Obituaries

It is with deep sorrow the family of Michael Gill announce his passing.

Michael, 54,  (known to family and friends as Mike or Mikey) passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon February 8, 2023 after long courageous battle due to an infection. He was born January 2, 1969 as the first New Year’s  baby at Delnor Hospital to super proud parents’ Owen and Myrlene Gill. Gail and Sharon loved their baby brother and they managed to survive his teens.  His childhood was full of loving memories of his parents’ and sisters’ and friends. Mike attended St. Charles East High School and attended Universal Technical Institute.  His passion for cars and trucks continued throughout his life. Mike was a gifted mechanic; he could always diagnose any car issue.  In January, 1991 Mike’s friends set him up on a blind date at Salerno’s in St. Charles.  That blind date resulted in two people falling in love and were together for the next 32 years.  Owen and Mikenna were Mike’s whole world and heart.  Mike will be remembered as a friend with a big heart and always seeing the best in people. He was deeply devoted to God and prayer which guided him in his daily life.

Mike owned a few auto repair shops but his dream was to be on Main St. in his hometown of St Charles.  He spent the last several years building an incredible business and his family is hoping to continue his legacy.  To say he loved his job was an understatement.  After putting in a long day, he would make sure everything was sparkling and ready for the next day.  Mike ran his business under the belief “to be a man of your word and a handshake means something”, which Mike learned from his father.  He spent his entire career striving to do just that and to treat his customers honestly and fairly.  Older customers Mike would always give discounts, rides, and compliments. Outside of work Mike just loved simple things like having coffee on front porch with his family or getting up on a Saturday morning to make his dads pancake recipe. Mike loved fishing with Owen and Mikenna. He loved being out on the trails in Wisconsin or out on the lake tubing with the family or spending a day with Owen at the outdoor range shooting at  targets. Mike would pick Mikenna up from dance and their place was Colonial.  One of those nights they split a kitchen sink which is a sink full of ice cream and toppings. Both loved ice cream.  Mike spent hours at the shop on weekends with Owen where Mike taught Owen about tools and how to fix cars. Owen and Mikenna loved being with their dad.  And of course Owen’s football games and Mikenna’s dance recitals made him smile.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Kathleen; his son, Owen – who was inspired by his dad to seek a degree in Mechanical Engineering at University Michigan; his daughter, Mikenna, named after her father, and was fondly nicknamed “Baby”, of St Charles. He is also leaves behind his two sisters and their families; Gail (Dan) Brown and Sharon Gill of St Charles; his niece Beth (Vito) Brandonisio of Maple Park; his nephew Jordan (Hillary) Brown of Geneva. In addition Mike is survived by his large extended family.  Bill and MaryLou Ryan of New Jersey; brother-in-laws Dan Ryan of New York; Matt (Georgie) Ryan of New Jersey; Tim (Kristi Chirumbolo fiancé) of Wheaton;  Sean (Stephanie) Ryan of Wisconsin; and sister-in-laws Judy (Jack) Plunkett, Shannon (Greg) Adamucci, and Alison Ryan all of New Jersey; and many nieces, nephews, 2 great-nephews and 1 great niece.  Often speaking of their beloved Uncle Mike, one could hear his great-nephew say, “Uncle Mike can fix anything!” or one of his nieces running for hug hello while yelling out “Uncle Mike! Uncle Mike!”.

Mike was preceded in death by his loving parents, Owen and Myrlene Gill.

Special note to his best friend since Kindergarten, Scott Brubaker, for always being there for Mikey and his family especially these last several months even staying up all night on the phone when Mike was having a difficult night. To Jordan for reaching out to “Nonky” and keeping his spirits up.  And to Pastor Cal Bolin, Dina Brandonisio, Kevin Piemonte for laughing and praying with him as well as numerous other close friends.  He so appreciated the time you took out of  your day to reach out to him. And to Dr. Khalid Husain of Midwest Foot and Ankle and his team for Mike’s extraordinary care.

No goodbyes. Only love.

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