Michael John Pietras

Michael John Pietras of Elburn Funeral services for Michael John Pietras, 36, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. The Rev. Katherine Lawes, pastor of the Community Congregational Church, Elburn, will officiate. Born June 19, 1996, in Chicago, the son of John R. and Raylene C. (nee Swede) Pietras, he died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, at Delnor Community Hospital, Geneva, where he was taken following a sudden collapse at his home. Interment will be in Blackberry Cemetery, Elburn, following the services. Michael grew up in Downers Grove and graduated in 1984 from Downers Grove North High School. From childhood, he was curious, creative and compulsively in pursuit of life. He was the boy whose Matchbox car collection became a real car collection, including his 1975 Plymouth Fury and the 1964 1/2 Mustang he restored in memory of his uncle, Marty Swede. He was also a member of the Shelby Mustang Club. Michael could teach himself to do anything and was a "techy geek" in the highest and broadest sense of the term. He was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of many. After Michael married Anna Palmer on July 29, 1989, the couple first lived in Downers Grove and later moved to Geneva, where Michael's hard work turned their little house into a gem. In 2000 they built their dream home in Elburn, where they raised their three daughters, entertained friends, and enjoyed summer sunsets. Michael's love for his children and the time he spent with them brought confidence, self-esteem and security to their lives. Michael also forged a family of friends on the rugged career ladder of information technologies. Through the years his career took him to many companies but he was most proud of his work with Professional Management Systems, Inc. As management information systems manager he helped grow the company which later became WorldCom. More recently he had been employed at Navigant International in Chicago. In addition to his wife, Anna, Michael is survived by his daughters, Melanie, age 5, Amy, age 2, and Lindsey, age 11 months; mother, Raylene Swede of Downers Grove; father, John R. Pietras of Laguna Beach, Calif.; sister, Michelle Pietras of Chicago; and paternal grandmother, Sophie Pietras of Trout Creek, Mich. In addition he leaves a family of friends and coworkers who shared his journey and who will take him with them wherever their lives may lead. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Martin Swede. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today, and from noon until the time of services Wednesday, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to benefit his wife and daughters. Donations may be made to the Michael Pietras Memorial, c/o Kane County Bank, PO 8018, Elburn, IL 60119. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (630)365-6414.