Michael Kurzeja Obituary

Kurzeja Jr., Michael J. Age 77 of Crest Hill, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at his home with his loving family by his side. Born April, 25, 1941 in Blue Island, Illinois, Michael was a son of Michael J. and Mary (nee Kuziel) Kurzeja, Sr. He was raised and educated in Blue Island, and graduated from Notre Dame (Bachelor's) and Loyola University with a Master's Degree in Business. On April 25, 1963, Michael married Carol C. (nee Zegley) in Assumption BVM in Chicago. And together they lived most of their married life in Darien, IL. Mike was employed by Commonwealth Edison for 33 years as an Engineer and Mentor, retiring in 1996. He was a devout Catholic, prayed the rosary daily with his wife and was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Darien and St. Ambrose Catholic Parishes. In Michael's free time he enjoyed fishing, playing the penny slots and was an avid Notre Dame fan. Survivors include his wife, Carol C. Kurzeja; children, Kathie Collier, Kelly (fiancé Michael Benninghoff) and Michael (Sarah) Kurzeja, III; grandchildren, Caroline, Kyle and Kristin Collier, Connor, Courtney, Christopher, Catie and Caden Curry, Michael J. IV, Jonathan, Matthew, Zachary, and Preston Kurzeja, Chase and Summer Hardee and sister, Irene (William) Madziarczyk; numerous nieces and nephews and his devoted caregiver, Maria. Michael was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Betty (late Robert) Barnas and brother, Henry Kurzeja. Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 21, 2018 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. Funeral services will follow on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 9:15 a.m. with prayers in the funeral home chapel, then processing to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Crest Hill for a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 a.m., Frs. Mike O'Keefe and Tom Cargo officiating. Per Michael's wishes, cremation rites will follow. Private entombment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Romeoville. Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: plesefuneralservices.com. Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL, 815-735-2125.