Michael Nee Obituary
1959-2025
St. Ignatius College Prep
John Carroll University
Defense Language Institute - MA Russian
University of IL - MBA
US Army Strong! 6 Years
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our extraordinary brother, Michael Patrick, who left us on a July 14, 2025 after a long and courageous battle following complications from Covid which he contracted in 2021. Michael developed ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), and despite enduring immense pain and suffering, he never gave up. His strength, humor, and love for life carried him through until the very end.
Michael truly was one in a million. He lived an extraordinary life-his work as an Intelligence Analyst with the Defense Intelligence Agency of the US Department of Defense took him to places as far-reaching as Ukraine, Russia and Cambridge, England. He was brilliant, kind, and always marched to the beat of his own drum. Michael had an infectious laugh that could fill a room and a heart big enough to hold the world. His kindness extended to all, from those close, to anyone he encountered on any given day. One of his amazing gifts was playing Santa Clause/Did Moroz every year to orphaned and other children who needed that special gift of joy and laughter at Christmas time.
Though much of his life was spent abroad, Michael always made time for those he loved. He never missed a birthday or holiday, and he had a gift for making every occasion feel special. He was a fantastic brother and uncle, and we are so grateful for the time we had with him.
On July 6th, we all gathered with Michael and his spouse Sergie in Alexandria, Virginia, including his two sisters, two nieces and two nephews. We spent the day together sharing memories, laughter, and some tears, celebrating the incredible life he lived. It's a day we will treasure forever.
Michael was blessed to find love later in life with Sergei, his devoted partner and the love of his life. They met while Michael was stationed at the US Embassy in Kyiv in 2015. They married in Chicago on 12/19/20. Their married life was impacted everyday by the vestiges of what Covid did to Michael's lungs and it was the unwavering love and support showed by Sergie that Michael lasted until his last breath. Add to that, the war in Ukraine!!! Please keep Sergei, our family, and Michael's many friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Michael joins his parents Patrick James Nee and Virginia Frances Nee, and his brother Thomas Francis Nee. Michael is survived by his spouse Sergei Kovalenko, sisters, Katherine Nee Hobbs (Mike), Ginna (Virginia) Nee-Radeke (Mark), his nieces Ally Nee Watkins (Nick), Katherine Anne Radeke, his nephews Ian Patrick Radeke, Quinn Francis Radeke and sister-in-law Maria Nee (Bernard). Even though Michael never got to meet his grand nephew Brooks Michael Watkins and grand niece Reese Ryan Watkins in person he was fortunate to have multiple calls with them via zoom. Brooks was famous for saying "hey Uncle Michael hey" via zoom. Those small gestures of love meant the world to him.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held at Memorial Mass at Old St Patrick's Church in Chicago on September 6, 2025 at 10 AM.
In lieu of flowers, Micheal asks everyone to support the citizens of Ukraine as they continue to fight the tyranny of Putin and his Russian machine.
Www.Donate.directrelief.org
Www.Razomforukraine.org
Thank you to everyone who stood by Michael and all of us on his life's journey.
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13 Entries
Suzy Bloden
Earlier today
Among our friends at JCU and the University Club, MP was one of a kind. His warm smile and hearty laugh drew everyone in. He had a gift for making people feel welcomed and special. MP quickly won me over with his gentlemanly charm and gracious manner. He was also an excellent cook and an entertaining host for U-Club special events. He prepared many delicious dinners enjoyed by U-Clubbers and their dates. Most of all, he had a kind and generous heart. May he rest gently in the blessed and healing peace of Christ.
Gregory Bloden
Yesterday
Spending time with MP Nee was spending time with fun. His gregarious personality lifted the room. His dedicated patriotic service makes his JCU University Club brothers proud. Here´s looking forward to a good laugh in heaven if I make cut. Sue and Greg Bloden
Mike Hobbs
July 22, 2025
I will always remember visiting Michael in Ukraine during the Easter season. Our visit to the Cathedral for Easter Service with Michael was epic. He was the ultimate tour guide showing us around Kiev and introducing us to friends and people he worked with at the US Embassy. It was one of our favorite trips. Micheal we already miss you. May the peace of Christ be with you.
Frank O
July 22, 2025
Lucky to have shared the John Carroll and U-Club experience with MP Nee. I could always count on Michael Patrick for a kind word-and who could forget the figure he cut walking across campus in his classic blazer, walking shorts, penny loafers, and knee-high Kelly green argyle socks? Great memories! Thank you, Michael Patrick. You are missed!
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David McKibben
July 21, 2025
I had the honor of attending John Carrol University with Michael Patrick and am one of his brothers in the University Club. His sense of purpose, razor sharp wit and love for his fellow man will be missed by me as well as the rest of his brothers. Rest in peace Michael Patrick.
Pamela Pitkin
July 21, 2025
Michael's kindness and love of others displayed itself by the joy he gave to strangers, neighbors and friends, especially during the Christmas season. He was kind enough to gift a Santa Claus visit to our clubhouse one year, make it a very festive, warm, loving and memorable holiday event. Thank you, Michael, for selflessly bringing warmth and love to so many.
Alan C.
July 20, 2025
Michael Patrick, you will always be missed. You were always so positive and fun to be around. Thank you for the wonderful memories you provided to so many kids and adults at [email protected]
Katrina
July 19, 2025
MP was an unforgettable soul and the life of any gathering. He will be well remembered.
Joe Tierney
July 18, 2025
Michael was such a great person with an infectious laugh. RIP.
Joe Tierney
Classmate at St. Luke´s
Nicole Kump
July 18, 2025
Very sorry to hear about the loss of MP. I worked with him for 2 years before he got sick and then continued to help him with work stuff and got updates on him from his sister while he was sick. He was a nice person and very courageous in facing his health struggles. He will be greatly missed.
Judi Mcy
July 18, 2025
Was a classmate of Michael's when he came to St. Lukes in 5 th grade. Loved his kindness, his wonderful laugh, and how fun he was. When you talked to Michael, you felt like you were they only person in the room... a rare and beautiful gift. He was a treasure. Peace to all his family as you move forward without him.
Judi Janowiak McComb
Katie Nee
July 18, 2025
Meg Liebreich
July 18, 2025
Michael was always so kind and welcoming to me as Ginna´s friend despite my being an awkward and obnoxious teen. I know the past several years were so hard for him and I am happy he and Sergei were able to be together in both the good times and the tough ones. Love to all the Nees.
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