It is with deep sadness that the family of Michael Fuller announces his passing at the age of 88. Mike peacefully left this world with Jeanine, his loving wife of 65 years, at his side.  He checked himself into St. Joseph’s Medical Center on Saturday, November 23rd and learned he had prostate cancer that had spread to his bones.  He never left the hospital and died on November 29th.

Born on August 25th, 1936, in Butler County, Iowa, Mike was the fourth of Louis and Edna (Hoag) Fuller’s five sons. He grew up in a close-knit family and developed a sense of integrity, strong work ethic, and a passion for life. Mike graduated from Grinnell High School and Iowa State Teachers’ College.  He earned a Masters Degree and a PHD from the University of Iowa and was thereafter an avid Hawkeye fan.

Mike was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Jeanine Baldwin, in 1959, and together they raised two children, Chris (Molly) and Chad (Lauren).  Mike was a devoted grandfather to AJ, Casey, Sparrow and Hannah. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and treasured friends.

Mike worked tirelessly as an educator throughout his career.  He taught in the School of Education at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio for over 30 years, earning the Miami University Alumni Association Effective Educator of the Year Award in 1994.  He was known not only for his professional achievements but also for his mentorship and support of students and colleagues. Mike and Jeanine moved from Oxford after retirement to live at the Carillon Lakes Retirement Community in Crest Hill, Illinois.

Mike was never bored.  He had many hobbies including gardening, Ukrainian Easter egg decorating, knitting, Swedish embroidery, and refinishing furniture.  Mike also loved to travel.  He and Jeanine have visited all 50 states, traveled through more than sixty countries, and lived on four continents.  Mike never met a stranger.  Jeanine teased him by telling him to stop “fence posting” which meant talking to someone he didn’t know.  This came from Mike’s claim that he would talk to a fence post if he thought the fence post would talk back.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Edna, his four brothers, Art (Sybil), Wally (Jean), Keith (Marjorie), and Charles (Lynne).

A visitation with the family will be held from 3:00-7:00 PM on Monday, December 9th at the Anderson-Goodale Memorial Homes, 21131 West Renwick Road, Crest Hill, Illinois.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 10th at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Road, Joliet, Illinois. Following the service, there will be a reception at the Mistwood Golf Course, 1700 West Renwick Road, Romeoville, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the charity of your choosing in Mike’s memory.

Mike will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a generous man with many talents and convictions and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of sharing their lives with him.