Michael Starjak Jr.

Michael "Mike" Starjak Jr., 86, of Ottawa , IL passed away Friday, January 14, 2011 at Ottawa Pavilion. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa with Rev. Philip Halfacre officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, at Ottawa Funeral Home with prayers at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery with Military Services. Mike was born August 17, 1924 in Glassmere, Pennsylvania to Michael and Marie (Mayernik) Starjak. He married Betty (Weber) Grundon on October 7, 1978 in Ottawa, IL. He served in the Navy aboard the USS Cimarron during WWII. He retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1984. He was an avid bowler and was Ottawa's Bowler of the Year in 1979-80. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and served as Post #33 Commander from 1993-94. He worked bingo at the Legion for many years and served on the Post Honor Guard. He was a member of the VFW. He loved fishing , gardening, traveling & spending time with family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife; daughter, Joy (Rex) Algate of Converse, TX; sons Dan (Nan) Starjak of La Vernia, TX and Scott Starjak of Reno, NV; stepson Bill Grundon of Peoria, IL; eleven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Stanley, a daughter, Michaela Delgado, step-daughter Mary Beth Radtke; stepson Jeff Grundon, brother John Starjak, sister Mary Rick; and his former wife, Betty Thumm Lane. Pallbearers will be the Honor Guard of the American Legion. Memorials may be directed to the family. The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com, Ottawa Funeral Home 1111 LaSalle St., Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-0300 www.ottawafuneralhome.com