Michael J. Gurekovich, 80, of Sinking Valley, RD1 Tyrone, died Saturday, July 15, 2006 at Altoona Regional Health System, Bon Secours Campus.
He was born September 28, 1925, in Sinking Valley, a son of Imbro E. and Marya (Mrljock) Gurekovich. On June 11, 1949 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Tyrone, he married Rosa D. Cannistraci.
Surviving is his wife; a daughter, Susan J. Gurekovich and husband John L. Yohn of Spring Mills; three sons: Timothy M. and wife Judy of Sinking Valley, Robert L. at home and Sean D. and wife Karen of Tipton; two grandchildren: Valerie S. Wheland and husband Lynn L. III of Tyrone and Paul M. of Tyrone; a great-granddaughter Alysa R. Wheland and two brothers: Francis of Tyrone and George of Reno, Nevada.
He was preceded in death by six sisters and five brothers.
Mr. Gurekovich retired on March 15, 1991 from Chicago Rivet Machine Co., Tyrone, from the Quality Control Department following 35 1/2 years service.
He was a member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church where he was a long time usher, a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Gregory Council No. 1218 for 59 years, the Tyrone Elks, the Blazing Arrow Hook and Ladder Fire Co., the Howard Gardner American Legion Post 281, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4559, the Sinking Valley Grange No. 484 where he was treasurer for 25 years, a life member of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America and the Sgt. William L. Dixon Detachment, US Marine Corp. League, Clearfield. He also had been a volunteer for the MS Relay for Life.
He was a US Marine Corp. Veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict serving as a sergeant with the first provincial Marine brigade with service in Guam and the Marianas Islands.
Mike was an avid gardener and a Pittsburgh Steeler, Penn State and Nascar fan. He loved people and was a friend to all.
Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Church with Father Joseph T. Orr Celebrant. Interment with veteran’s honors will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends will be received at the Feller Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. where there will be a rosary and wake service at 8:30 p.m.
Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or to Sgt. William L. Dixon Detachment, US Marine Corp. League, c/o Commandant David Radaker, 2925 Watson Hwy, Dubois, Pa. 15801-9801.
