Ivan John Hudika

Ivan John Hudika

Ivan John Hudika was born on April 16th, 1934 in Bjelovar, Yugoslavia. He was the only son of Vjekoslav “Slavko” and Katica Hudika.

Growing up, Ivan had always been a risk-taker at heart. In his twenties he served in the Yugoslavian Navy, he also became a successful soccer player. In the early 1960’s, he took a leap of faith and escaped Yugoslavia; which was then a communist country and immigrated to Canada. Ivan, known to most as “John”, was a hard-working individual. He accomplished an abundance of things due to his perseverance.

In the early 1966, John met a stunning Hungarian woman named Victoria B. Nadasdy. She was the love of his life and on March 26, 1967, they exchanged wedding vows in Vancouver, Canada. He was blessed with two children, his oldest son Ivica “Johnny” and daughter Victoria “Tori”. John worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. He provided for them and much more.

John loved life, he loved to travel, and he took his family to Europe several times; spending quality time with his family and relatives. He was always the life of the party. He loved to sing, dance, drink and have a good time. He was a very thoughtful and caring individual, always ready to help anyone in need especially his loved ones.

During one of their visits in the United States back in the 1970’s, John saw an opportunity for his family to move to the USA that would give them a brighter future and the ability to live the American dream. He decided to move his family to California in 1974. He was able to own and manage a successful motel business and retirement facility.

In his later years, John and his wife Vicky decided to move to San Diego to be close to their kids. He spent quality time during his retirement years with his kids and grandkids, enjoying the beautiful San Diego weather. In 2014, John moved to Indianapolis to be close to his daughter Tori and her family. He enjoyed being a doting grandfather to his grandsons, Aidan, Evan, and Cameron.

John passed away on October 9th, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana peacefully in his own bed on the exact day his wife died five years prior. He is survived by his son Ivica and daughter Victoria and his grandkids, Izabella, David, Aidan, Cameron, and Evan. Services will be held at The Little Chapel of the Roses on October 24th, 2015. Ivan will be laid to rest in Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita, California alongside his wife Victoria and grandson Eric.

John lived a full life. He was a good, hard-working, loving, and giving person. John was also an individual who will forever be remembered by his family and friends as being someone who was a vital part of their lives. John leaves behind his legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Ivan John Hudika.