Michael G. Herlehy

Michael Gerard Herlehy, 49, of Evergreen, Colo., died Saturday, July 29, 2006.
Born Sept. 30, 1956, in Chicago, he was the son of John and Jean Herlehy. He was the second son and third child out of six. At age 18, he began his career at the Chicago Board of Trade and worked to become a successful, independent trader. Mike and Donna raised their children in Downers Grove and Barrington Hills. Among his many contributions, Mike was most proud of his volunteer work with the DuPage Easter Seals, including serving on the board of directors and overseeing the construction of their new facility.
Mike loved the outdoors, especially his hunting and fishing trips with his son, Ryan, and best friend, Kurt. They had many memorable adventures together. He also enjoyed spending time in his workshop, creating one-of-a-kind treasures for his loved ones. Mike's favorite thing of all was spending time with his loving wife and kids, from cooking dinners together to watching favorite movies. He was so proud of each of them and never failed to show it.
Mike loved hard and everyone whose life he touched was honored by his loyalty, generosity and unforgettable sense of humor. Even though he is no longer with us, Mike's memory will live on through the countless friends and family members. The love he gave and the laughter he brought to everyone who knew him can never be taken away. It is with heavy hearts his family says goodbye but they take comfort that he is watching over them and they will all be with Mike again one day.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his devoted children, Nicole, 25, Meghan, 21, and Ryan, 18; two sisters, Mary (Mark) Thomma and Maureen (Paul) Kitsakos; three brothers, John, Pat (Margaret) and Bill (Ainsley); his mother-in-law, Phyllis Castenson; two sisters-in-law, Debbie (Steve) Phalen and Diane (Kirk) Lundbeck; and ten nieces and nephews, Jessica, Allison, Diana, Caitlyn, Emily, Susana, Justin, Cody, Jason and Lauren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Melvin Castenson.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 8, at Salem Lutheran Church, 1145 DeKalb Ave. in Sycamore, with the Rev. Garry Briesacher officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Stratford Inn, 355 W. State St. in Sycamore.
For information, call Butala Funeral Home and Crematory in Sycamore at (815) 895-2833.
To visit the online guest book, go to www.legacy.com/daily-chronicle/obituaries.asp.