Florijan Otto Urekar

Technical Sergeant Florijan Otto Urekar of Eagle River, Alaska, formerly of Springfield, age 44, died on Tuesday, May 29, 2007, at his residence.

He was born on Dec. 20, 1962, in Springfield, the son of Verlene Kruckeberg Urekar of Springfield and the late Joseph Urekar.

He married Cherie Segal on Nov. 24, 1984. She survives.

Also surviving are four sons: Joshua Urekar and fiance Codi Horak of Albany, Ore., John, Florijan Jr. and Russell Urekar, all of Eagle River, Alaska; a sister: Elaine Urekar of Springfield; mother-in-law: Judy Lockenour and husband, Clyde of Mackinaw; a brother-in-law: Tony Segal and wife, Cheryl of Ingleside; and two nieces, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law: John Segal.

TSgt. Urekar graduated from Southeast High School in Springfield in 1982. While in high school, he was employed at Watt's Brothers Pharmacy in Springfield, and was later employed at K's Merchandise Mart in Springfield prior to joining the USAF in 1987. Following basic training and tech school, he was assigned to Travis AFB in California, where he worked the flight line, back shop and ISO. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia and served our country during Desert Shield/Storm/Calm. He was later reassigned to Elmendorf AFB in Alaska, and was proficient on multiple aircraft as well as becoming the sole dual airframe engine run certified technician in his career field. TSgt. Urekar was lauded at Kunsan Air Base in Korea for many accomplishments he served in the hydraulics shop. He served as hydraulics section chief and squadron facilities manager/environmental program coordinator. TSgt. Urekar's decorations include: Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal and the Outstanding Unit Award with Oak Leaf Clusters. He retired from the Air Force on March 30, 2007. His memberships included Peace Lutheran Church in Eagle River, Alaska; head umpire for the Elmendorf Baseball/Softball Youth Programs in Springfield until his move to Eagle River, where he was the head umpire for the Knik LIttle League and umpire instructor for the Anchorage/Eagle River area.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 14, at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 15, at the funeral home with Rev. Arthur Schudde officiating.

Interment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Scott AFB will be conducting full military honors at graveside.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association-Midwest Affiliate.

Tributes and condolences may be submitted to www.mem.com.