On November 25, 2020, Michael Steven Cetina, beloved father, husband, brother, and

best friend to all, passed away suddenly surrounded by his family. He was 60 years old.

Mike was born on May 27, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois to Daniel Cetina and Olga Cetina.

Mike spent his childhood on the South Side of Chicago with brothers Daniel, Robert, and

Nicholas. Mike attended Homewood Flossmoor High School, graduating in 1978, where he

excelled in both academics and athletics. He attended Grinnell College in Iowa, where he was a

two-year captain and stand-out player for the Pioneers football team.

Mike attended Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, Missouri and started

his career as an Assistant State's Attorney for the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office,

where he was the 1986 Misdemeanor Prosecutor of the Year. Also in 1986, Mike met the love of

his life, Tammy Alsobrook. They were married on September 25, 1987. Mike's career

eventually took him to a large private civil defense firm before he found his ultimate calling

serving the injured and wronged as a plaintiffs' attorney with Walsh, Knippen & Cetina, Chtd.,

where he secured numerous victories on behalf of the victims of institutional and individual

negligence. Mike was highly active in the legal community, co-founding the DuPage County

Inns of Court. In 2019, the Illinois Supreme Court appointed him to serve on the Illinois Civil

Jury Instructions Committee and the Illinois Minimum Continuing Legal Education Committee,

where he also served as Treasurer.

Mike's numerous athletic, academic, and professional accomplishments notwithstanding,

he was most proud of his role as a loving husband to Tammy and father to Danny, Tori, Allie,

and Tommy. As his children grew up, Mike continued his commitment to service by

volunteering as a coach for multiple sports, including over ten years as a coach for the Wheaton

Rams football program, during which time he coached and mentored hundreds of young athletes.

Mike will be remembered as always helping others: friends, colleagues, clients, players,

and family. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched. Mike was also an avid Chicago White Sox and Bears fan through good times and bad.

Mike is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brother Nicholas. He is

survived by his wife of 33 years, Tammy; children Danny, Tori (Mason Kienzle), Allie, and

Tommy; and brothers Daniel and Robert (Mamie).

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to CASA of DuPage County or the Wheaton

Park District. Arrangements handled by Williams-Kampp Funeral Home in Wheaton. Interment Private. Memorial Services will be at a later date to be announced. For info 630-668-0016 or www.williams-kampp.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 29, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Cetina

45 Entries

Michael Colella

November 23, 2022

I think about this great man every single day. Mike is still missed deeply and I continue to keep his family in my prayers.

James nelson

November 23, 2022

Missing mike each day at the sport center
His passion to make the room and day better was incredible

Scott Hardek

November 23, 2021

Mike was a friend and sometime adversary who could be counted on for integrity, common sense and good humor. We shared lunch or a beer from time-to-time and he is missed by all who were lucky enough to cross his path.

Grant Eckhoff

March 22, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss and that I have taken so long to write. I saw Mike all of the time at the courthouse and kidded him that when I went on my walk I would go by his office and see him up in his office working. I still look up thinking about him. He was a great attorney but an even greater person and I will miss him.

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Bill & Kathy Ulrich

December 8, 2020

It has been our great privilege to be friends of Mike Cetina for the last 35 years. Mike was a man to be admired and emulated. He exhibited great skills, strength and accomplishments as an attorney and a person. Mike did everything with great intensity and care for others. He touched so many lives and our community is better because Mike was in it. He was generous with his time and deeply treasured his loved ones. We are grateful to have known him and are saddened by his sudden loss. Mike, Tammy and their family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Kathy Ulrich

Judge Michael Powers

December 5, 2020

I had the privilege of having Mike practice in front of me. He was always well prepared and a skilled advocate for his clients. He was a gentleman and well respected by all. I never heard a bad word about Mike. Every year I looked forward to a Christmas luncheon and Fat Tuesday luncheon with Mike, Bob Black and Marc Forkins. Rest In Peace my friend.

Michael Colella

December 5, 2020

Mike was a GREAT man and friend who always was very sincere. He called me the day before he passed just to check in on my mom who recently had major surgery, simply because we were friends and he was concerned. I will miss you very much my friend and I will continue to pray for your family.

Raymond Fabricius

December 4, 2020

I met Mike about 3 years ago. He became involved as co-counsel for the plaintiff in a case I was defending. The case involved quite a bit of work and went to a jury trial. I think Mike and I got to know each other pretty well.

The trial was in the summer of 2019. After the trial, whenever Mike and I saw each other we would stop and talk. Then Covid came along and we didn’t see each other again. Today I heard he had passed.

Mike was an excellent attorney. More importantly, he was a wonderful person. I am happy to have known him.

My deepest condolences.

