Michael J. Madeja

Michael Joseph Madeja of Burbank, IL, born December 3, 1970, sadly passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025 leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, laughter and quiet strength during his battle with cancer. Michael was a devoted Dad to his children, Jessica and Michael, who were the bright lights of his life.
He was the beloved son of the late Esther (nee Forrester) and James Madeja, and a cherished brother to Tony (Martha Lucero) Madeja, Lisa (the late Dennis) Hermosillo, Jimmy Madeja, and David (Kathy) Madeja. Proud godfather to Joseph and Cynthia. Michael was a caring uncle to the late Kathryn, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Joshua and Amanda, and a proud great-uncle to Lucille. His love extended to longtime friends Kathy (Mom of their children), Jeff C. and Glenn N. along with many other cherished relatives and friends who will remember him fondly.
A proud E3 Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, Michael carried the discipline, honor and sense of duty of a Marine throughout his life. He was a man of Catholic faith, finding calmness and strength through prayer and music. In those moments of testing, his faith carried him and the music he cherished gave him peace and courage to carry forward.
Michael graduated from Reavis High School in Burbank (1989) where he was a member of the track and field team. His passion for sports was undeniable, from college athletics to professional leagues, he found joy in cheering for his favorite teams. He proudly supported the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Maryland Terrapins (turtle mascot) and the University of North Carolina where his all-time favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan, made history. In recent years, his greatest joy came from supporting the Lacrosse team at Edgewood University, making many trips to Madison, WI to support his son, to cheer on the team and to celebrate a game he loved.
Mike was an avid fan of international soccer and a devoted supporter of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, attending countless matches as a season ticket holder. His enthusiasm for Chicago sports was unmatched - he followed the Bulls, the Bears and the White Sox with unwavering loyalty.
Michael found peace and joy outdoors. He loved taking long, relaxing drives to local forest preserves such as Bull Frog Lake, walking the trails at Swallow Cliff and Little Red Schoolhouse, and spending time fishing locally at Joe's Pond and Tampier Lake, as well as on family vacations. He loved finding and taking care of turtles & reptiles of all sizes. Some of his happiest moments were simple ones-fun-filled trips with his kids and several family vacations to Lake Geneva, WI or St. Joseph, Ml where the memories made were lasting and full of laughter.
Michael will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his devotion to family, loyalty to friends, his humor, pranks and smile, and the warmth he brought to all who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his love and memory will remain forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to be part of his life.
Visitation, Thursday, December 11, 2025, 4:00PM to 8:00PM at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral, Friday, December 12, 2025, 9:30AM Service and Time of Remembrance to be held at the funeral home.
Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael, please visit our floral store.