Michael J. Terdic Jr.

Michael J. Terdic, Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Ann and Robert H, Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL.

Michael was born on October 27, 1998 to parents Michael J. and Barbara (nee Galick) Terdic.

Michael is survived by and will be greatly missed by his devoted parents; loving brother, Matthew Terdic; dear paternal grandparents, Robert and Carol Terdic; his godparents, Sue and Tom Badalamenti, his loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and many great friends and caregivers.

Michael is preceded in death by his beloved maternal grandparents, Richard and Mary Galick and his uncle, R. Scott Terdic.

Michael had a beautiful soul and outlook on life. He made you realize that there was joy in even the smallest of acts most people take for granted. Michael was an absolute blessing and was loved deeply by those around him. He will be greatly missed by the many lives he touched. His family is extremely grateful for family, friends, and caregivers who were there and provided an outpouring of love and support for them and Michael.

A special thank you to all caregivers, especially Caitlin, Cathryn, Kristyn, and Joanne; and his previous caregiver, Nohemi, who was with Michael from the beginning of his journey. They were exceptional help and were considered our angels.

Also, a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Lynn Bertino Neville, for her professional guidance and to Elim Christian Services in Crestwood, IL where Michael thrived. They provided a quality education and treated Michael with dignity and respect. This environment allowed him to learn, grow, and develop his own personality and interests. Thank you to his special transportation crew, Vince and Andrea, who made the bus rides fun and exciting.

A special thank you to the health care professionals at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN who repaired his three chamber heart with a Fontan procedure. This surgery, done at infancy, significantly increased Michael's life expectancy to survive into adult life. Thank you to physician, Dr. Douglas Bierma, pediatric dentist, Dr. Ray Juardo, nurse practitioner, Sarah Harjung, Pediatric Cardiologists,  Dr. Thomas Weigel, Dr. Guy Randolph and Dr. Justin Uhl, the Cardiac Care Team at Lurie's Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, especially Dr. Eric Wald and Nicole Janus, APRN, and all the medial staff and organizations that contributed to Michael's care.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Tezak Funeral Home, Joliet, IL. Services are being held for Michael on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church, 706 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435. Visitation will be held at 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow visitation at 10:00 AM. Michael will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Joliet.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Michael's honor to the Elim Christian School (elimcs.org).

God Bless Michael; may he rest in peace.