Hadas Benhamou

December 4, 2020

Dear Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie, and Tommy,
I had the privilege of working with your husband and father through my employment with Cogan & Power. He was a smart, kind, good, humble and incredibly knowledgeable man. I am deeply sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marc Conterato

December 2, 2020

Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy,
I’ve known Mike since I was 17, and was one of the first people I met in college. We got along immediately, and went on to be teammates, roommates and life-long best friends. We stayed in contact and in each other’s lives for over 40 years, and was the best friend I ever had. He inspired me to always do better and try harder, and was a person I could always talk to about anything. He was one of the finest people I’ve ever met, and I will miss him the rest of my life.
I thought I would include a picture of Mike, Sarah S. And myself in our college days.

Marc Conterato
Friend

David Hall

December 2, 2020

To Tammy and her family, Denise and I are still in shock over this devastating news. Are hearts and prayers go out to you all during these extraordinarily sad times. Our families go way back and we remember with fondness how Tori palled around with our daughter Bailey. On a side note, I’ve worked professionally with Mike and had the honor to compete with him (and his partner Ed Walsh) on an epic month long , hard fought Med Mal trial a few years back. Tammy, I have known hundreds of lawyers during my too long of a trial practice but your husband affected me like few others. I’m hard pressed to think of another lawyer who was so friendly, decent and honorable as Mike. Of course he also was a fine lawyer but it was always his humanity that struck me as truly special. His untimely passing has left a void in us all.
Best,
David

DiBenedetto

December 1, 2020

Dear Tammy and family,
Our hearts are broken at the news of Mike’s passing. What a wonderful man taken much too soon. May your beautiful memories of Mike guide you through this terrible tragedy. If there is anything we can help you with at this time please don’t hesitate to ask.
God bless you all,
Love and prayers,
Ernie and Kate DiBenedetto

Joe and Patti Birkett

December 1, 2020

Dear Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie, and Tommy, Patti and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to each of you. I had the privilege of working with Mike in The State's Attorney's Office. From Mike's first days in the office it was obvious that he was going to be a great lawyer and respected adversary. Mike made friends easily and valued those friendships. Mike's clients knew that he cared deeply about there troubles and he worked tirelessly to achieve justice for them. Mike was so proud of all of you. We will all miss him. You are in our prayers. Joe and Patti Birkett

Rose Smith Mostafa

December 1, 2020

Dear Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Mike was such a wonderful man and I truly enjoyed working for him. He was a genuine person and I remember giving him the nickname Mr. Congeniality - one of the best bosses I ever had. My heart is broken. Please know that I am thinking of all of you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family.

Bernie Stewart

December 1, 2020

Dear Tammy and family, my heart is broken for you all on the very sad loss of Mike. I did not know him personally, but having read the Obituary in the Chicago Tribune on Sunday I was so taken by the wonderful tribute to his life and what a truly amazing person he was. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.

Stetson Atwood

December 1, 2020

I was shocked and saddened by the news of Mike's passing. We had several cases together over the years and I found him to be nothing but professional and courteous. He was a an excellent attorney and will be missed.

Nancy and Adam Kreuzer

December 1, 2020

Dear Tammy, Dany, Tori, Allie and Tommy, We are so very sad to hear about Mike/your dad. We have such fond memories of the early years and echo so much of what is written here in other posts. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time and our deepest sympathy goes out to your entire family. Adam and Nancy Kreuzer

Mark McNabola

November 30, 2020

I am so sorry to hear this. Mike and I had many great times and we're friends over forty years. He was a consummate gentleman and a man for others. My deepest condolences to all the Cetina's. May he Rest In Peace.
Mark McNabola

John and Linda Lipinsky

November 30, 2020

Dear Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy,
We were shocked and saddened to hear about Mike's passing. He was such a great guy all around. A wonderful husband, father, coach, colleague and friend. A patient, kind and caring attorney who helped so many. He lived well and will be remembered fondly by all who had the honor of knowing him. Our deepest sympathies go out to your family.

Daniel Fitzgerald

November 30, 2020

I’ve respected Mike for many years as a fellow DuPage County attorney. Many years ago as a young attorney I was involved with a few clients from the E2 case. Mike was one of the few attorneys who would always say hi to me and make me feel like a colleague even though he was far more experienced than me. My condolences to the family on this tremendous loss.

Greg Marshall

November 30, 2020

The world lost a great man. I was fortunate to meet Mike through my dear friend, John Power. I worked with Mike on various occasions and had the pleasure of getting to know him on a personal level. He always had a smile on his face and would give the shirt off his back for anyone in need. God bless you Mike. You will be missed by all.

