Michael Phillip Lathrop died unexpectedly but peacefully at Maple Crest Nursing Home, the evening of December 15, 2023 with his wife, Dory by his side in Belvidere, IL at the age of 73. Born February 8, 1950. He and his wife Dory were married for 49 years after taking their vow on November 2, 1974 at the Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton, IL. Michael grew up in Loves Park, IL, where he continued to live and raise his family. He was so kind and would help anyone he knew in any way he could. Many people reading this can likely remember a time when he fixed their car or gave them great advice. He could fix just about anything and loved to build furniture and useful items for his family. He invented the first automatic transmission trike motorcycle from aftermarket parts and was published in Wing World Magazine. In his younger years, he developed a passion for working on cars and motorcycles, painting cars with his brothers, Drag Racing and NASCAR. Michael attended Rock Valley College in the institution's early years and was the first member of his family to graduate from college. He worked as an engineer for many years starting at Barber Colman then moving to Rockford Automation, Greenlee, and Gunite throughout his career. At the time, these were Rockford's leading manufacturers. His love for fixing cars led him to finishing his working years at First Avenue Auto with his buddies. His son, Chad, remembers many lessons he was taught by him, but one quote that stuck with him since he got his first car was "If you can't pay for anything else, pay attention." Michael is loved so very much and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Michael is survived by his wife, Dory (Tinder) Lathrop; daughter, Stephanie (Rich) Tomman; son, Chad (Crystal) Lathrop; mother, Delia (Sneath) Lathrop; brother, Jeff (Julie) Lathrop; grandchildren, Brooke, Kaci, Dylan and Amber; great-grandchildren, Riley and Selah; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that are too numerous to name. Michael is preceded in death by his son Eric, grandson Cody, granddaughter Alyssa, great-grandson Ashton, his loving father Lester Lathrop, his younger brother, Stanley and nephew Joshua.
A memorial gathering will take place from 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Friday, December 22, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to his wife, Dory.
