Michael Galajdik
October 25, 1916 — December 7, 1941
Michael Galajdik, Fireman 1st Class United States Navy, age 25, entered into the kingdom of Heaven on Sunday, December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy . Michael served his country honorably and unselfishly on the USS Oklahoma (BB-37) during the Pearl Harbor attack.
Living relatives include his nieces and nephews, Joseph (Marjorie) Sternisha, George (Maryann) Sternisha, Walter (Sherrill) Sternisha, Judy (the late Frank) Sternisha, Marilyn (the late Michael) Sternisha and Pauline (Alan) Mihelich.
Deceased kin: parents, Andrew and Mary Galajdik; brothers, John, Steven and Andrew Galajdik; sister, Anna (Frank) Sternisha; nieces and nephews, Joseph (Pearl) Fojut, Alice (Joseph) Valek, Frank Sternisha, Ann (Robert) Mulvey, Theresa (Norman) Wittkofski, Michael Sternisha and John (Linda) Sternisha.
After 75 years, Michael’s remains have been identified through DNA and dental records. He served in the United States Navy from April 1940 until his death on December 7, 1941. He also served in the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935-1940.
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”
Winston Churchill
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2017 with a visitation at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. then driving in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood. Full military honors will be conducted.