Name: Drake & Son Funeral Home
Address: Chicago, IL

I knew Mike since kindergarten at queen of angels I always had a fond memory of him even after losing contact with him so many years ago. I remember his wonderful left handed script writing . He was kind even  when we  were kids.  I loved his  bright red  hair. The last time I  met him he wa wearing  it long. It was in the 60’s  I read he was the commander of tatlerpost at the American legion.  So was my Uncle Ed Hennigan  the commander of that post in the 60’s
One day I thought about him and was so sad to read his obituary.  Just know Mike, I will always remember you as my friend.
By the way how come I didn’t know your first name was Thomas
A school girl s  memory    Irene Hennigan
L


My Eulogy...

Mike was truly the love of my life. He has been my best friend and I miss him dearly. Mike was not like anyone else ever. And I will be eternally grateful for sharing almost 38 years with him.

Mike had a gift. He could connect with anyone. And he could make you smile. I often told him: I married you because you make me laugh! He always made me feel good!

When I met Mike, he lived with his mom. Irene was absolutely wonderful! She found the good in everyone and everything around her. Mike had that same ability to appreciate everyone. He bonded so quickly with people! He lived on the same block his entire life except for a year away at college and his stint in the Army. Folks knew him and he knew everyone. He was someone who could remember who lived where when. And he was a neighbor you could ask for help. 

Mike was a woodworker and loved working with his hands. In 1980 he bought the home we live in now and rehabbed it in his spare time over the years. He created the ultimate man cave in the basement with all his many, many tools neatly organized and yes, everything labelled! 

Mike was a car guy. When we went places in his car, if at all possible, he would wash the car when we got back. I am quite sure that he is very proud of me for getting the car washed yesterday before the wake! He detailed cars as a teenager and loved taking care of his cars. We attended car shows all over the country, showing one car or another. And we had a marvelous time doing it. 

He was a train buff. Loved steam engines and Amtrak and everything trains. And he loved working at CTA with those elevated cars. He was the manager of the engineers who investigated accidents and problems with the cars. Mike was always looking for the right solution to each and every problem. Coworkers said just yesterday that he never had an agenda other than to solve the problem. He always worked with integrity and honesty and they had the very highest respect for him. And they really enjoyed working with him!

He was an exercise guy who prided himself on his health and physique. After he retired, when he could have slept late, he was a member of the 5:00 club of folks who were at the door to Galter Life Center when it opened each morning. And folks would marvel at his ability to do chin ups! He did more chin ups than any of the younger guys even after he was 65!

Mike was a veteran of the US Army. He was part of the Fort Sheridan Honor Guard just before his discharge. He joined the American Legion Tattler Post years ago. He did most of the different jobs including Post Commander for two years. And he worked hard at each of those positions. 

Everything he did, he made every effort to do well. And he succeeded. 

He was a loving husband and the best thing that ever happened to me. We talked often of how lucky we were to have each other. About what a wonderful life we had. He was the love of my life and I miss him dearly. But I know that he is still with me and he always will be. For now, I will miss most his sense of humor. But I have so many, many memories!! 

Thanks for the memories, Mikey!!

mike was one of the great ones from the old neighborhood,one of the original,legendary pinkie's boys,pure class.becky,my prayers are with you and yours.  jim blue     pinon hills ca

Becky and Family . . . 

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. Haven't seen you two in a bit, but we have the lasting and fun memories of your Super Bowl and other parties/gatherings and carefree times in the 70s/80s/early 90s. Also recall Mike's love of fast cars (Corvettes) and everything trains.

Mike always had a beautiful smile and great sense of humor and we have memories of us all consuming a bit too much beer and comfort food. The good old days.

Now the old gang is aging and reflective, knowing that life is too short, delicate and so precious.

We are saddened and so wanted to comfort you and reminisce at Mike's services, but just now learned that we missed the dates. Expect to soon hear from us.

May you heal quickly knowing that your dear Mike is without pain and suffering.

Love and Peace.

I had the pleasure of knowing Mike from his time at CTA. Taught me much and I am eternally grateful. God bless you and your family.

I knew Mike from Galter LifeCenter we would say hello and he would inspire me to keep going.  We were both early morning exercisers and he was in much better shape than me, but he made me want to do better. I will miss seeing him there.  My condolences to his family and friends.

I will always be grateful to Mike for all of the care and assistance he provided to his neighbors, my grandparents, John and Carol Freisinger. We love him for all that he did for them.  I'm sure my grandparents welcomed him with open arms on the other side.

We Had some good times in the 60's God bless you. Mike Kale

Since second grade at Q of A, Lane Tech, and all the life that followed, Mike has been my best friend. Till the end we shared 65 plus years of memories, mischief, girls, cars, and a few beers. I miss him today and will till my memory is gone. Everyone who knew Mike will be missing him. I have been told that you are perfectly happy in heaven, that means pretty girls, Rock and Roll, and Muscle cars! Save me a place in the garage Mike.   John

It has been a pleasure to know you sir. My grandparents are Tim & Joan Stiles. I have been going to the American Legion since the 90's. I have been an active member for a few years now and we are all truly heart broken. See you in Fiddler's Green friend.....Randall J Stiles (Chicago, IL)

You have been such a source of support and wisdom for me. As well as a partner in completely inappropriate and irreverent jokes and conversations. Let's not forget the time I impressed you drinking you beer for beer...that one time...when I could do that. I have so many memories I will hold in my heart. You will be missed terribly.

Mike fought the good fight, but his suffering is now over. My heart goes out to you, Becky during this very difficult time. Hope it brings you some comfort to know that he is at peace and that you are surrounded by a lot of love. Know that we will always be here for you.

OBITUARY

Thomas Mike "Mike" Luebker

29 September, 1944 – 20 January, 2017

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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