Michael Andrews

Michael A. Andrews

Age 64 of Braidwood and formerly of Chicago, Orland Park, Lockport and Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born May 28, 1953 in Chicago, Michael Adrian was a son of James M. and Martha A. (Bobko) Andrews. He was raised in Chicago and graduated from Carl Sandburg High School with the Class of 1971. Mike went on to honorably serve in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. On September 7, 1991, Michael married Cheryl Lynn (nee Kucer) in the Theodore Street Lutheran Church in Crest Hill.

A self-employed carpenter and woodworker, who enjoyed building items from scratch, Mike was truly a ‘Jack of all trades’. He enjoyed writing; music and singing, and will be remembered for his rendition of Mustang Sally. He had a passion for food; loved to fish; was a problem solver, and had a great sense of humor with the gift to make anyone laugh. Mike took great pleasure in riding his motorcycle with his wife, and cherished his faithful companions Cooper and Rawdy. Animals were important to him, and his cat Midnight, whom he rescued and nursed back to health, also held a special spot in his heart.

Mike will be remembered for his big heart, and was always there to help anyone in need. Family was of the utmost importance to Mike, and he leaves behind his dear wife, whom was not only his best friend, but the one whom he always claimed could never go before him.

Survivors include his wife of 26 years Cheryl; daughter, Denise (Anthony) Giovacchini of Lombard; son, John Andrews; step-son, Corey (Jennifer) Miglorini of Braidwood; three grandchildren: Lucas Giovacchini, Brandon Andrews and Harper Miglorini; one brother Tom (Pat) Andrews of New Lenox; three sisters: Nicki (Ray) Doogan of Braidwood, Kathy Heimerdinger of Braidwood and Denise Overly of Ft. Myers, Florida; his father-in-law: Frank Kucer, Sr. of  Lockport, whom he had a close bond; one sister-in-law, Sandie L. Koski of Braidwood; two brothers-in-law: Frank Kucer, Jr. and Donald Kucer, both of Lockport, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Ed Mishka; two sisters: Marlene Pennington and Roni Andrews, and mother-in-law: Eleanore Kucer.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 13, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until time of memorial service 12:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Reverend Brad Shumaker will officiate.

Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Michael’s memory to his family for their distribution.

Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Mike’s memorial page online by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)