Obituaries
Michael E. Polchopek
May 12, 1944 - December 23, 2021
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VISITATION
January 13, 2022 | 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. -
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 - Funeral
- January 13, 2022 | 11:00 A.M.
-
St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 E. Main Street
St. Charles, Illinois 60174 -
Burial Location
Private at a later date
Honoring And Celebrating Michael E. Polchopek
Born to Edward and Anne Polchopek in Chicago IL, Michael grew up on the south side and was an exceptional individual even in his younger years. He attended college at NIU where we met the love of his life and beautiful bride of 53 years, Nancy. He majored in Marketing Management and went on to get a degree in Guidance Counseling. Michael dedicated his professional career to Sears for 31 years, leading in various roles from Store Management, Quality Control, and finishing as HR Director. After an early retirement, he continued to lead and influence others as a Process Consultant, a dedicated Election Judge, Chairman of the Board for Summit Schools, an active member of St John Neumann church, and a passionate Traffic Safety Instructor. He brought his leadership into some of his biggest passions working with an AMAZING team at a Graphics Design & Signage organization, The Alphabet Shop. His long-time love for the game led him to his Kane Co. Cougars baseball family where he ran merchandising and operations at the souvenir shop, inspiring so many young professionals. He truly was a mentor in every situation, providing guidance and wisdom to all ages.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mike was a proud Patriotic American who sought out veterans to thank them for serving our country. The ultimate family man, Mike always put his heart at the forefront of everything that he did. Always giving of his time, knowledge, and talents, he attended every sporting event and extra-curricular activity to support his children and grandchildren. Every effort and good deed was rewarded with a coin from Papa! Mike went out of his way to create teachable moments that would instill lifetime values and grow his family into the best versions of themselves. Everything he did had a thoughtful and meaningful purpose. His sense of humor was unmatched with a unique ability to elicit joy and laughter. His laugh was infectious and his care was constant, checking in on us daily to see how everything was going.
Mike left an impact on each person that he came into contact with, leaving them with a kind gesture or positive thought. Even in tough times, and there were many health challenges that he faced, he always found something positive to focus on. In his words, he was always “one notch above outstanding and looking to get better.” Such a testament of his character!
Loving Husband of 53 years to Nancy Polchopek, Exceptional Father to Jennifer Dorn (Jeff), Ame Evoy (Chris), & David Polchopek (Megan). Remarkable Grandfather to Conor, Keara, Kyle, & Ryan Evoy, and Jordan & Emersyn Dorn. Dear Brother to Marcia Pietro (John). Loved dearly by everyone that he touched and will be missed beyond words.
We miss our daily conversations and the sound of your upbeat voice! We know that nobody will ever fill your shoes Dad and we’re not sure what we are going to do without you but we promise you, we will honor you and carry on all of your special traditions. We will always remember you smiling and full of life and we will take all of your life lessons forward into our lives. You will forever be in our hearts and thoughts and you will live on through our actions, which are a direct result of your teachings.
Thank you Dad for making this world a better place and showing us all how to do that with your endless positive outlook, kindness, honesty, and integrity! We know that your impact will be just as great in heaven; you are probably working 7 important jobs up there already! We love you more than words can say and we feel you here now, encouraging us with your words signature words to be happy, healthy, and terrific! As you and Emersyn always said, love you more than a million pink sprinkled donuts! Rest in Peace Dad, our Hero!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Michael’s name to Chron’s & Colitis Foundation, 733 3rd Ave, Ste 510, NY, NY 10017 OR The Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans, PO Box 368 Woodland Hills, CA 91365.
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Condolences
Peggy and Dennis Strode from Orland Park, IL
"Nancy and the entire Polchopek family, Our hearts are breaking. We will miss Mike so much, his smile and sense of humor will stay with us forever. He is gone way too soon. Our love and prayers to all of you. Love, Peggy and Dennis"
Fred Rackow from Hampshire, IL
"It is so hard to believe Mike is gone.Lin and I will always remember Mike as generous, kind, caring, and always had a smile. Too many stories as roommates at NIU. A fantastic friend, a great father, and man of faith. You will always be in our hearts."
