Michael Wayne Delaney

Michael "Mike" Delaney

July 11, 1946 – August 29, 2025

Michael "Mike" Delaney, 79, passed away on the evening of August 29, 2025, after a brief but difficult illness.

Born on July 11, 1946, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Mike was the son of the late Helene (Hamay) Delaney and James Delaney. On June 17, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathy Glenn, in New Lenox. Together they shared more than five decades of marriage, raising a family and making a lifetime of memories.

Mike dedicated 41 years to teaching, most of them as a fifth-grade teacher. He also taught summers at the local migrant school. His style in the classroom was straightforward and no nonsense; helping his students push through their challenges to learn what they needed to succeed.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children, Jim (Jennifer), Dave (Brandi), and Missy (Matt); his sister, Nancy; his grandchildren, Tairen (Cam), Jake (Haley), Trent, Anna, Keegan, Madison, Wesley, and Gavin; and his great-grandson, Mack. He loved nothing more than cheering on his kids and grandkids at their sporting events, especially football.

Mike found happiness outdoors. He loved fishing and duck hunting. After retiring, he and Kathy moved to Lodi, Wisconsin where they enjoyed the beauty of the lake, the wildlife, and a slower pace of life together.

Mike will be remembered by his devotion to Kathy, his lifelong partner, his direct approach to teaching, his love of fishing and the lake, and most of all, the deep love he held for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

Visitation will be held at Dieterle Memorial Home on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial service will take place at Sample Cemetery in Morris, Illinois (no procession).