Name: Visitation for Michael Holewinski
Start: 2017-06-25T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-06-26T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Smith-Corcoran Chicago Funeral Home

Michael S. Holewinski, of Chicago, passed away June 19, 2017. Mike was born April 30, 1947 to Stanley and Genevieve Holewinski, who preceded him in death. Mike enjoyed an accomplished life, which included toy buyer for Montgomery Ward, pilot, Illinois legislator, attorney, Administrative Assistant to Mayor Harold Washington, Vice Chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, Chairman of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and, most significant to him, a manufacturer. He took over the family business, Ace Plating Company, and continued to build his manufacturing empire with Acme Spinning Company, F&S Stamping, Cano Tool, Art Specialty and Barnes Plating. When he wasn't working, Mike preferred to relax on the beaches of South Maui and Chetek, WI. He always looked forward to spending time with his family, the "Cousins" and his many friends and neighbors. Mike was a political junkie who relished a good debate. He is thrilled to finally be with his beloved daughter, Annie, after 17 years. Mike is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of "53" years, Mary (nee Plaza), son, Jeff (Jamie), sister, Joyce (Jim) Walschlager, sister-in-law, Jennie (Tony) Fontanetta, brothers-in-law, Joe (Emilie) Plaza, Rich (Sharie) Plaza, many nephews, nieces and great nieces. Visitation Sunday, June 25, from 3 to 9pm at Smith-Corcoran, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago. For info 773-736-3833 or visit Michael's memorial at www.smithcorcoran.com

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Published by Chicago Tribune from Jun. 23 to Jun. 25, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Holewinski

29 Entries

Cecilia Milotti

June 17, 2024

We miss you, so many of us. You are always in our hearts.

Alzina (Barnes) Miller

June 18, 2022

I am proud to have touch your life as we worked together and as friends through the years. Thank you for the good memories we shared. Miss you.

Cecilia Milotti

June 17, 2021

I join the many, many people missing you, wishing to have dinner with you and Mary. God took you so early, He might have needed you in Heaven.
Until we meet again.

Alzina Barnes Miller

June 18, 2020

Remembering our valuable friendship together with family and friends. May God's Grace watch over them.

Alzina Barnes Miller

June 18, 2020

Remembering the years of friendship with you, family and friends.

Cecilia Milotti

June 17, 2020

In loving memory of the best friend one could ever wish for. You will always be missed.

Alzina Barnes Miller

June 17, 2019

Gone but not forgotten by your friends

John Lyons

August 22, 2018

To the family of Mike Holewinski, my name is JohnLyons and I knew Mike from Montgomery Ward. I met Mike in 1971 when I joined Wards as one of the first African Americans to enter the buyer training program. Mike befriended me almost immediately and was the nicest, kindest and non-judgemental person I had ever met in Chicago and at Wards. After he left Wards I remained until 1981. I'm now retired and live in Florida and while having lunch with a friend I saw a vintage jaguar and I immediately thought of Mike,I thought I'd look on the internet to see what he was up to after all this time and I found his obituary. I of course felt saddened but his accomplishments in life made me very proud to have known him. I had to share as he was a man that I'd never forgotten. Please accept my condolences . God bless. John Lyons, Miami Fl.

Joyce Walschlager

July 14, 2018

June 19, 2018 - My Dearest Brother:
I close my eyes and see your face and hope you are in a better place. If my tears had watered a garden how lush it would be. We would walk hand in hand in a place of beauty, peace and tranquility, the two of us, side by side together - my brother and me.
So today, I ask - if Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bouquet for me. Place them in my brother's arms and tell him they're from me. Tell him remembering him is easy as I do it every day and when he turns to you and smiles, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold his hand for awhile. Let him know how much I Love him and miss him, tell him I'll never forget him as I feel his hand in mine, but most of all, tell him once again how blessed I've been that he is my brother. Love dear brother today, tomorrow and for all eternity. Proud to forever be "Mike's sister."

