Marko Hobar

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Marko Hobar on August 27, 2026, at the age of 98.

Marko was born in Brinje, Croatia, on October 8, 1927, to Milan and Ruža Hobar. From a young age, he dreamed of one day building a future in America. In his twenties, with courage and determination, he set out into the world to pursue that dream. His journey was a long and difficult one, but after nearly seven years, he finally obtained his travel papers and arrived at Ellis Island on January 21, 1957, and then made his way to Chicago. Years later, he would discover a beautiful coincidence: the day he arrived in America was his future wife's birthday.

Not long after arriving in the United States, Marko proudly became an American citizen. It was an accomplishment that filled him with immense pride, though he never lost his deep connection to his Croatian roots, culture, and heritage.

In early 1960, a chance meeting with a beautiful young woman at a Croatian church changed the course of his life. Marko knew immediately that she was the one. He and Marica were married later that same year, on Marko's birthday. From that day forward, they were inseparable. For more than 64 years, they built a home and family together filled with love, devotion, family, faith, and countless memories. After Marica's passing last year, Marko carried her memory in his heart and found comfort in knowing that, when the Lord called him home, he would once again be by her side. They are now together again.

Their love brought two daughters into the world, Rosemary and Jeannie, who became Marko's greatest hopes and joys. He devoted himself to raising and nurturing them into adulthood, and never ceased to marvel at the women they grew to become. His grandson, Jake, filled his heart with a love beyond measure. Marko lovingly cared for him as a baby, creating a special bond and treasured memories that will endure for a lifetime. There was no greater happiness for Marko than having his family together.

Marko will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and unwavering adoration for his family. His greatest legacy is not measured in accomplishments or possessions, but in the love he gave so freely and the unbreakable bonds he created with his daughters, grandson, family, and friends. His memory will live on in their hearts and in the many lives he touched.

Marko was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Marica; his parents, Milan and Ruža Hobar; and his siblings, Anna, Nikola, Milan, Katica, Tomislav, and Marija Hobar.

He is survived by his devoted daughters, Rosemary and Jeannie Hobar, and his grandson, Jake, who filled his heart with a love that knew no bounds. He is also survived by his loving nieces and nephews, Silvana, Darko, Ivanka, Lidija, Melody, Milan, and Slavica, along with extended family and dear friends who will miss him deeply.

Marko carried his faith with quiet strength and unwavering belief, finding comfort and peace in his relationship with the Lord. He trusted that God's timing was perfect and held close the hope that, when his time on earth was complete, he would be reunited with his beloved Marica. That day has now come.

Visitation will be held on September 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Until time of prayers 11:00 a.m., at the Palos Gaidas Funeral Home at 11028 Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, followed by a Funeral Mass celebrating Marko's life at 11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th Street, Palos Hills. A graveside service will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, 7201 South Archer Avenue, Justice, where Marko will be laid to rest beside his beloved Marica.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial Masses be offered in Marko's memory. This gesture would have been especially meaningful to him and honors the deep faith that guided him throughout his years.

Though our hearts are heavy with his passing, we find comfort knowing that Marko's long journey has come to its peaceful end. He lived a life of courage, love, and devotion to his family. He achieved the dream he carried as a young boy in Croatia, built a beautiful life in America, and, most importantly, left behind those who will forever carry his love with them.

May he rest in eternal peace, reunited with his beloved Marica, in the loving arms of the Lord.