Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Michael Leo Schwichtenberg
1959 - 2025
BORN
1959
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Schwichtenberg Obituary
Michael “Mike” Leo Schwichtenberg passed away on December 18, 2025 at the age of 66. Remaining to cherish Mike’s memory are his wife of 33 years, Janet Schwichtenberg, daughter Katie (Jacob) Schwichtenberg of Columbia, SC, brother Dave (Fran) Schwichtenberg, sister Judy (Larry) Litrenta, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding Mike in death are his father Leo Schwichtenberg and mother Elizabeth “Betty” Schwichtenberg (Née Slupikowski).
Mike was born May 21, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from East Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois in 1977 where he played football. Shortly following his graduation, he started working for United Airlines at O’Hare International Airport as a Customer Service Agent. He recently retired last year after 46 years of service. In addition, Mike worked for several years as a salesperson in the artificial turf industry and held a part-time position working for the minor league baseball team, the Columbia Fireflies, earlier this year. Mike’s career with United afforded him the opportunity to travel frequently, and he particularly favored warm tropical destinations and visiting the National Parks. While he loved to travel, his favorite place to be was at home with his family and dogs.
A longtime resident of Gurnee, Illinois, he recently relocated to South Carolina following his retirement. By moving south, he was able to be closer to his daughter and avoid the cold Chicago winters. He enjoyed supporting the local South Carolina Gamecocks and visiting Surfside Beach.
Mike was a lifelong fan of Chicago sports and loved cheering on his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs, any chance he could. He was a cheese connoisseur and enjoyed a good craft beer. Earlier in his life, he was an avid sailor, runner, cyclist and golfer. Known for his outgoing and kind personality, he had a true gift for connecting with others. His favorite topics of conversation included weather, aviation and cars.
Mike was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held Sunday, December 28 from 2-6 PM at Skaja Terrace Funeral Home at 7812 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714. We encourage you to wear your favorite Cubs shirt or jersey in honor of Mike.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 29 at 11:00 AM at Holy Virgin Martyrs Parish at 4157 Atlantic Ave, Schiller Park, IL 60176. Interment will be in Maryhill Catholic Cemetery 8600 N. Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL 60714.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike’s memory may be directed to PAWS Chicago. Mike was an animal lover and donated to PAWS throughout his life.
Funeral info: 847-966-7302
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Schwichtenberg
17 Entries
Diane Bennett-Zeivel
January 17, 2026
Janet, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. I ran into Debbie and Tod today and they advised me. I always enjoyed our times together back when we were all
Neighbors in Gurnee. My deepest condolences to you, your Daughter and family.
Joan Weinrauch
December 30, 2025
Mike was such a kind , easy going , and positive person ! I worked early turns for many years and had the pleasure of seeing him around ORD. He always talked so highly of his true loves, his girls , Janet and Katie . His warm smile and caring heart touched many of ours who had the pleasure of working along side of Mike . With my deepest sympathy and prayers , Joan Weinrauch
Margie Murphy
December 29, 2025
He was a great guy.I am really sorry for your loss.
Shari Himes
December 29, 2025
What a Guy!!! Very special and I’m sure he is in Heaven!!!
How you can show support
Denise Nicolau
December 29, 2025
I worked with Michael at the airport many years ago. He was a kind and sweet soul. Was saddened to hear about this. My most sincere condolences to his family. R.I.P., Michael!
Michelle Faul
December 29, 2025
Mike was such a great agent to always run into when I was working a flight. Always with a smile on his face he would talk about his house in SC. The last time I saw him he was months away from retirement. I was very excited for him and Janet and Katie. I am shocked to hear about his passing. My deepest sympathy to Janet and Katie. Sending healing prayers.
Mike Pingel
December 28, 2025
Had a blast working with Mike back when we were United rookies in CS down in the claim area in T-2 (1978). Those old spillplates of claim anreas 1 and 2 almost took our legs off! A great person to be around. So positive and a genuinely nice person.
Zina Qawami
December 27, 2025
“I was deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Michael’s passing. It was an honor to work alongside him. He was the best trainer, a father, and a brother to all, and he will always be remembered. Michael made a positive impact on everyone around him and will be greatly missed.”
Arlene Jurinek
December 27, 2025
Pleased to have him in my life he was a fine man
Colleen Broeski
December 26, 2025
My heart goes out
to all who loved Mike. I was truly blessed to know Mike since grade school at St. Beatrice and was a cheerleader for him in high school. He was such a kind and wonderful person. I sure was shocked to hear this news. May you all rest in God’s comfort and peace during this very difficult time. I will certainly be present at St. Bea’s for Mike’s mass. We made just about all our sacraments together in that church. God’s Blessings to you all.
Colleen Anderson (Broeski)
Joanie Dziak
December 24, 2025
So very sorry for your loss Dave. My condolences to you and your family. Holding you up in prayer.
Nannette McDonagh
December 24, 2025
I loved talking and working with Mike.He would always show me pictures of the different angles of the sun rising by the new house in South Carolina and tell me the difference in temperature between Illinois and South Carolina. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anonymous Anonymous
December 24, 2025
I remember working with him in the “United Club” on occasion he was such a gentleman.
Always very, very professional and great to see him reman cool under the pressures of the job
Bad weather, Mechanical creeping delays etc.,
May Mike rest in peace now. My condolences to his entire family.
Betsy Roberts
December 23, 2025
While I didn't know Mike all that well, I was certainly aware of his cherished daughter Katie. She was clearly his pride and joy. I worked my fair share of flights with Mike and was always impressed by how composed he always was....totally unflappable even when things were going down the proverbial "tubes". I know he is joining a small group of folks from our O'Hare days and they will all regale each other with their humorous tales of airline life! He was truly an anchor for the morning crew and was respected by everyone of us! I hold Mike in my thoughts this Christmas time and hope his family is strengthened by having everyone together. With heartfelt sympathy, Betsy Roberts.
Alister Thomson
December 23, 2025
Will never forget our joyous conversations about cars, aviation & work
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Mike, you’ll be missed.
Lisa Hopkins
December 23, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person.
Brandi Sipes
December 23, 2025
I am so sorry Katie and family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers! Love, Brandi Sipes
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Schwichtenberg's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Schwichtenberg
Dec
28
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Dec
29
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home
7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714
Dec
29
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Holy Virgin Martyrs Church
4157 Atlantic Ave., Schiller Park, IL 60176
Dec
29
Interment
Maryhill Cemetery
8600 N. Milwaukee Ave., Niles, IL 60714
Funeral services provided by:
Skaja Terrace Funeral Home - Niles7812 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles, IL 60714