Michael Charles Heltzer obituary, 1960-2023, Lake Forest, IL

In memory of

Michael Charles Heltzer

1960 - 2023

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Karen Segvich

May 28, 2025

Years ago, I was in search of a safe place to board my precious dog, Charlie. To my surprise, I saw a story about a new place....Stay. This was the first time I met its owner, Michael Heltzer. He had an infectious smile, and a kindness that radiated. He saw, I was emotional, at having to leave my dog while our family vacationed. I remember, he made me feel at ease. I knew Charlie would be in a safe and happy place. That was many years ago. Charlie has since past. I have a new rescue, Lenny. Again, I needed a safe place for him. Upon contacting Stay, I asked, if it was still in the hands of the original owner. That was when I heard the devastating news of Michael Heltzers passing. I was stunned. How could God take this kind, talented human being from this earth? He did so much for animals, especially the undeserved. I only knew him years ago, but I will never forget how he made me feel, knowing my dog would be well cared for. To anyone, and all who knew him...you were blessed. I'm sorry for your loss and his suffering. I am happy to know his legacy lives on. And his passion, of Stay, are in the hands of his family. It will be sad for me, taking my new rescue Lenny to Stay this week, knowing this kind and brilliant soul is no longer around. May you rest in peace Michael Heltzer. Your work on earth lives on....Karen Segvich

Joni zavis

February 2, 2025

Again....we send our deepest sympathy ....we will always remember Michael with respect for his many talents & wonderful personality.
Fondly, Joni & Michael Zavis

Marlene Silverman

December 12, 2023

New Michael as a little boy and watched him grow in to a very special
young man.

Meg Musick

April 10, 2023

I was so saddened to learn about Michael.I have so many wonderful memories.sending love to you and your family

jackie andalman

April 4, 2023

Michael was so very nice to let me and my clients use his beautiful pool in his back yard..... I held classes there and he was always so kind to let us do that.....I appreciated it so much....He was a very kind person......

Kevin Mullen

February 23, 2023

Arnie, Gail and Family:

So saddened to hear of Michael's recent passing. I worked for Arnie at Heltzer Sales Corp. in the 1970's and Michael would sometimes visit the office as a young boy. I have such fond memories of working for Arnie, and of the wonderful family and hope you are able to find some solace in the great life Michael lived.

Jen McConnell

February 22, 2023

Biz, Henry, Rose, George, and Estelle- I want to extend my sincere condolences.
While I didn´t know Michael well he was always kind when we spoke. I really appreciated the freedom he allowed Lowell and Nate with all of their crazy projects at Stay!
Michael was a special person who will be remembered with fondness by everyone he influenced.

Jen McConnell (formerly Stites)

February 22, 2023

Biz, Henry, Rose, George, and Estelle- I want to extend my sincere condolences.
While I didn´t know Michael well he was always kind when we spoke. I really appreciated the freedom he allowed Lowell and Nate with all of their crazy projects at Stay!
Michael was a special person who will be remembered with fondness by everyone he influenced.

Nestor Perea

February 14, 2023

Dear Heltzer Family my deepest condolences. Michael and I chatting often about our love of dogs and motorcycling adventures whenever I I would take my dog to Stay. We were not close but I still considered him a friend. He had an engaging friendly personality. He will be missed.

Hunter Bancroft

February 11, 2023

Mike was my dear friend '78-'79.
He was our leader and instigator of great mischief..
He watched out for me.
Condolences to all Heltzers and those he touched.

Michael Hoffman

February 11, 2023

Our family has been reflecting and reminiscing about the many ventures and adventures Michael initiated and engaged in over the years -- such a full life that touched so many! But far too short. Our deepest condolences to all.

Jim reynolds

February 10, 2023

rest in peace michael , you and your family have made cullom ave a better place

Marlene Silverman

February 9, 2023

So very sorry for your loss. What a great
young man. Marlene Silverman

Gino venturi

February 9, 2023

Heart felt condolences to heltzer family. Gino venturi

Matt Duryea

February 8, 2023

Mike was always dynamic in all his endeavours. I met Mike at our first year of university in 1978 and have such fond memories of the fun times we had. I enjoyed our almost annual visits in Chicago and hearing of his triumphs and setbacks. Always a man of values cherishing his family, and dogs..!! A true one of kind..!

