness. He was a 50-year member of the Serb National Federation.
Vlade spent his entire working career at Inland Steel and retired at the age of sixty-two, proud of the honest work he had done to support himself and his family.
He passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100 years and five months, having lived a full century of strength, faith, and perseverance. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lazar and Danka; his beloved wife, Ljubica; his brothers, Jovo, Pero, and Miladin; his sister, Deva; his nephew, Branko Sormaz; and his brother-in-law, Ilija Kosier.
He is survived by his beloved sisters, Milka (late Ilija) Kosier and Ruzica (late Mirko) Tomic of Drvar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews in the United States, Canada, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, all of whom he loved deeply and supported throughout his life.
While he held each member of his extended family close to his heart, he shared a particularly special bond with his sister Milka and her family. He was especially proud of her grandchildren, Rade, Kristina, Lazo, Sofia, and Katarina, as well as Jelena and Arandjel Sormaz, taking great joy in their accomplishments and in the continuation of the Sormaz family legacy.
A centenarian whose life spanned a century of profound historical change, Vlade remained mentally sharp and engaged until the very end. Up until the final chapter of his life, he carefully chronicled his historic experiences, preserving his journey and candidly sharing the trials he endured with valor and courage.
Vlade will be remembered as a man of pure heart, unwavering faith, and steadfast character, who lived his life honorably, humbly, and with dignity. His honesty, kindness, sincerity, and selfless love for his family and those around him left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. Though he has departed from this earthly life, his spirit, his words, and his deeds will continue to live on through the generations that follow. With gratitude and pride, we will forever cherish the memory of our beloved Vlade Sormaz.
Funeral service was February 24 at St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Schererville, Indiana. He was laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery.
May his memory be eternal.
