George "Mike" Knue

George "Mike" Knue passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the age of 74 after a hard-fought battle with isolated cardiac sarcoidosis. A man of few words who loved the power of the written word, he had an extraordinary way of shaping language that moved-a talent he displayed over a 43-year career at the Chicago Tribune. He was a builder at heart who found joy in creating, whether crafting a hand-built bed for his son, developing ChicagoSports.com, restoring the stairs in his 19th-century home, or building LEGO® sets with his grandchildren.

He relished the underdog story and took great pride in turning life's challenges into achievements through grit, hard work, and a steadfast belief that one person truly can make a difference. Loyal to the core, he cherished his teams-his family, his colleagues, and, of course, the sports teams of his alma maters, the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Lyons Township Lions. He was his children's biggest fan and took great joy in their athletic accomplishments. His trademark, booming "Let's Go Illini!" at Illinois tennis matches still echoes in their memories.

Above all, George believed in doing the right thing, even when it was difficult, and in leaving every place and every person better than he found them. He carried a profound gratitude for all who touched his life, once capturing that sentiment in his characteristic, clever phrasing: "It means something to mean something to people who mean something to you."

George is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jonell; his children, Brianna and Jordan; his beloved grandchildren, Lillian and William; his brothers, Jack, Rick, and Bill; and his sisters, Judy, Mary Lou, and Barbara.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on November 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL 60525. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research (https://www.stopsarcoidosis.org/).