Michael Christopher Kurelja

Michael Christopher Kurelja, a deeply loving and kind hearted soul, whose passion for life and his family were boundless, has passed away on February 17, 2025. He was 38 years old.

Michael was born in New Jersey, but lived most of his life in Central Pennsylvania. He grew up in Mifflinburg and attended school, graduating with the class of 2004. He was a curious child and voracious reader, and an explorer of all things in nature. He was active in soccer, basketball and track.

He attended the University of Pittsburgh for a time and loved being a city dweller, which balanced his love for the outdoors. He was fearless in unknown lands and loved discovering new restaurants, a new brewery, or a new bike path. Life was always an adventure for Mike.

In his twenties Mike became a bicycle enthusiast, and participated in long distance rides and races. Some over 100 miles long and joined the Bald Eagle Mountain Bike Association. He would tinker with and fix bikes in his spare time. 

After a short stint in the Navy Nuclear Power Program, Mike moved back to the area and honed his skills in carpentry and worked in the Modular home business. Eventually moving to the city of Chicago where he found love and growth. He became a Superintendent at CBI, managing projects with elevators, and covered the Midwest territory. Mike liked working with his hands, and was fascinated with the way things worked.

He enjoyed camping and the mountains. Folk-punk was his top music genre. He learned and played guitar by ear, experimented with cooking and new recipes. His talents and interest were many.

What Mike treasured most in this world were the people he loved. His great big beautiful family and his chosen family in Chicago. There was nothing more important to him than being there for them, and cherishing the time he spent with each one.

Mike’s love for music led him to the lyrics he loved most: “Your Heart is a muscle the size of your fist, keep on loving, keep on fighting, and hold on, hold on, hold on for your life”.

Michael Kurelja was a big gentle bear of a man, who wrapped you in the best hugs and always said I love you, before leaving. You will be missed by your loving family and friends, and so many others who will never get to know your beautiful, happy, gracious spirit.

Michael is survived by his parents Jennifer Kurelja, Peter Kurelja and Elizabeth Schaeffer; his brother Matthew Kurelja; Sister Courtney Dedda and brother-in-law Marco Dedda; his two nieces Sophia and Lucy Dedda; and his kindred spirit Aleksandra Gieryk, and “found family” in Chicago, Adam Goron and Siobhan Keely.

Aunts and Uncles: Ed Knoll, Chris and Rita Kurelja, Barry and Trisha Matteson, Ann Gumby, Mary and Eddjo Marshall, Beth Kurelja Engel, and John and Jackie Kurelja; along with 22 cousins.

He was preceded in death by Grandparents Christ R. and Ann C. Kurelja; Diane Gromann and Olav Gromann; Aunts and Uncles Barbara Wright, Pat and Tony Kurelja; Carol Knoll; Bob Gumby; and cousin Cody Marshall.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Michael’s name can be sent to Albany Park Mutual Aid at this link or Doctors Without Borders at Doctors Without Borders USA, P.O. Box 5030, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5030.