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Michael Gow Obituary
Born - December 09, 1952 in Farmington Michigan to Alfred (Bud) and Barb (Woods) Gow.
Born into Eternal Life - March 14, 2023
Mike graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Sports Recreation and was a distinguished member of the Fighting ILLINI Football Team. From 1972 to 1974, Mike enjoyed honors playing defensive back and was selected as first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1973 and a second-team pick in 1974. His 19 career interceptions rank second all-time in U of I history, and his 10 picks in 1973 ranks third. He holds the single-game interceptions record with four picks against Stanford on Sept. 21, 1974. Mike was also a valued member of the Chi Iota Chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. The lifelong bonds Mike made during his time at U of I remain strong to this day.
Mike is survived and deeply missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Diane P. (Haas) Gow, his three children; Megan (Paul) Frank, Stephen (Rebecca) Gow, David (Krysta Knarr) Gow, granddaughter, Hayden Frank, his two brothers; Craig (Christy) Gow, and Scott (Brooke Jenks-Schmidt) Gow, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his father and mother, Bub and Barb (Woods) Gow.
Mike's love for traveling and sports translated to his love for his family and friends.
Mike and Diane created so many memories with their busy life with family, traveling with sporting events, and outings with friends that were punctuated with a lot of laughter. Aside from being a devoted father and husband, Mike spent his free time giving back to the community as a mentor to many, and a coach of the local High School Football team. His wisdom, generosity, and happy-go-lucky personality touched the lives of many. He was always quick with a joke, or readily handed words of encouragement to those around him. Between traveling for work and taking his three kids to sports tournaments, he was known for his charisma, his sense of humor and his ability to always make people laugh. Known by many as a carefree dessert connoisseur, Mike could never pass up a sweet treat. He was loved by many and always surrounded himself with friends and family, who will miss him dearly.
To honor Mikes memory, family and loved ones will be scattering his ashes in a private ceremony. Friends and family are invited to join the Gow family in a visitation and funeral service on Friday, March 17th. The visitation will begin at 9 AM, followed by a 10 AM memorial service at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S Wheaton Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187.
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Lloyd Bonifide
July 21, 2025
Mike Gow lit up the local sports pages with all those interceptions. My 10 year old self was a big fan of his. When the teacher announced they would be bringing in an Illini player to speak to us, I actually begged her to get Mike Gow and was shocked when it turned out to be him. Don't know if it had already been arranged or if they managed to pull it off because I begged.
Richard Macary
March 27, 2023
Diane & Family, We were saddened to learn about Mike's passing. You were great neighbors of ours when we moved to Wheaton IL. I enjoyed years of golfing with Mike, and even witnessed Mike's hole in one at Arrowhead! Such a beautiful family, we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jean and Rich Macary
Andrea Jackson
March 20, 2023
I worked with Mike at the New York Stock Exchange; I started in 2009. I was young and inexperienced. Mike took me in, showed me the ropes. He showed me how to form relationships built on trust and honesty.
Mike talked about his kids and his wife all of the time. He would say, 'Oh Swifty, just you wait - you'll see how FUN kids are and how FAST they grow up.' When I got engaged Mike was so happy for me. When I had my first child, Mike was so happy for me. He was so happy to hear about all of my milestones as a Mom and Wife. We drove from Houston to Austin once on a sales trip to see clients. I remember all of the advice he gave me about being a supportive parent, putting family before work and that U of I is the only way lol. My nephew is finishing his junior year at U of I. When he was accepted - Mike was my first call. Papa Gow - You are missed.
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Jeff Dawson
March 19, 2023
Diane and Family,
We are truly saddened and sorrowed to have heard the news....
Mike and I had wonderful, great memories that will last many lifetimes....
#goIllini, #Dimension4 roommates, #all things sports, #ATC tennis, #St Charles
MJ,
WE ALL will miss you,
Rest in Peace
Jeff & Barb Dawson
Jeff jr, Connor , Kyle
Scott Hall
March 19, 2023
My condolences to the family. I knew Mike through three roles back to 1998. FAME, Thomson Reuters, ACTIV. He always had a smile, high energy and get things done view. He was a pleasure to work with.
Ron Crowe
March 18, 2023
Shock and disbelief were my feelings when Craig told me of Mike's passing. I had just had a great visit and conversation with Mike just a few months ago at our football reunion. He was excited to be there to visit with all of his teammates , coaches and former players from before and after his playing days there. Mike treated EVERY ONE OF THEM as if they, too, were teammates. He was truly happy to be there and had a great time. Over the years, since high school and college days, we had several reunions that involve golf outings. Mike was always happy to see everyone. In particular, he and Rick Herpich (backed up by Drew Mahalic) would start recalling, in great detail, play after play of many of our games with liberal amounts of good natured razzing and finger pointing over who did what, or who missed a catch or tackle and who looked the best in doing whatever they did. It all kept the laughter going and the bonds grew stronger among all of us. Mike, you will be dearly missed by all of us! But, never forgotten!
Dan and Molly Roschmann
March 18, 2023
Our condolences to the Gow family. We were all so blessed to meet Mike and have his positive and joyful attitude at the Northstars golf team events. Love, Dan and Molly Roschmann
Steve Loe
March 18, 2023
So sorry to hear this news.
Paulette (Heuer) and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Gow family.
Patti (Stein) Schimick
March 18, 2023
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Hugs and prayers for God´s comfort and peace to be with you Diane
Maggie Hillstrom
March 18, 2023
My condolences to all of the Gow family especially Diane. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers
Craig Dhue
March 17, 2023
Mike and I grew up together in Farmington and competed side by side in nearly every sport at North Farmington HS. He was a very gifted athlete and nice friend growing up. My condolences to Craig and Scott.
Lana Burmeister
March 17, 2023
Todd and Lana Burmeister
Tom Rex
March 17, 2023
To the Gow Family. I played High School football and basketball against Mike and want you to know what a good competitor he was. He always shook your hand when he was done and we couldn´t wait to compete again. He was one of the hearts of those teams and I will never forget him. My heart goes out to your family.
Kathy See
March 17, 2023
Dear Gow family, so sorry for your loss. May your memories comfort you at this time
Rick Tobin
March 17, 2023
So sorry to hear this bad news. Mike was a good man and a perfect picture on how people should treat each other. Rest in peace. You will be greatly missed.
Heide and John Hughes
March 16, 2023
John and I are in shock of learning Mike´s sudden death. Mike was always so positive and pleasant. A face that always seemed to have a smile. I watched those kids grow up. What a fine group of kids and obviously a lot to do with guidance from their wonderful parents. May he fine peace and the Gow family find comfort in all the happy memories.
Bruce Beaman
March 16, 2023
"There is no death. Only a change of worlds."
-Chief Seattle
Mike will be waiting for you in the next one - Bruce Beaman 26
Larry Lichtman
March 16, 2023
So sad to hear of Mike´s passing. My deepest condolences to the entire Gow family. I have wonderful memories of my neighbors and friends the Gows. So glad I was able to visit with Mike and Craig in October. My thoughts are with you all.
Larry Lichtman
Scott Tracy
March 16, 2023
Dear Diane and Family
I am shocked and heartbroken and Rhonda extend our deepest condolences. May God send comforting angels to you and rejoice in the precious memories and the wonderful legacy that Mike leaves. He lives forever in your heart ! God bless you all !
Sabine Lakitsch
March 16, 2023
Dear Diane and family,
we are deeply shocked to hear that Michael passed away so unexpectedly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Sabine, Wolfgang and Lukas Lakitsch and Christine Ringbauer
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