When we first moved to Belleville,  we decided to attend mass at Blessed Sacrament to get a feel for the area.  

We had 8 children and decided to sit in the back of church. Right before mass we heard a rustling behind us,  a family with a lot of children moved into the pew behind us. It was Mike and Jan Cordes and their 8 children.

Mike invited us over to their house for breakfast.  Now 20 people  for a fun filled breakfast. We then bought a home and moved into the parish and enjoyed their friendship from then on. 

Mike was a real character and always brought a smile to my face.

Rich and Maureen Keys

When I think of Mr. Cordes I am flooded with memories and smiles.  I think of family, conversations, chores around the house and moving his latest "find."  Most mens trash was Michael's treasure!  This was his outlook on life; Always optimistic, sometimes scheming, and relishing the ride along the way. 

I think of inclusivity and how I always felt a part of the  family.  I took pride in the fact that out of the hundreds of kids that came through the Cordes home over the years, he knew my name.  I felt apart of the inner circle.  I think of opening the side door to the house, never locked, and walking in with ease and comfort, a sense of belonging.  

I think of calling the home telephone number and him answering "Michael" and being confused if I called the house or the restaurant.  I think of tolerance, and how during our high school years we made the basement our own, with loud music and dancing on tables.  If it was ever too much, he'd yell down the stairs from the kitchen and we knew enough was enough.  

I think of the Winnebago and the hot tub, Michaels on Main and breadsticks.  I think of late night conversations and debates on politics and the economy, life lessons and story telling with red wine mouths.  I think of popcorn and laughter, smiles and hugs.

Mr. Cordes was an an amazing father, friend, entrepreneur and adventurist.  Although we miss him dearly, his legacy continues and I am grateful for all of the times I shared with him.  We can all be assured he is looking down on us smiling with pride...with the tv and radio on in the background.