Michael O. Lenci

Age of 76, of Plainfield, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, with his loving family by his side.

Born June 10, 1948, in Joliet, Mike was the son of Orlando J. and Gloria M. (Née Spiers) Lenci. 

He was a graduate of Joliet Township Central High School (Class of 1966).

On February 24, 1968, he married the love of his life Mary S. Mahoney in St. John’s Catholic Church, Joliet. 

Mike worked for Olin Chemical for 17 years where he was a proud member of the International Chemical Workers’ Union. Mike was also previously employed with Cornerstone Services, Hendrickson Stamping, and Timber Ridge School.

Mike loved music. When he wasn't sitting around the fire playing tunes with his family and friends, he was playing in the local band “Time Lapse’ for many years. 

He enjoyed many sports, but his true love was for the game of hockey. As an extreme hockey enthusiast, Mike not only played the sport as a goaltender, but he also coached at Joliet Central, Joliet Jaguars and the Naperville Sabres. He also was a hockey dad, grandpa and a HUGE Blackhawks fan. 

Mike enjoyed the open roads on his Harley. He and Mary enjoyed the opportunity on four separate occasions when they traveled to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

His greatest love was for his wife, children and grandchildren, who will all miss him immensely. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Mary S. Lenci; children, Bryan (Jan) Lenci and Jennifer (Donovan) Nowak; grandchildren, Michael and Paulie Lenci, Lola and Lukas Nowak; sisters, Geni (Bernie) Olejniczak and Lori (Jon) McBride; sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna Harty, Howie (Vicki) Mahoney, Dolly Mahoney, Debbie Mahoney, Nancy Mahoney; aunt, Joyce Hellis; numerous nieces and nephews, whom he loved very much, and many, close friends; too many to mention. 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Orlando J. and Gloria M. Lenci; sister, Ruth Ann (Robert) Kijowski, and in-laws, Donald J. and Lola Mahoney, David Mahoney, Tim Mahoney, Susan (Ralph) Massett and Frank Mahoney.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL 60435. A Celebration of Mike’s Life will follow at 12:30 p.m. 

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mike’s memory to: The American Cancer Society. Call 800-227-2345 or https://donate.cancer.org.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL 815-735-2125.