Michael Alan Coakes

Michael Alan Coakes, 66, of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away at home on September 15, 2025, surrounded by love, after living with metastatic prostate cancer.

Born in Ft. Worth, Texas, on October 17, 1958, to Raynor and Shirley Coakes, Michael grew up in Aurora, Illinois. From an early age he showed a gift for seeing the world differently, a perspective that grew into a lifelong devotion to art, music, and photography.

He ran Coakes Illustration and Design for 32 years, beginning as an airbrush illustrator and gradually expanding into graphic design, web design, and commercial photography. His work reflected both technical mastery and creative vision, serving a wide range of clients.

Michael poured creativity into everything he touched, from his photographs and drawings to the meals he prepared with care. His artistry was not just a profession but a way of being. He had a talent for elevating the everyday, whether through the lens of his camera, a carefully chosen detail, or a thoughtful gesture.

Those who knew him will remember his warmth, quiet humor, and the way he made people truly feel seen. He was a devoted husband to Cindy Coakes, a caring stepfather to Kimberly Di Nino, and a cherished brother to Michelle Coakes. Friends and family alike will carry forward his kindness, his curiosity, and his ability to find beauty in the simple and the ordinary.

Michael's legacy endures in the art he created and in the countless lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 2-5 at Stola Contemporary Art at 3738 W. Irving Park Rd. in Chicago. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to World Central Kitchen <https://www.wck.org/>