Michael Kljaich Sr.

Michael Kljaich Sr., age 63, entered eternal life on Saturday, August 19, 2017 surrounded by his loving family.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Susan (nee Juarez); children, Lynn (Brent) Nicholson, Michael Kljaich Jr., Kristy Kljaich; grandchildren, Zackary and Brandon Ledlow, Xander, Alec and Brianna Nicholson, Natalie Kljaich; sister, Sandy (Tom) Burcenski; brother, Joseph (Ivy) Kljaich; mother-in-law, Frances Juarez; brothers-in-law, Adam (Deborah) Juarez and Mark (Patricia) Juarez; nieces and nephews, Michelle Burcenski, Jeffrey and Jacob Kljaich, Ashton, Shaylie, Payton and Mason Juarez; dear friends, Adam Stapleton who was like a son to him, Charlie Sr. and Carol Stein and Kuma Nadine O’Leary and Kumovi Millie and Phil Rowe; numerous cousins and friends; and best buddy, Duke.

Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Hazel (nee Salo) Kljaich; and brother, Nick Kljaich.

Michael was born and raised in Lockport, IL and resided in Joliet for 38 years. He served for 28 years on the Joliet Police Force and retired as a Sergeant.  He was a member of St. George Serbian Orthodox Church and a church board member for many years. Michael was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Joliet Moose Lodge and the NRA. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and had an outstanding green thumb. Having his family and friends over, cooking famous venison chili, grilling a perfect steak and fall off the bone ribs were some of his greatest joys. He also enjoyed a good John Wayne movie and watching western movies. Michael was a loving husband and outstanding father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose willingness to help was perpetual. He will be truly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church would be appreciated.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Dr. Nasir Shahab, Nurses Amanda, Jamie and Hailey, all of the staff at DuPage Medical Group; as well as Residential Hospice Nurses Sandy, Kristen, Anita and Leitha; Fr. Nikolaj Kostur, Fr. Ned Lunich and all of the church family.

Funeral services for Michael will begin on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 9:20 a.m. in the funeral home chapel then driving in procession to St. George Serbian Orthodox Church for a 10:00 a.m. Service. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet. Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Pomen service will be held at 7:00 p.m.

Visit Michael’s memorial page for obituary and tributes at www.tezakfuneralhome.com/notices/Michael-KljaichSr or for information or call, 815-722-0524.

Arrangements lovingly entrusted to Tezak Funeral Home.