Matt Duryea

andy and stuart grass

February 8, 2023

Gail and Arnie -

Our condolences to you and your family - we are thinking of you at this most difficult time

Eric Minde, Barbara Davis and Beverly

February 8, 2023

Dear Heltzer Family,
Our deepest heartfelt condolences to the family and everyone at Stay. We were lucky to know Michael for many years and will never forget how caring, concerning, and compassionate he was to our dogs and how he would always make us laugh with his stories.We will remember him standing outside Stay with his warm greetings, kindness and sense of humor when we picked up our dog. Talking with him always made our day.

Jane Natal

February 7, 2023

To the Heltzer Family

I was profoundly saddened to hear of Michael´s passing and I offer you my heartfelt condolences at this difficult time.

Michael was a visionary in creating his animal campus and STAY on Rockwell that was dedicated to the care of dogs including boarding, grooming, veterinary service, training, and rehabilitation which countless animals benefitted from. They cannot speak to thank him for all that he did on their behalf so I will. Michael-the love and care that you provided will be remembered. I hope there is a motorcycle with a sidecar for you in heaven. Be at peace.

With Love-
Jane Natal

Cohenour family

February 7, 2023

Annie Gail , JOHNNY and entire Heltzer family. WE were saddened to hear about MICHAEL. we send our deepest condolences to u all. There are no words to express how sorry we are. please know you are in our thoughts and . Fay CAROL and Cary

Laura de Frise

February 6, 2023

Biz and Family- we remember meeting Michael years ago at STAY and also when our children were young. So much talent but being a father was certainly his greatest love. Our deepest sympathy, Laura de Frise & Steve Rugo

Taysha and Girls

February 6, 2023

Michael was such a kind soul to all he encountered. He raised amazing children and pets. My condolences to Biz, Estelle, Rose, Henry and George. So sad to hear the news. Love Taysha, Avrey, Ryley and Reese.

Lee Weitzman

February 6, 2023

Hello Elizabeth, family, and Friends of Michael.
I am deeply saddened by Michaels passing. I always enjoyed our manny conversations about furniture design, art, business, and sports.
There are few people who truly understood the trials and tribulations... and successes of our mutual paths of furniture design. He lives on in my memory and will be greatly missed.
Lee Weitzman

Nancy Buik

February 6, 2023

Dear Biz, Mostly I got to know you when Estelle was in my class. But I remember one event, Parent Night, when Estelle came to our class with Micheal. He was a little unsure of the protocol, but let Estelle guide him. That evening I saw just how much he treasured Estelle. That was a beautiful evening.
Please, to all of you, I send my deepest condolences.
Love, Nancy Buik

David Rothschild

February 6, 2023

Dear Heltzer Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. We have happy memories of Michael on various baseball diamonds throughout the city. He was a thoughtful, special person. Our thoughts are with each and everyone of you.

Fondly,

The Rothschild Family

Debbie Senoff Langford

February 5, 2023

Dearest Biz, Henry, Rose, George, Estelle and to the Heltzer family, I am so very saddened to hear of Michael's passing. Michael was a loving dad whose generosity and vision greatly benefited the RPMS community. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Iris Pollan

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail and Arnie,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of Michael.
We hope your fond memories will help you in this difficult time.
Love,
Iris and Jerry

Courtney Cohenour - Rowell

February 5, 2023

Gail, Arnie and Johnny..Sending my deepest condolences and prayers for comfort during this incredibly difficult time. I have so many wonderful happy memories of our families together over the years. The most special memories. My favorite memories. Michael truly a visionary of talent beyond and a genuine caring heart that those of us who were blessed to know him were better because of him. I love you all. Deepest sympathies, Courtney Cohenour Rowell

Iris Wittenberg

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail...I was so saddened upon learning of Mike's passing. I'l always remember all the good times we had on Charal Lane. I'm the last of the "gang" still living on the street. My thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time.

iris Wittenberg

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail..I was so saddened upon learning of Mike's passing. I'll always remember the fun we all had on Charal Lane...now I'm the only "original" left living on the street. My thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time.

