Michael J. LaGesse, age 75, of Bradley passed away Saturday, December 14, 2019 at his home.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, December 19, 2019, at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. Rev. Anthony Nugent will officiate. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais.
Michael was born April 22, 1944 in Kankakee, the son of Paul & Mary Margaret (Yates) LaGesse. Michael married Sheila L. O’Brien on October 30, 1982 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley. She preceded him in death on August 15, 2005.
Mike graduated from St. Patrick’s Central High School and Eastern Illinois University. He retired as the Business Manager for the Knights of Columbus #745 in Kankakee, retiring after 27 years. Mike was the Bradley Village Clerk for 22 years and a member of the Kankakee County Board for 27 years.
Mike was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, where he was also former Financial Secretary and former Knight of the Year. He was very dedicated to the BINGO nights held there by promoting and working at it. His late wife, Sheila, used to say, “He was very loved, because he gave so much love”.
Mike was very active in fundraising in the community. The organizations he supported include the Easter Seals Telethon, the Tootsie Roll Campaign and many others.
Mike was an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears fan. He enjoyed golfing. He was also a big supporter of Bishop McNamara Catholic School. He was a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bradley.
Surviving are two sisters and two brothers-in-law, Margaret “Muggs” & Harry Frechette of Bourbonnais and Marilyn & Tom Savoie of Bradley; one brother, Gerald “Buzz” LaGesse of Paducah, KY; one stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, Doug & Michelle Morgan of Kankakee; three grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly. In addition to his wife, Sheila LaGesse, Mike is preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Jean Azzarelli and Arlene Mitchell; one brother, Ronald P. LaGesse; and three infant siblings.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family wishes.
