Michael William Cordes, 79, of Belleville, Illinois passed away peacefully in his sleep, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Michael was born on January 7, 1943, to William and Mary Cordes in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduating from DeAndreis High School in 1962, he went on to earn his Bachelor's in Business Administration at Southeast Missouri State and joined the Army Reserves in 1965 before completing his Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Arizona. Michael was an optimist, a dreamer, an entrepreneur, and a successful businessman who tackled every new idea and opportunity with unbridled passion, charisma, and enthusiasm.

Michael was a generous, gregarious, outspoken, provocateur who literally when he saw someone carrying a sign that read “will work for food” took them up on it. He lived every day in the present moment. His love, kindness, and generosity knew no bounds, nor did his penchant for offering unrequested advice to anyone who entered his home. His dynamic charisma and love of humanity could light up any room.

With his wife, Janice, he created a sizable family as rich and colorful and varied and giving, and obstinate as the man himself. Michael is survived by the love of his life of 60 years, Janice Marie Cordes, and their 10 children: Tanya Griffin, Che’ Cordes, Tony Cordes (Deceased), Kendra (Ryan) McMullen, Deborah (Sean) Jourdan, Justin Cordes, Kristen (Marc) McRoberts, Bryan (Katie) Cordes, Andrew (Shannon) Cordes, and Sarah (Tim) Force, along with 21 grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Michael is predeceased by his parents, William and Mary Cordes, and his brother Billy (Nancy) Cordes. He is also survived by his siblings Suzanne Ring Gallagher, Victoria (Rich) Konopka, and Teresa Cordes.

Everyone who met Micahel has a story - we invite you to share those stories with his family here to allow his passing to be a celebration of his life lived to the fullest.

A celebration of life will take place at the Catholic Student Center at Washington University on Saturday, November 26th at 10 AM. 

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