Name: Visitation for Michael "Gene" DeWolfe
Start: 2016-12-04T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-04T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory

Michael 'Gene' DeWolfe
1944-2016
JOHNSBURG - Michael "Gene" DeWolfe, 72, Johnsburg, passed away Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington.
Mike was born Father's Day, June 18, 1944, in Kewanee, the son of Lawrence and Dorothy (Craig) DeWolfe.
Mike graduated from LaFayette High School in 1962, and later from Northern Illinois University, graduating with a bachelor's degree in education in 1966 and a master's in adminitstation in 1970. Mike married the love of his life Diane "Dee" Stilling on June 7, 1969, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg.
Mike retired in 1999 from Johnsburg School district, after 33 years of teaching, counseling and working as a school administrator. In retirement he mowed parks for the village of Johnsburg and was part-time faculty at McHenry County College, retiring in 2006. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg; the Johnsburg Rescue Squad Retired; McHenry County Retired Teachers Association, serving in several office capacities; Illinois Retired Teacher Association; and McHenry County Enterprise Club. Mike enjoyed golf, yard and garden work, building things for his family but foremost he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Dee; his three children, Angie (Brad) Bechtel of Plainfield, Karen (Greg) Harwood of Plainfield and Becky (Mike) Tumpane of Minneapolis; six grandchildren; and his brother, Don (Pat) DeWolfe of Overland Park.
He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Dorothy DeWolfe.
Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory 591 Ridgeview Dr. McHenry. Visitation will continue at St. John the Baptist church in Johnsburg from 9:30 to the 10:30 a.m. funeral Mass. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mike's name may be directed to Les Turner ALS Foundation www.lesturnerals.org or Journey Care Hospice 405 N. Lake Zurich, Barrington Il 60010.
For more information, contact the funeral home at (815) 385-0063; www.colonialmchenry.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Register-Mail on Dec. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael DeWolfe

Sponsored by Colonial Funeral Home & Crematory.

16 Entries

Bill Robel

December 8, 2016

Mike was my 6th grade basketball coach when he first came to Johnsburg.....
With an infectious smile, he never had a bad thing to say about anyone, and will be missed immensely by myself and our family.
RIP "Coach".

Diane Klick

December 5, 2016

Dee,
It was an honor to know you and Mike and your beautiful family.
My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
I will never forget the care and compassion you gave to him.
Sending love and healing wishes your way,
Lady di

Marlene McLane

December 4, 2016

Dee and Family,
Mike was such a help to me in more ways than I could count. I don't have the Johnsburg community background, but I was fortunate to work with him for twenty years. (Although I wasn't aware of it until now, I do have the Kewanee / Cambridge ties.)
My prayers will remain with each of you as you face the next few weeks, months and years ahead.

December 4, 2016

Dear Dee and family,

I was saddened to hear today about your loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

When I saw this picture of Mike, it made me smile. I was very fortunate to have worked on the the other side of a wall with this wonderful man for 13 years as a SEDOM teacher.

Johnsburg Middle School had the best of the best...Mike DeWolfe, Harry May, and too many others to mention. I treasure the memories that I am so fortunate to have experienced.

Not only did I get the pleasure of working with Mike, but when I left Johnsburg and went to Crystal Lake, I meet up with you, Dee. What a wonderful world this is.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God bless and keep you all in the palm of his hand.

Love,

Kathy Miner

Lois Shartiag

December 4, 2016

My heart goes out to Dee and Mike's family, We have been friends for such a long time. Driving down to Springfield for an IRTA meeting, Mike taught me everything I could ever want to know about farming!!It is very difficult losing a loved one. I will pray for Mike and his family. He will always be remembered with the fondest of memories.

December 3, 2016

Dee and family, I so vividly remember when Mike first came to Johnsburg to teach. Although in different schools, our lives intertwined in so many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time.

Grace Vyduna Haskins

December 3, 2016

Mike was a gracious, kind, and honest man and educator. He saved me from leaving teaching with advice and support years ago. Plus he was a pretty good asparagus recipe man! My condolences to Dee and family. Gina Belt of SEDOM Fame!

Rose Turk

December 3, 2016

Mike, it's been a pleasure working with you and knowing you through MCRTA. May you rest in peace with God now.
Family, take comfort in the fact that he is in a better place. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you.

Randy Swikle

December 3, 2016

Mike DeWolfe's influence in Johnsburg Community School District 12, in the whole town and beyond was profound. His vision, leadership, camaraderie and connection with young learners and fellow educators inspired innovation and excellence.

He was exemplary a "Johnsburger" who personified the many admirable dynamics of the close-knit community he served as a teacher, coach, Rescue Squad volunteer, Community Club leader and venerable citizen.

I taught in Johnsburg for 34 years. Mike was always one of my most highly respected, memorable colleagues. He was part of an all-star team of educators that included Duane Andreas, Harry May, Wayne Hiller, Dick Seaborn, Larry Reinhard and many others. They were pioneers who stirred the community toward innovative schools and remarkable achievements.

Mike was a great storyteller who had a keen sense of humor and an anecdote for just about any occasion. He made me laugh smile and think.

The lives Mike DeWolfe touched continue to spread some of his essence in a process that can continue ad infinitum. Mike made the world a better place. God bless his family and friends, who by their good works will continue his legacy of caring, giving and appreciating.

--The Randy Swikle Family

Larry Reinhard

December 3, 2016

Mike was the first teacher I met at Johnsburg! Dedicated to Mr Bush the Johnsburg experience,and track and field! Helped me survive that first year in the classroom! Always a sunny disposition. My condolences

December 3, 2016

Dee,

Just heard of Mike's passing. We go back a long way. As rival coaches and starting the 6th grade basketball tournament. My sincere sym-
pathy for your loss. You had to love his smile.

Tom and Judy Fowler

December 3, 2016

For Charlie,Jimmy, Jim,Gibert,Tom,and Bill and all the girls in our block, all 24 of us wish you well as you travel on. As kids we had a great time. The memories will always be ours. Gene you were loved like a brother. Bill Todd

The FTD Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Lee Carpenter

December 3, 2016

I first met Mike as a student in 71, and was always inspired by his kindness and devotion to students at Johnsburg and SEDOM. It was my pleasure to work with him when I was on the school board and beyond the school settings.

He blessed my life, may I take that inspiration an be a blessing to others.

Sid and Diane Whittlinger

December 3, 2016

Mike was just a super nice and kind person. My heart goes out to the Grandkids who will miss him dearly and the daughters, and of course, Dee.

Dave and Pam Oeffling

December 3, 2016

To a wonderful man and brother-in-law.
You made life more fun and made us laugh. We love you and miss you already.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results