Michael Richard Dudeck, Jr. passed away peacefully and comfortably into eternity, at Wright’s Healthcare in Seminole, on Tuesday morning August 15, 2017, at the age of 91. No words can express Our Gratitude adequately, to the entire Staff, for their ongoing, continued Compassion and Outstanding Professional Expertise involving every aspect of Dad’s precious time with them.
A local resident of the St. Petersburg area for several years, Dad was a fond active member of American Legion Post 273 in Madeira Beach, whose Commander and Staff were recently able to Re-Present Dad with his Military Medals. It was a ceremony of great emotion, since it seemed he was receiving for the 1st time.
Michael was born to Michael and Anna Dudeck on January 6, 1926 in Harvey, Illinois. He worked many years in the retail coal business with his Dad in Chicago, and then built many homes, after attending St. Ignatius High School and Marquette University.
Serving in WWII, 3rd Army, 87th Infantry Division, 345th Regiment, 3rd Battalion, Company 1, awarded a Purple Heart, 3 Bronze Stars, Army Good Conduct Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Medal, Victory Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge, and the Love and Respect of his comrades for the many lives he saved. He will be given a Full Military Honors Burial at Arlington National Cemetery, and this too, will be a Celebration of His Precious Life. A True & Humble Hero.
Michael had the opportunity to participate in the Veteran’s History Project through the Library of Congress recently, by creating a video and paper legacy of his War Service experience, which can be found there, forever. It includes the picture I’ve enclosed of Dad holding a pistol, (in the middle) about to storm a residence in Coblenz, Germany, which appeared in the New York Times in March of 1945.
A Grand Lover of Life, a True Spirit of Genuine Encouragement and Enthusiasm, that infectious laugh, bubbling optimism and quite contagious zest for living, will forever be remembered and cherished by all whom he’s left behind.
Music and Education Pure and Beautiful, are Reflections of the Inner Beauty of the Universe, and that is also what he believed.
Until we meet again Dad, May God wrap you up in his Loving Arms.
Michael Richard Dudeck Jr. in the middle holding a pistol. Posted in the New York Times, March 21, 1945
My sympathies and prayers are with you during your time of grief. So sorry for your loss.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
A beautiful tribute to your dad. May God comfort you and your family.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you….he will always be with you, and with that you will feel comfort. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal….Love leaves a memory no one can steal….
Dearest Kat I know how much you will miss your dad. He left such an impact on your life . I am so glad that I got to know him. I will miss his kindness and stories he shared with me when I was at wrights. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Lois Verona