Mitchell Piwowarski

Mitchell Piwowarski, 72, a resident of Huntley, has "gone fishing," leaving this world on December 13, 2024, surrounded by his family and the timeless music of Willie Nelson. A man of remarkable humor, heart, and larger-than-life stories, Mitch made every moment count and left behind a legacy as vibrant as his personality.
Born January 24, 1952 to Marian and Kazimiera Piwowarski in Lomza, Poland, Mitch was the devoted husband of Patty (née Berg), the proud and loving father of Allison (Billy Ruttenberg), the cherished little brother of Christine (Stanley) Stefanski and the late Edward (Ela) Piwowarski, and beloved uncle of Kat and Greg. He brought the same boundless love and pride to being a "pawrent" to Briggs and a "grandpaw" to Moose as he did to all his cherished family roles.
Mitch spent most of his life in Chicago, Illinois. He served four years in the army, but it was the open waters that truly captured his soul. An expert fisherman (and occasional storyteller known for his slightly exaggerated fishing tales), Mitch's life was as rich as the stories he told. He had a knack for making people laugh and was a natural entertainer, often so tickled by his own humor that it hardly mattered whether anyone else was laughing.
As a hardworking business owner, Mitch started APM Sales - A for Allison, P for Patty, and M for Mitch - and was incredibly proud to be his own boss. And when the time came for retirement, Mitch embraced it with his signature enthusiasm, declaring that for him, "every day was Saturday." But he didn't just retire; he thrived, filling his life - and his final days - with adventures that would rival anyone's bucket list. From soaring over Denali in a helicopter to perfecting his golf swing and embarking on a legendary fishing trip to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota with Allison (where he earned the coveted title of "Big Fish"), Mitch lived this last year with gusto and joy.
Above all else, Mitch's love for his family was his most defining trait. His wife, Patty, was his "angel on Earth," a sentiment he carried with him until the end, as she cared for him with unwavering grace and love. Now, he will repay her in kind, watching over her as her angel. His daughter, Allison, his kindred spirit in sharp wit and storytelling, held such a special place in his heart, and their bond was one of a lifetime.
Mitch reunites with his late parents, Kazimiera and Marian, and his brother Edward, surely sharing pierogies and swapping tales on the other side.
To honor Mitch's love of the outdoors, his ashes will be spread across his favorite fishing waters, ensuring his spirit forever mingles with the places he cherished most.
A celebration of Mitch's love and life will be held at Michaels Funeral Home (800 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL) on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Mitch's memory, a tribute to his generous spirit and their hope for a brighter future free from cancer's reach.
They also wish to express their profound gratitude to the incredible healthcare workers and hospice team who cared for Mitch with compassion and dedication, ensuring his final days were filled with peace and love. Their kindness will forever be remembered.