Iris Wittenberg

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail..I was so saddened upon learning of Mike's passing. I'll always remember the good times we had on Charal Lane. Now, I'm the last of the "originals" on the street. My thoughts are with you and the family during this difficult time

iris wittenberg

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail...I was so saddened upon learning of Mike's passing. I'll always remember the fun we had on Charal Lane...now I'm the only one left still leaving on the street. My thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time

Ralph Gidwitz

February 5, 2023

Arnie & Gail - I remember Michael growing up when we were at 368 Charal Lane and you and family were next door. Needless to see I am shocked and saddened at Michael's passing. I'm extending my deepest condolences and wishing you and yours comfort. Ralph

iris wittenberg

February 5, 2023

Dear Gail...I was so saddened upon reading of Mike's passing. I remember all the fun we had on Charal Lane..I'm the last remainder still living there but I still cherish our times together. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time
Iris Wittenberg

Marc Grayson

February 5, 2023

Dear Arnie and Gail and family: Few tragedies equal the untimely loss of a child, the repository of your own life, dreams, hopes. Michael was a legend, holding all of us in awe, seemingly unaware of the struggles most have to achieve. There is nothing to ease the pain of a missing part of your life and Michael's own family. May his memory and time bring hope to all. Marc and Sulie Grayson

Mitchell Gerson

February 5, 2023

My condolences to the Heltzer family. Great memories with Michael growing up together.

Lisa Silverman Rosenberg

February 5, 2023

Gail, Arnie and John- Sending my deepest condolences... so many happy memories of our two families over the years ... I´m out of the country at this time but send my deepest sympathies. Lisa Silverman Rosenberg

Angelo and Marcelino Rodriguez

February 5, 2023

We will never forget your kindness and compassion for our Mudcat Baseball team. We all cherish the fun times we had traveling together with you and the rest of the team's family. You will truly be missed by all of us. May the Lord give comfort to all the Heather family during this difficult time,your coach,Angelo and Marcelino Rodriguez.

Nora McMahon

February 5, 2023

I am forever grateful that Michael took me under his wing and brought me into Stay during it's early years. He taught me so many things, including to keep a sense of humor through it all. I had so many conversations with him about how deeply he loved his family. My deepest condolences to the Heltzer family, including Biz, Henry, Rose, George and Estelle. Thinking of you all with love in my heart.

Joni Zavis

February 5, 2023

We were deeply saddened to hear about Michael. So many of his creative furniture pieces are important parts of our home. Our sympathy to his entire family.
Joni & Michael Zavis

Single Memorial Tree

Ziggy Nawloka

Planted Trees

Richard Giese

February 5, 2023

Michael, you will be missed lotta good memories, rest in peace

Greg Mazzetta

February 5, 2023

My condolences to the Heltzer family, Michael was such a wonderful guy always had a smile on his face we had a lot of great memories growing up together god bless rest in piece my friend. Greg Mazzetta

Hollie and Steve Himmelman

February 5, 2023

We´ve know Michael since the inception of Stay. His kindness, dedication, and love of animals will always be in our hearts. We´re so grateful to have known him. Our love and condolences to Michael´s family. May Michael rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing. With much love, Hollie, Steve, Geoffie, and Brooklyn

Steve and Hollie Himmelman

February 5, 2023

The brilliant and caring idea of STAY has been a main ingredient for our family of furry children from inception. Michael and his vision will be sorely missed upon this earth. Our deepest sympathies to his and entire STAY family.

Sarah Potter

February 5, 2023

A wonderful man, my dog Gino and I will miss him. Thank you for you kindness Michael. My thoughts are with Biz and family. Sarah Potter

Jason Anixter

February 5, 2023

My deepest condolences to the entire Heltzer family. Mike was a terrific guy and his memory will always put a smile on my face. He was like a brother to me growing up. he will always be in my heart RIP, Mikey.

Cherie Ackman

February 4, 2023

Rest in peace Michael. God bless your “dear” Family. Cherie Ackman

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