Mike Kroopkin

Click here to watch Live Stream

Michael Joseph "Mike" Kroopkin, 82, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, in

Encinitas, California. Born on November 4, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, Mike was a hard-

working husband and father, determined to bring the best life possible to his family, and

enhance the lives of his friends and community.

Mike was the dedicated husband of Sharon (nee Magid) for 62 years. Together they

built a loving family that includes their children Deborah (Josh Hurwitz), David (Michelle

Brode), and Shakti; and grandchildren Aviva, Rebecca, Abby, Julia, and Malachi. He is

also survived by his sister Roz (Nick) Lagges and an extensive community of family and

friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma (nee Cutler) and Hy

Kroopkin, and his younger brother Don. Mike and Sharon have been living in Carlsbad,

CA full-time for the last 13 years.

Mike enjoyed a long and successful career as a salesman and realtor. His natural

charisma and honesty made him not only an engaging people manager but also a

highly respected business owner with Re/Max Realty. His professional life was defined

by his ability to connect with others and his commitment to doing right by those he

served.

Mike's passion for community involvement was evident throughout his life. In high

school, he participated in ROTC and discovered the satisfaction of leadership roles and

teamwork. He loved creating joy with the Homewood-Flossmoor Jaycees where he

helped organize haunted houses and carnival fundraisers to benefit local causes. He

enjoyed setting up and staffing temporary homeless shelters and interacting with the

guests.

For twelve years, Mike volunteered with the Carlsbad Police Department, connecting

directly with community members in a meaningful way. In addition to the workplace, he

applied his leadership skills on many civic and religious committees and boards. He

acted and sang in performances that raised money for Tay-Sachs disease research.

Mike was known for being caring, funny, straightforward, and a great friend to many. He

loved the ocean, the sound of the waves, and cool cars. Mike loved his hometown

Chicago, family vacations, his dogs, and singing songs like Broadway and the oldies.

He had a great passion for making children laugh and feel special with his Donald Duck

voice, magic tricks, and giving out balloons at Fourth of July parades. He was strong-

willed, playful and compassionate. Mike leaves behind a legacy of kindness, humor,

and unwavering dedication to others.

May his memory be a blessing.