John Keleman Szajko's Obituary
John Keleman Szajko was born November 11, 1951, in Decatur, IL, the son of John Szajko and Catherine (Bond) Szajko. John lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and love for his family and community. He married Anita Stroud on August 8, 2008.
John proudly served his country and community in the United States Navy and as a deputy with the Macon County Sheriff's Office. After retiring from the Sheriff's office, he worked another decade with ADM Trucking. John enjoyed, hunting, fishing, flying airplanes, and riding motorcycles with his friends. John's passions included his membership in the Steel Justice Motorcycle Club and later as a founding member of United Riders Motorcycle Club.
John is survived by his wife Anita; son John K. Szajko, Jr. (Darcy) of Decatur, IL; daughter Kristi Garner (Jason) of Lorena, TX; stepson Kelly Shirley of Champaign, IL, and grandchildren Izsak Szajko, Zayden Szajko, Sydney Garner, and Jesse Garner (Rhianna).
John was preceded in death by his father, John Szajko.
Burial arrangements are being handled by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, with interment at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 1:00pm. A Celebration of Life will take place at the Cerro Gordo American Legion Post #117 following the interment, where family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate his life.
John was a member of American Legion Post #117 in Cerro Gordo. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to American Legion Post #117 or a Veterans organization of their choice.
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