Michael Harjung

Michael “Mike” Wendell Harjung, 92, residing in Chicago, Illinois passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019.Mike was born on July 5, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Michael Harjung and Anna (Schmalz) Harjung. Mike proudly served our country in the United States Navy. He was a zookeeper at The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago primarily working with small mammals, retiring in 1992. Mike frequently appeared on the Ray Rayner show on WGN handling and presenting animals on The Ark In The Park segment on behalf of The Lincoln Park Zoo and was the proud recipient of the R. Marlin Perkins Award of Excellence, honored as the Zoo Keeper of the Year in 1976. He was an avid fisherman and belonged to Cook’s Fisherman Club. He also assisted on many camping trips and events with Troop 148 of The Boy Scouts. In 1955, Mike was united in marriage to Mary (Schiro) Harjung. Mike is survived by Mary and their three children, JoAnn Harjung, Michael J. (Vicky) Harjung and George (Nancy) Harjung; grandchildren, Michael J. Harjung Jr., Mathew Harjung, and Joshua (Audrey) Harjung; great-grandfather to Aiden Harjung. Brother to the late Joseph (late Roseanna) Harjung, and is survived by his sister Anne (Marshall) Miller, along with nine nephews and 4 nieces. Visitation will be Sunday, July 28, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Cumberland Chapels, 8300 W Lawrence Ave, Norridge. Funeral will begin on Monday at 9:00 a.m. at the funeral home, then proceed to Immaculate Conception Church, Chicago, for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment Mt. Carmel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to the Lincoln Park Zoo (website link below). Info: 708-456-8300