Michael J. Kane

Michael Joseph Kane Sr. (Kano, Pops, Daddy-O), born November 30th, 1964, passed away on the afternoon of August 27th, 2024. Michael was a loving husband, father, and dear friend to many. He leaves behind his wife Nichele Kane, three children—Grace, Mickey, and Kevin Kane, and step daughter Camille Marquardt.

Born in Northfield, IL, Michael was the eighth of ten children to Jerry and Jean Kane. Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Michael spent his youth running around the streets of Northfield, caddying at Sunset Ridge Country Club, and attending Loyola Academy in nearby Wilmette. After graduating from college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michael moved home to Chicago to pursue an MBA at Loyola University Chicago, beginning a career as an investment banker, and shortly after starting a family.  

Michael was a loving father and his kids’ #1 fan. He spent much of his time either coaching his sons’ sports teams or cheering them on (loudly) from the sidelines, and enjoyed entertaining his daughter and her friends with goofy dad jokes and the best root beer floats on the North Shore. In the summers if he wasn’t on the golf course at Sunset Ridge Country Club, you could find him behind the wheel of his boat in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Always the host, many can attest to the joy of days spent on the water and evenings around a bonfire at his home on Lake Elizabeth.

Michael’s generous nature paid off when he invited a neighbor and their gaggle of friends over one night only to be introduced to his future wife, Nichele Bond. Love at first sight was proven true and they were married in Appleton, WI on July 23rd, 2020. Shortly after they added to their combined four children, a threesome of goofy frenchies and lived happily in their home on Honeysuckle Lane. Many a Sunday passed where you could find Michael and Nichele cheering on the Packers at Lambeau field or enjoying views of Lake Winnebago at North Shore Golf Club.

Michael was, at his core, an unceasingly generous and kind man. He never hesitated to help those around him, making everyone and anyone feel welcome in his presence and at his home. While his absence will be felt most strongly, those who loved him are comforted by the many happy memories that remain.

For those who wish to attend, two memorial services will be held for family and friends in both Appleton and the Chicagoland area.

Chicago:

Visitation Saturday, September 7th, 2024, 10:15 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass beginning 11:00 a.m. at Divine Mercy Parish at Saint Philip the Apostle Church, 1962 Old Willow Road, Northfield, IL 60093.

Appleton:

Visitation Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass beginning 11:30 a.m. at St Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N McDonald St, Appleton, WI 54911.

Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, we would ask for a donation to be made in Michael’s name to the Evans Scholarship Fund, a charity that was close to his heart.