Michael Wayne Edwards

DECATUR - Edwards, Michael Wayne, husband of Kelly McCourt Edwards and father of Mikkenzi McCourt Edwards, of Decatur, IL, age 49, joined God's "Fisher of Men", and his daughter, Willow on October 30, 2007 at 11:22 A.M. in the arms of his wife, Kelly McCourt Edwards. The couple was married June 12th, 1999. Mike was born in Battle Creek Michigan, on the 15th day of March in 1958, to Burl and Mary Ann Edwards. Mike is our hero. He had battled Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) for many years. Mike had gone through three rounds of chemotherapy, and under gone a Bone Marrow Transplant April 3, 2007. Mike became very ill after returning home in July of 2007. He was re-admitted to Loyola University Hospital on September the 4th, 2007. Mike was finally diagnosed as "cancer free" five weeks ago, and with deep sadness, he developed a fatal type of GVHD in his lungs, and it was irreversible. Mike passed away at Loyola University Hospital, in Maywood IL in the ICU Bone Marrow Unit, after a long and agonizing fight. He was surrounded by prayer, friends and family, and his ever-faithful nurse, Lisa. He went into God's arms, with a lot of love, and with my arms wrapped around him. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 4, 2007 at Dawson & Wikoff Funeral Home in Mt. Zion, IL. Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M on Saturday November 3, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Township Cemetery at 725 Woodland Drive, Mt. Zion. Mike is asking that all of his motorcycle enthusiast friends ride their bikes. Mike's love for motorcycles will be incorporated into his funeral. The procession to the cemetery will be led by a motorcycle brigade. A celebration for Mike's life will be held at the Lions Center, on Main Street in Mt. Zion, with music by Julie McClarey, and an open jam session immediately following the Graveside services. Memorial donations may be made to Mikkenzi McCourt Edwards, all Earthmover Credit Union locations. Messages of condolence may be directed to the family via email at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Mike was employed by PPG Industries. He absolutely loved his work and his co-workers. His work ethic was amazing and his fellow workers say that he always had everyone laughing, and he was always willing to help anyone in need. Mike was called "Iron Mike" by his co-workers at PPG Industries, known for riding his motorcycle until the middle of January. But my beloved, that nickname represented more than your love to ride, it went way beyond that. You were made of strength, like iron, that I can never imagine; you rarely missed work, and it was only due to the birth of your beautiful daughter, or illness. Never have I met a human that could take chemotherapy treatments and go to work the same day. You were a dedicated employee, and a beloved friend to all. Mike was an incredibly talented man. He is well known for his outstanding athletic ability in the areas of Football; Track & Field; Basketball; and Baseball. Mike's love for sports began at a young age, and by the young age of 12 he was playing on the Dean Phipps, adult league. He is remembered by his speed and grace. He also had a love for racing, and enjoyed it for several years. Mike was an artist, musician, Mr. fix-it, designer, engineer, antique collector, music connoisseur, chef, and had the ability to play any sport. I have never met anyone like you who could do it all. And Mike, your humor had perfect timing, and it made everyone remember you. Your gift of laughter has definitely been passed to Mikkenzi. Mike your greatest ability was being a wonderful husband and a remarkable father. Never have I met a dad that could fix hair, repair a boo-boo, and make a child feel so happy and secure. You did it all, which is why we always called you Mom-Dad. This is the last love letter I will write to you. You gave me the gift of being married to an amazing man and being a mother, both things that I thought would never happen to me. There never went a day that you did not tell or show me that you loved me, and that you could not make it without me. You will always be my Bubba, Bubby, Guido, and best friend. You always told everyone that we were soul mates, born on the same day-March 15th, standing side by side we fit like a puzzle, thought the same way, enjoyed all of the same things. You made everyday an adventure. You brought me the belief that I could be loved, you gave me confidence, and showed me how a woman should be cherished. You said I gave you "butterflies" up until you could speak no more. Mikkenzi, your daughter was and is the joy of your life. When you were with her the world was perfect. She always wanted her "Poppy". I am not sure what she will do now, I can only pray you will guide me. She has her father's eyes, sense of humor, and talent. When I look at her I see you. I promise you, I will always keep you alive in her memory. You will never be forgotten. You told me over the last few weeks the words "I could not have done this without you, I love you so much", but Mike you had it wrong, I could have not done anything without you and I love you "More than the Moon and the Stars". Our wedding day we spoke our vows to the theme of the Titanic. You said I was Rose, and you were Jack, hanging on the door in the icy water, until you met me. And just like the movie, I told you "never let go", which is inscribed in your wedding ring. I never thought I would say the words "let go, it is ok to let go". But hear my cries in heaven, I surrender Lord, I let him go to you, for he loves you so much. But in my heart I will never let go of you-you live forever in my soul for we are one. Michael I know how much you adore your daughter, for you two are one in the same, and I know you love me. But I am telling you it is ok to let go now, for you love God most of all, and you always said you were the "Fisher of Men" here on earth, and you said this long painful journey would be worth it, if it brought people to Christ. And believe me my love, your net has been tossed out and you have caught many a fish. Your journey was worth it. You taught me to fight, to love, and to trust God each second. Sleep well my love, and stay close to Mikkenzi and I forever, for there is a hole in our hearts, and our house is not ringing with laughter, and I know you will show us the way with God's help. We lived each day with no regrets, and we shared a love that few experience. You said "I am not afraid to die, but I have a job to do and I am not done doing my job". Mike your job is now to watch over us, I will be with you my love; I will never leave, so enjoy the freedom and ride your "golden motorcycle" through the pearly gates, and embrace your dear friend Andre Lovelace, for he awaits your arrival. Have your daily morning coffee, and remember us all. Remember my words over the past seven months, "Love you Mike, I got you!" Survived by: his wife: Kelly McCourt Edwards; Daughter: Mikkenzi McCourt Edwards; Mother In-law: Ruth (Dazey) McCourt; Mother: Mary Ann (Van) Edwards; Father: Burl Edwards; Sisters; Laura Eble (Mike), Judy Buckles (Ed); Sister in-laws: Kathy McCourt Cox, Brother Rick Edwards (Dawn) Edwards. Nieces and Nephews: Jordan Cox, Jamie Schniederjan, Annie, Matt, & Julie Eble, Heather and Chris Edwards; Cyndi Grunden (Kurt), Lisa Freesland, Amber Teague. Great nieces and nephews, cousins, Extended Family: Pam, Dave, Emily, and Jacob Haycraft. Beloved friend/caregiver Jayne Olefsky, prayer warrior Karen Fraizer; Pets: Pumpkin and Taylor. Preceded in death by: Daughter: Willow McCourt Edwards (baby); Sister: Theresa Duran, Maternal Grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. Cyriel Vanspeybroeck, Paternal Grandparents James Edwards, Aunt and Uncle Elma and Marion Westerman. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp