Kristina Jakovljevic

Kristina Jakovljevic, 86, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at her home in South Bend, Indiana.

Born in Banja Luka, Bosnia, Kristina worked as a seamstress in a shoe factory before coming to the United States as a refugee in 1995. She made South Bend her home, where she lived a quiet life centered on family, perseverance, and tradition. She was married to Sefik Tucek for 44 years, sharing a life together until illness changed its course.

Kristina spent her time reading anything she could get her hands on, sewing, crocheting, and knitting. A devout Catholic, she practiced her faith in a deeply personal way by praying to the saints and holding her rosary close, finding comfort in these traditions throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mara and Ivo Jakovljevic, and her siblings Petar, Lucija, Dragan, Jelica, and Velimir.

She is survived by her daughter, Jasminka Brechtl of South Bend, who lovingly cared for her for many years, and her son, Ramiro (Snjezana) Skaro of Indianapolis. She also leaves behind her grandchildren Andrea (Seth) Rems, Gordan (Nina) Skaro, Jelena (Trevor) Soots, and Marija Skaro, her siblings Karolina Daum of Germany and Josip Jakovljevic of France as well as nine great-grandchildren.

Kristina will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her quiet faith, and her enduring love for her family.

Services will be held at Palmer Funeral Home on December 23 at 3:00 pm. Friends are welcome to visit with the family after the service.  A private burial will follow at 4pm.

Palmer Funeral Home – Guisinger Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with all final arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

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