Alzina (Barnes) Miller

June 20, 2018

I treasure the wonderful memory of our friendship with family and friends. R.I.P. Mike. Xoxo. Alzina (Al)

Jennie & Tony Fontanetta

June 19, 2018

What we cherish most when we think about Mike are his compassionate love for people, his quick sense of humor and his readiness to have a good time...quite a formula for an incredible human being. Are we lucky having Mike as our brother-in-law? You better believe it! A smile just naturally appears on our faces and in our hearts!

Maureen Douglas

June 15, 2018

Mike was a great neighbor and someone easy to have a conversation with. He also was such a tooper and a go getter!

Emilie Plaza

June 2, 2018

About Mike, first and foremost, so lucky to have known him. Over many years, I spent many times with him and while I may not recall any specific thing he may have said, he ALWAYS (emphasis added), every single time, made me feel so good just to be in his company .. I will never forget him and I will always remain as grateful for having shared life with Mike as I am sad to have lost him. Love you Mike .. always have, always will.

Nancy Kaszak

May 11, 2018

I first met Mike when I was thinking on running for Congress in 1996. I called Mike for his advice. Mike told me about his experience representing the Northwest Side and encouraged me to run. I will always grateful for his support and guidance.

Cecilia Milotti

April 6, 2018

A memorial will be held at the Copernicus Centre, 5216 W. Lawrence, Chicago on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
A "save the date" card will soon be sent out.

Alzina Barnes Miller

November 26, 2017

Dear Mary and Jeff, I am deeply saddened, as you must know, to learn of Mike's passing. It was a privilege to have been considered his friend and work with him. Me and your family shared many years to remember. He was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father and friend to many. I will miss him.

Alzina Barnes Miller

November 26, 2017

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Mary, family and friends. I just learned today, November 25, of Mike's passing. His memory will always be with me.
Alzina (Barnes) Miller

Robert Waters

August 3, 2017

I was proud to be a supporter of Mike's during his campaigns for the legislature and the City Council. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Babette and Dirk Novak and Matthews

July 18, 2017

Our deepest condolences to Mary and the Halewinski family. He was a wonderful person and will be missed in the neighborhood and beyond. Sending healing wishes to you, Mary.

July 5, 2017

Dear Mary and Jeff, So sorry about Mike! Sorry I wasn't there I was sick at the time. My heart felt condolences! All my love! Debbie Lulofs

Daniel Elliott

June 26, 2017

Fom Daniel Elliott retire union electrician. Mike Holewinski was a one of a kind person.Mike was believe it or not was an honest politician and a very smart and kind person.

Debbie Dominelli

June 25, 2017

Mary and Jeff, I am so very sorry to hear about Mike! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Debbie Hill (Dominelli)

Stephanie Dzielawa

June 24, 2017

Mary my dearest friend, We've shared good times and difficult times over the years. Friends are always there for each other and will always be there. Love you always. We will miss Mike, he was truly one of the greats. Larry & Stephanie

Howie Greenberg

June 24, 2017

There is a Yiddish word that I think very aptly says who Mike was and that is Mensch, which in our vernacular means " a really good guy". We will miss you Mike , rest in peace !!

Larry Dubin

June 24, 2017

Mary - So sorry for your loss. Hope you are well. Please accept our condolences.

Bob Rosenberg

June 23, 2017

Our condolences to Mary, Jeff and Mike's family. He was a great guy and will be sorely missed.

Cecilia Milotti

June 23, 2017

Mike is the epitomy of a true friend, always there, in good times and bad. I would not have been able to organize my husband's funeral without Mike and Mary. They were my rock at that terrible time in my life. This is only one example of the many times Mike helped me with his wise advice. He was always the one I turned to when faced with a problem.
My son considers Mike and Mary as family, and they never forgot his birthday, ever.
I can only imagine the smile on Annie's face when she hugged her dad in heaven. She, like her dad, was always there to help. She was my son's best friend at Loyola Academy. We will never stop missing her.

Robert Paget

June 23, 2017

Our deepest sympathies to Mary, Jeff and Jamie, on the loss of Mike ... quite the shock to learn of his sudden passing ... Mike was always a gentleman, an ardent "closet" politician, and an enthusiastic businessman ... may he rest in peace.
Robert (Barbara) Paget