Judge Rena Van Tine

November 30, 2020

I am so sad to hear of Mr. Cetina's passing. I enjoyed seeing him on trial as he was a talented trial lawyer. I also appreciated his advocacy and perspective on the Illinois Supreme Court's Civil IPI Committee. This is a huge loss for our legal community. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Cetina's family and friends at this difficult time.

Michael J scalzo

November 30, 2020

Tammy and boys,
I feel as though I know you because of the way Mike spoke about you. He treasured his family.
I am a professional colleague but an ardent admirer of Mike. He was an excellent attorney and an excellent resource to attorneys who used him as a sounding board. He gave his time and talent freely.
I am deeply saddened by his passing and send my most heartfelt condolences.
Michael Scalzo

DEBBY WORD

November 30, 2020

I didn't know Michael but I knew his wife Tammy as a CASA Advocate. I send prayers of comfort and peace to his family during this time.

Joseph Webb

Planted Trees

Jean Krafft

November 30, 2020

Tammy - My heart just breaks for you. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts. He sounds like he was an amazing man.

James Nelson

November 30, 2020

Mike was an awesome person.I am very saddened by this news.Got to spend time with him when kids were in sports and saw him every day working out at the Wheaton Sport center. He will be missed.God bless the familiy.

James Nelson

November 30, 2020

Marc Becker

November 30, 2020

So very sorry to hear this.. Mike was a great friend/client... I/we will miss him dearly...Prayers are with the family...Such a loss...

Bob Cosimano

November 29, 2020

I am sorry to read about your loss, Tammy and family. I knew Mike from HF.

Tammy Cetina

November 29, 2020

I love you Mike! You were and will always be, everything to me. I will miss you every single minute of every single day until we are together again. Father of my children, my best friend, love of my life.

Scott Blumenshine

November 29, 2020

Mike was a long trusted fellow PI attorney colleague and friend. A Good Man.

Jennifer and Madeline Taber

November 29, 2020

Mike was a wonderful person and attorney. We were honored to know him and the whole Cetina family. I hope the good memories sustain you during these trying times.

Maria Kyres Pavlou

November 29, 2020

Dear Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy,
We are heartbroken for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Mike was a class act- always kind and humble and so devoted to his family. You are all in our prayers. May Mike’s memory be eternal and may his life continue to be lived through each of you. Our deepest condolences to your family.
Maria and Larry Pavlou, Melanie and Spiro

Patrick and Kelly Phalen

November 29, 2020

Tammy, Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy,

Deepest condolences to you and the family. Every time we saw Mike he was with his family and always smiling. He was such an attentive and loving husband and father. We are so sorry for this loss. Sending all of our prayers and love to each of you!

Gary Siegel

November 29, 2020

I went to law school with MIke and played football with him. On the football field, he was a fierce competitor--with one look, he could intimidate an entire team. Of the field, he had a heart of gold and would do anything to help a friend in need. A great loss to his family.

Mike Thomas

November 29, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Thoughts and prayers to Mike & Family. He will be missed by all.

Paul and Susan Callaway

November 29, 2020

Mike was a wonderful man. It was so evident he was very close with his family and friends and well loved. Our most vivid memories are those when he coached our sons in baseball and football - instilling important qualities of good sportsmanship, how to be a good teammate and competitor.

He will be greatly missed!

Our deepest sympathies to Tammy and the family.

We send our prayers and love,

The Paul and Susan Callaway Family

Joseph Casciato

November 29, 2020

Dear Cetina Family
Please accept my sympathies on behalf of my friend Mike. As a retired judge I always respected his advocacy on behalf of his clients. On a personal level we have all lost a loving and caring person.
Kind Regards,
Judge Joseph Casciato

Jack Peller

November 29, 2020

My condolences to the Cetina family on the loss of Michael. He led an exemplary life from what I've read and heard from other people. (I am from the old neighborhood and Bowen High School athletics).

steve shanks

November 29, 2020

Very sorry to hear this news. Mike was always friendly and humble when seen on campus. Great guy. He will be very missed.

Bob Cetina

November 28, 2020

I loved my brother Mike and will miss him greatly. Mike together with Tammy raised four beautiful children. Once you meet Danny, Tori, Allie and Tommy you immediately understand the essence of the man. See you on the other side Mike.

Jamie Lane

November 28, 2020

So sorry to hear this. Mike was a true gentleman and well respected by all. He will always be remembered%

Cathy Schweighardt

November 28, 2020

Wonderful, wonderful man.... devoted husband and father, passionate about his work and being involved with his kids activities. I am especially thankful to Mike for going out of his way to connect my brother with a PI atty he knew well from IN for a lawsuit my brother filed against a hospital in IN ( and won). He will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him as a friend. .... Godspeed Mike......

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