Michael C. Thuma
The family of Mike Thuma is sad to share that his long fight with cancer ended peacefully on December 20, 2018, at home with his family surrounding him. Mike, 54, battled his illness courageously with dignity and enormous strength until the end. He faced each day as it came and with each new challenge he chose to stay in the game and not let his illness define him.
From a very young age, Mike’s parents encouraged his love of learning and inspired him to use his creative mind and spirit. Mike enjoyed a good challenge, always coming home with a “project,” like the ‘57 Chevy he rebuilt. Mike’s great joy was to see his vision come to life. He loved being with his friends and was fiercely loyal to them, a characteristic he demonstrated throughout his life.
Mike was a lifelong learner and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a master’s degree in Product Development from Northwestern University. Over the course of his professional career, Mike designed and developed many products. He patented several of his own designs and became a legal expert witness for patent lawsuits. He enjoyed the last 10 years of his professional career at Suncast Corporation in Batavia, IL.
Mike used his creative mind and talents in every area of his life. He loved a good challenge. Mike was a doer and a fixer, always finding ways to make things better.
Mike loved the Northwoods of Wisconsin, first being introduced as a child by his parents at their family cabin and later spending many happy years at the BlueJay in St. Germain, WI. During these years, he again shared his talent and passion for architecture and design, making the cabin more beautiful and functional, as well as happily piloting the Supra around Lake Content.
Mike pursued his passion for lacrosse, dedicating many hours to coaching and teaching players of all ages. His commitment to the sport he loved was evident in his role as a leader in the Western Springs Lacrosse Program as well as more recently coaching at Montini Catholic High School. Mike’s coaching style not only focused on the athletic skill of the players, but on motivating and inspiring players to be the best they could be on and off the field.
It goes without saying that Mike’s most cherished role was as a father and husband. Mike and Mary, his wife of 27 years, raised three beautiful children. Emily, Dan and Will were the joys of Mike’s life. Together, Mike and Mary taught their children that they would be defined by the choices they made in life. His children knew he saw the best in them and he always encouraged them to realize their potential. Mike gave his children the best parts of him.
Mike will be missed every day by his parents, sister, wife, children, honorary sisters and brothers, other family and friends. At the end when asked whether anything remained on his bucket list, Mike told his children: “You are my bucket list.”
Rest in Peace, Mike, finally free of pain and likely redesigning the gates of heaven.
Visitation will be held Thursday, Dec. 27 from 3pm until 9pm with a Memorial Service to begin at 6pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55thStreet, Countryside. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations given to the American Cancer Society or St. Thomas Hospice are appreciated. The family invites those attending the visitation to bring a Christmas ornament to be placed on a tree in honor of Mike.
This is such an amazing description of my brother, and so true to his loyal, giving spirit. He always tried to see the positive side of everything. I looked up to him all these years, and continue to do so. I will never forget during my Sr. year college design project, I was freaking out and he drove all the way from Michigan to Ohio just to build a 3D model of my design, and give me inspiration. You are so loved, I wish we had spent more time together, but across the miles time goes too quickly. You deserve heavenly peace.
I love you and miss you,
Deb
Deb,
I’m so sorry about the loss of your brother. I wish I had the right words; many years have separated us but just know that I care. You, Mary, the children and your Mom & Dad have been in my thoughts the past few days. Hoping you find some little piece of beauty in the midst of the darkness.
Debbie
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I worked with Mike at Brooks Stevens Chicago for about 1 year. It was my first real job after college and he was a great mentor.
Unfortunately, Mike and I lost touch over the years, but I will remember his creativity, talent, and passion for design.
I know this a difficult time for you and your family, I lost my dad to cancer 30 years ago, when he was only 51.
May his memory be a blessing.
Aaron Eiger
My heart is heavy thinking of Mike and his whole family including my dearest friend Debbie. May your tears be mixed with smiles at his memory. I love the story of him driving from Michigan to Ohio to be with you Deb. And of course, I remember him as a smiling, early and ready helper when you moved in (or out?) of the apartment across the hall from me. Much love. Kristie.
Mary and family,
I am very sorry to hear about this huge loss.
Losing a loved one is totally heart breaking. I’m very sad he had to go. I hope that all the great moments that you were able to have with him brings you comfort.
This is so beautifully written and so perfectly captures Mike I am without words. We are so sorry Mary, Emily, Dan and Will. We will miss our “driveway chats” and visits with Mike in the yard. Everyone should be so lucky to have Mike Thuma as their neighbor and friend.
Nothing could be more true George and Leslie. Mike could be in the middle of his own project and drop everything to help you. I will miss his ready smile and the “Cardinal” Thumas <3
I can still picture Mike professing lacrosse at WS House league with a mass of third and fourth graders around him behind LT. I’m very thankful he passed along that passion as both my sons still play in High School. Thank you Mike Thuma!
As you gather to mourn, to grieve, and to celebrate Mike’s life, remember his brotherly love and how that brought comfort to you, Debra and his courage to face life one day at a time enduring through illness and injury. In the end, choose to hold on to your loving memories forever in your heart. –Aunt Mym
Dearest Mary and Family,
My heart is heavy for all of you as I read this on Christmas day. While yours and the children’s lives have changed forever, the unconditional love Mike expressed to you lives on forever. I know you will hold that near and dear in your heart. You are in my heart and prayers. I’m praying for a peace that surpasses all understanding.
Mike was always a pleasure to see. Even during his illness he always had a smile on his face when he greeted me. Tough as nails. My condolences to all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
What an amazing man! He lead his life as a good example to us all! May his greatest virtues live on in all who loved him! Count on our continued prayers!
Debbie,
Everything I’ve read about your brother Mike has been incredibly inspiring. He was a wonderful person who led a life that should be celebrated and made the world a better place. My heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your family.
What a wonderful tribute to A man who obviously made a difference and an impact on the lives of so many. My deepest sympathies to Mike’s entire family and this heart wrenching loss.
So sorry for your unimaginable heartbreak and loss.
Some of my fondest memory’s are times I spent with Mike in Kalamazoo. What a great guy, great influencer, and a great friend.
Mike was a great leader, not only in principal, but in action. He influenced me with the will to be a better person, and leader.
I have great regrets in loosing touch after the WMU years, and a heavy heart in the loss of a friend.
However the joy and and honor of knowing “Thumper” and calling him a friend and brother, the wonderful memory’s we made, has added meaning and great value to my life. I love ya Mike, forever.