Not a condolence, but a remembrance > Happy Birthday, Michael.
2
Mike was a good man. I spent half my career working with Mike at EPD. He was a mentor for a wide-eyed kid from Wisconsin. He always took the time to help a new officers navigate the challenging environment of LE. Mike was always the one with a calming sense of confidence and a half a smile with a toothpick that told you everything would be ok. He had an unwavering commitment to his job, events to benefit others, and most importantly his wife Joanne (Preceded in Death) and his two daughters. We watched his daughters grow up thru Mike and he couldn't have been any prouder. With so many memories of Mike, one always exemplifies who he was. Mike was working security at the Chicago Bulls Basketball games. He knew I was taking my father-in-law and young son to a game he was working. At the time, my father-in-law was battling cancer and wanted to attend a game with his grandson and watch Michael Jordan play one last time. Mike found us in the arena and brought us down to the court to watch the team warmup, and let my son sit on the player's bench. An experience my father-in-law never forgot and a lasting memory for a young boy. That was Mike. I was fortunate to cross paths with Mike in our retirements. We enjoyed a lunch, talked about and laughed at the old days, and where the new days were taking him. You left your mark Mike. Rest in Peace my friend.
0
I am so very sorry for your loss ladies. A piece of my heart is gone. He was such a family man his whole life. He loved life and making memories with his family. He was a joker for sure. When I was young I always remember him sitting in his red corvair car playing songs with his drumsticks. He loved singing oldie songs. He told me that after Joanne (his wife) died that every time he saw a double rainbow he thought of her 🥰. I know he was proud of you both and what great moms you have become. Hugs to you both ❤️
1
Museum of Science and Industry
All nine brothers and sisters together! 🥰
2
Michael was my friend. He never let me quit. Not once. And, he and JoAnne provided unlimited support while I went through cancer treatments. At Elmhurst Police Dept he worked the patrol division, was a field training officer, a negotiator, a SWAT officer, an investigator, and a sergeant. He was President of the Elmhurst Police Benevolent & Athletic Association, a strong supporter of Illinois Special Olympics Torch Run (your mom ran in it also), a Co-founder of EPD Pump Club, a co-organizer of fundraisers for others in need, and involved in many dept activities. He was an Avid runner and sports enthusiast- He worked for the victims of crimes to lock the bad guys away. He could be stubborn, but always was compassionate toward the victims. And, he loved locking up the bad guys.
Most importantly, he was a family man who loved and cared for JoAnne and his girls, he was ever present for their activities, and worked hard to give them a solid start in life which they exemplify today. You were always loved Kristy and Sheri. Thank you for sharing him with us.
0
Mike always had a smile and positive word. His great smile was welcoming during a trying work day. Did not have the honor of meeting his family, but he loved to share his time with them and they meant the “world” to him.
0
Jim and I were extremely sad to hear of your dad’s passing. He was a good man .
0
I am very sorry about your dad dieing. Please rest assured, he loved you girls and your mother. I will always remember his smile.
0
Dear Sheri and Kristy,
I was an uneasy high school kid when I met your dad (and I was always extra nervous in front of friends’ parents), but Mike always had something funny to say, which I loved and which never failed to calm me down. I can still see his mischievous smile in my mind after he cracked a good dad joke.
He drove Sheri and I to my first concert, picked us up from the airport after our first trip to New York, and subscribed to a magazine JC and I produced for a time. I have nothing but fond memories of him, sweet and supportive guy that he was. The old photos are amazing. Your mom was a beauty. They made a perfect couple. Big, big hug to you both.
x Sybil
0
I am heartbroken to learn of Mike’s passing. We became good friends when he was in Brookfield PD and I was a dispatcher there. After I lost my husband, he sent me condolences with his phone number. I am just so sorry I did not get a chance to contact him. Mike was one of the good guys. I truly wonderful person.
0
Share with others
