Deacon Michael A. Crowell

Deacon Michael A. Crowell, a longtime resident of Naperville, IL, formerly of Brookfield, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Lightways Hospice Center in Joliet, IL after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 27, 1955, in Berwyn, IL.

Beloved husband of Elise A. Crowell (née Wanda), whom he married on August 21, 1976, loving father of Alex Crowell of Naperville and Emily (Cale) Scott of Bloomington, IL, devoted son of the late Charles Crowell, Jr. and Theresa Crowell (née Wotke), dear brother of the late Jeffrey C. Crowell, son-in-law of Margaret J. Wanda of Brookfield and the late John Wanda Jr., brother-in-law of Julie H. Wanda of San Juan Bautista, CA, Rev. Michael J. Wanda of Palatine, IL and the late Steven G. Wanda, nephew of Mary (the late Bill) Torgler of Western Springs, IL, fond cousin and friend of many.

Deacon Michael grew up in Brookfield, IL, was a 1973 graduate of Lyons Township High School in LaGrange and attended the University of Evansville in Evansville, IN and Illinois State University in Normal before graduating in 1977 with a degree in Business from North Central College in Naperville. He earned an MBA from NCC as well in 2003.

Michael served as a firefighter/paramedic with the Naperville Fire Department for 25 years. He was also employed by Edward Hospital in Naperville and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Lisle, IL. He and his good friend and fellow firefighter Jim Collins started the business Naperville Chimney Sweeps and were co-owners for 30 years.

Deacon Michael was ordained as a Catholic deacon in August 2011 and served at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Naperville. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a talented singer and musician. Deacon Michael enjoyed boating and spending time with friends and family at his lake home at Lake Summerset, IL. He loved his dogs Harris, Howie, and Homer. He will be remembered as a skilled handyman who had a talent for building and fixing things.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 4:00-8:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St, Naperville, IL 60540.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 9:00-10:30 AM at the Holy Family Chapel at SS. Peter & Paul Ministry Center, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville, IL 60540.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, 11:00 AM at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth St., Naperville.

Interment: SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Naperville.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Deacon Michael's memory may be made to:

Lightways Hospice Center, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431, (815)740-4104, https://lightways.org/make-a-donation/

or

St. Joseph's Indian School, PO Box 100, Chamberlain, SD 57325, 1-855-777-3433, https://www.stjo.org/help-native-americans/memorials/

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.