Michael J. Oldani

Michael J. Oldani peacefully passed away March 6, 2024, surrounded by his wife and parents after succumbing to a short illness. Michael was born on August 2, 1973, in Joliet, Illinois, to Margo (Brimmerman) and Joseph Oldani.
Michael attended Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox, Illinois, and obtained his bachelor's degree from University of St. Francis. Michael spent the better part of his life in Manhattan, Illinois, before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, following the marriage to his wife in 2014.
At time of his death, Michael was working for IWG as a Director of Partnership Growth. Michael quickly rose to become one of IWG's top performing Partnership Growth Directors across the globe. Through his sheer determination, commitment, and authentic approach, Michael changed the game for IWG in Nevada and helped to pivot the business in an unparalleled way for the future. Any number of Michael's colleagues throughout his career would agree he was a leader amongst his peers, a valued coach, and a steadfast mentor; it was what he cherished doing most and it is the proud legacy he leaves behind.
Michael loved to cook, he was an avid music lover, he loved all things Disney, he always looked forward to a good road trip, and he will forever be remembered for his quick wit. He was a devoted Cubs fan and he fell in love with the game of hockey thanks to the Vegas Golden Knights. Michael had a passion for dogs; he one day hoped to open an animal rescue. Michael leaves behind his beloved husky, Loki, that he and his wife rescued in 2014.
Michael is survived by his wife Ellen Kerby-Oldani; his parents Margo and Joseph Oldani; his sisters Amy (Ron) Spesia, Lori Ann (Marc) Gerdisch and Terri (Joe) Como; nephews Daniel, Michael, Joseph, Christopher, Andrew, and Jonathon Spesia, Robert Gerdisch, and Quinton Beal; nieces Madison and Ashley Davis and Darby Beal; sisters in-law Erin (Brian) Davis and Lauren (Scott) Beal; several cousins, great nieces and nephews. Michael made many friends along the way; the bonds had with Jesse Lopez, John Findeisen, Brian Robinson, Jamie Jackson, Ryan Semler, and the late Bill Jenkins stood the test of time and were deeply cherished.
Michael is preceded in death by grandparents Kathryn Oldani, Joseph and Betty Oldani and Gail and Maxine Brimmerman, uncles Tom and Jim Brimmerman, aunt Lois Oldani, and nephew Matthew Gerdisch.
Visitation will be held on April 12, 2024, from 4pm-8pm at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home located at 507 S. State Street, Manhattan, Illinois 60442. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 13, 2024, beginning with prayers at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home followed by a procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan, Illinois 60442 for 10:00am Mass of Christian Burial. Interment immediately following at Mount Emblem Cemetery located at 520 E. Grand Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126.
In lieu of flowers, Michael's wish is for memorial tributes be made in the form a charitable donation to an animal shelter. A GoFundMe page has graciously been created to honor Michael and the local animal shelter in Las Vegas he had connections to and a link follows: https://www.gofundme.com/f/michael-oldani
To Those I Love
When I am gone, release me, let me go. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. Just be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess, how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on, so if you need me, call, and I will come. Though you can't see, or touch, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all of my love around you, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile, and say "Welcome Home".