Arrambides from St charles, IL
"Our condolences to the Polchopek family. Mike will always be remembered walking with Cookie and a smile on his face. He was such a kind and caring neighbor who always inquired about our kids. I’ll always appreciate the opportunity and mentoring he gave our son this past year at KCC."
Rick Poulton from Elgin, IL
"Dear Nancy and Family, I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. As you know he was an outstanding individual, and I was fortunate and blessed to be able to refer to him as a friend. He taught me much through his wisdom, sense of humor and enthusiasm for whatever in which he was engaged. He was terribly proud of this family and will be sorely missed by all who were lucky enough to have known him. God bless and Godspeed."
Marge Evans from Wheaton , AK
"I am so sad to hear of Mike's passing. My prayers are with his family. I will miss his hugs and smile and genuine concern for all he knew. I've worked with Mike for many years at Kane County Cougars and know he will be missed by all. 🙏🏻🇺🇸"
Mark Thompson from Pickerington, OH
"Wishing your family peace and healing in the days ahead."
Michelle Larsen from Elgin, IL
"Mike was a mentor to me. I loved his gregarious and joyful attitude and teaching spirit. As I read the lovely obituary it is obvious that he planted wonderful memories and outstanding characteristics' in all who have been blessed to be in his life. He will be missed."
Maureen Valsted from Elgin, IL
"While working at the front desk at Summit School I have been fortunate to have been given opportunity to get to know Mike. Whether it was on the phone, or in person, Mike always had a kind word and a happy smile to give. He always asked as to the well-being of myself and my family, and we loved to share stories of our grandchildren. I will miss him terribly and offer prayers for you all during this difficult time."
Becca Gillie from Dundee, IL
"I have been at Summit School, Inc. for 14 years. Mike was always letting me know how much everything I did was appreciated. He wasn't all business when he would come to Summit, he would has about my son and how I was, he truly cared. He spoke highly of his family and we would share stories. He was truly a mentor and inspiration to me. In his christmas card this year he wrote, "Thank you for all you do for Summit, you and all your efforts are greatly appreciated. You are the Best!" Mike I will truly miss your help, notes and smile, you are an angel in heaven with our heavenly father now. I offer my prayers for Nancy and all the children, grandchildren and family."
Maggie Jackson (Schumacher) from League city, TX
"I have so many wonderful memories from my childhood with Mr. Polchopek. He was a wonderful man full of life, love and positivity. The world lost an amazing man but heaven gained a very special angel. I want to wish the entire family love and light during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts, prayers and heart."
Joe and Dee Bryja from Wheaton, IL
"I knew Mike from grammar school and beyond. In particular, we were close throughout college and resident hall work at NIU. Mike was an incredibly wonderful person. He stood out as the most “service-to-others” oriented person I ever knew. As a great family man, Mike was kind, gentle, and supportive in every way. His family all benefited from his guidance. Mike’s many medical challenges never limited his inspiration and help to family and friends. Dee and I enjoyed many wonderful dinners with Mike and Nancy that ended at the restaurants’ closing times. All of these memories will live in our hearts. We are sending our thoughts and prayers for Mike, Nancy and family!"
Maureen Christine & Michael Bazan from St Charles, IL
"Please accept my condolences, Nancy and family, on the passing of Mike. His smile radiated to all those who saw him, and he always seemed to be such a kind, gentle person. Someone you always felt better after having been around in his presence. I enjoyed seeing him at church, and out and about in the neighborhood. Thoughts and Prayers to his family."
Lita and Ed Jimenez from St. Charles, IL
"Our condolences to you Nancy and your family. Mike was such a kind person. Always a smile on his face and so pleasant. I enjoyed our conversations as we met in the neighborhood walking the dogs. He always walked away saying “tell Ed hello “. 💕💕🙏"
Susan Lee from Burr Ridge, IL
"Mike handled all of our signage needs for years and was always such a joy to work with. One of the kindest, most considerate, and professional people I have ever met. I am shocked to just now hearing about his passing. He will truly be missed. It is so nice to read how loved and appreciated he was in his life. My deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends."
from ,
"I worked with Mike at the Sears HQ in 1997-98 and we stayed in touch after I quit in 2002. I was always impressed with Mike's love and care for people. It was a joy to hear his voice, when we caught up by phone. Mike was a truly good human being."