Michael Withey

MICHAEL Eric WITHEYage 45 of Sugar Grove, IL, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday morning, September 18, 2007 at Provena Mercy Center Hospital, Aurora, where he was taken following an apparent heart attack at his home. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born December 21, 1961 the son of Alvah and Susan (Welles) Withey. His arrival at home in Kaneville on Christmas Eve, was front page news as his grandfather was released from the same hospital on the same day after having suffered a stroke. Mike grew up to be a Kaneville boy, through and through. Attending Kaneland High school, he excelled in both sports and academics and made friends among coaches and teachers with whom he kept in touch as years passed. Michael had a competitive spirit, a strong will and a sense of humor that created many hallmark moments throughout his life and career. Following graduation he attended North Central College and the University of Arizona for a time but the typical college scene was not "Michael". At University of Arizona, he met Dee Barreto, a young woman who immediately recognized the difference when their first date featured highlights of his sister’s wedding and fond talk about his family and his beloved Kaneville. Within the year, Michael returned to Kaneville and Dee followed shortly. A year later, they were wed at the Kaneville church on July 26, 1986, and made their home in a nearby apartment until 1991 when they moved to Sugar Grove, IL. WORKING CAREERIn 1988, Michael began working at the Kane County Jail where he made many friends among the staff there. Even before he was hired, they were pulling for him as he made his way through the testing program. By then, Michael had suffered some serious injuries to his back and knee. The combination had gradually spiraled him into depression and he had also gained a great deal of weight which brought with it other complications. He hid both with an equally powerful combination of humor and humility, with "kidding" and "kindness". His character won him the respect and friendship of many. To a fault, Michael would do anything for anyone and often did. (unless, of course you were NOT a Bears and/or Sox fan – that could prejudice your case with Michael).Above all else, Michael loved his son and daughter, Michael Joseph and Morgan Elizabeth. He was enormously proud of their school and sport achievements and in turn, they both adored their father. Through recent years as he battled both his health and the healthcare system, his children and his family bonded as one and not only made the best of the hardships, they made the most of the good times too! As life continues, so too will the love that abides among them and the spirit that watches over them. SURVIVORS In addition to his wife, Diedre "Dee" of Sugar Grove, He is survived by two children, Michael (13) and Morgan (10). his parents: Alvah and Susan Withey. of Kaneville, IL ;four siblings:Marcia (Keith) Moon of Golden, CO, Matthew (Paula) Withey of Aurora, IL, Margaret "Meg" (Jason) Lamont of Ottawa, CanadaMarcus (Heidi) Withey of Kaneville, IL;Several nieces and nephews:(Marcia’s): Mande & Jesse Moon(Matthew’s): Paige Withey(Margaret’s): Madeline (Marcus’s): Jordyn and Hunter Maternal grandmother, Lorraine Welles of Kaneville, ILTwo uncles: Percy (Selma) Withey andMark Withey all of Minnesota;And one aunt, Joy (Robert) Radzka of DesPlaines, IL;His mother and father-in-law:Violet and Michael Barreto of Huntley, IL His brothers-in-law John Barreto of Woodstock and Steve Barreto of Tuscon, AZ and two cousins-in-law, Katie and Tyler Barreto.PRECEDED He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Philip Welles and paternal grandparents, Mildred and Alvah Withey. MEMORIALIn lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Michael’s name to benefit the loves of his life and his community. Memorial checks may be made to the Michael Withey Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call 1-800-8-CONLEY. A TRIBUTE TO OUR BROTHER MICHAEL Our Proud, Loyal, Generous & Humble older brother, brother-in-law & UNCLE. You will always be loved & with us, & always in our memory & hearts. Love you, Marcia, Matt, Meg & Marcus

A memorial visitation and service will be held Saturday, September 22, 2007 at the Kaneville United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jason Turner and Rev. Steve Good, pastor of the Sugar Grove United Methodist Church, will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:30am to 1:30 pm with the memorial service to begin at 2pm

Following cremation, private family committal services will later be held.