RELJA, TONY A.

SOUTH HAVEN, July 7 – The body of Pfc. Tony A. Relja, 20, killed in action on Bougainville on November [3], 1943, will arrive by railroad in Grand Junction at 3:30 a.m. Sunday, according to word received here. The body will be brought to the Calvin Funeral Home here.

Funeral services for Pfc. Relja will be conducted at 9 o’clock next Monday morning at St. Basil’s Catholic Church here, with the Rev. Fr. George P. Horkan officiating. Burial will be in the family plot at Lake View Cemetery.

The rosary will be recited for Pfc. Relja at 8 o’clock Sunday evening at the Calvin Funeral Home.

Full military rites at the graveside will be in the charge of Edward W. Thompson Post 49 American Legion.

Pfc. Relja is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Mary Kinsley of Ann Arbor, and Mrs. Clara Gallogis of Chicago; and two brothers, Michael of Chicago, and Paul.

His mother, Mrs. Duyka Relja, died on Feb. 12, 1947, and his father, John, died several years ago.

Pfc. Relja was killed in action on Bougainville on Nov. 3, 1943. His mother received word of his death on Nov. 17, 1943, his 21st birthday. He had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve on February 1942.

He was born at the family home on Phoenix Road two miles east of South Haven on Nov. 17, 1922, and attended South Haven High School. Before entering the service he was employed by the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company here and by Wood & Myers Trucking Company.

After entering service, he had never been home on furlough.