Michael P. Heaver

Michael Patrick Heaver, also known as “Schaumburg Mike,” unexpectedly passed away on August 23, 2018, at the age of 62. He had just returned to his home in Port St. Lucie, Florida, after spending two months in the Chicago suburbs with his family, friends, and beloved dogs. His final two months were full of quality family and friend time, concerts, laughter, and dancing.

Michael is survived by his wife, Karen Joseph Heaver; daughter, Nicole Karlis; sisters, Dawn Greeley and Patricia Gonzalez; brother-in-law’s John Usrey and Burt Gonzalez; and many beloved nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Mike. Michael was predeceased by his mother, Donna Driscoll Heaver, and father, Donald Heaver.

Michael was born at St. Anne’s Hospital in Chicago on September 11, 1955, to Donna and Donald Heaver. He was the middle child of two sisters, Patricia and Dawn. Michael attended East Leyden High School where he played football and baseball. He went on to study administration of justice law at Southern Illinois University. In 1994, he met Karen Joseph and her five-year-old daughter, Nicole. On their first date, the three of them went miniature golfing. They remained a family of three for the rest of his life.

On April 6, 2001, Michael and Karen got married at Queen of the Rosary Church in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. At their wedding reception guests danced with maracas in a conga line, and sang Elton John’s song “Tiny Dancer.” Michael and Karen lived in Schaumburg, Illinois, where his friends and the locals referred to him as “Schaumburg Mike.” He was always a regular at summer fests, and loved dancing to the local band 7th Heaven with his wife. In 2014, once Michael retired, Michael and Karen moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. He bought a Harley Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle, and spent happy winter days at his pool with his wife and dogs, posting on Facebook to boast about the sunny weather to his friends and family up north.

Michael was a man with a big heart. He loved his family and lifelong friends dearly. He was a sensitive and kind-hearted soul, who wanted the best for everyone. He loved music, movies, shopping for hats, taking photographs of those he loved, riding his motorcycle and his two dogs, Hudson and Harley. Michael showed those around him how to have a good time, and enjoy a good laugh. He also taught them how to love unconditionally with all of one’s heart. He will be deeply missed by those he leaves behind, and his spirit will live on forever in all of the lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held in Schaumburg, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, Michael’s family asks that donations be made to The Humane Society of St. Lucie in honor of him. Donations can be made online here: https://www.hsslc.org/p/28/honor-and-memorial-donation#.W4WtUy-ZNp9 ; or checks can be mailed to PO box 14199, Fort Pierce Florida, 34979 (write “In honor of Michael Heaver”). Donations will help homeless dogs find loving parents, like Harley did with Michael and Karen. Ride or die, Michael Heaver. You will be missed.