Michael J. "Mike" Thomas

Michael James Thomas, age 46, of Elgin, passed away suddenly, Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

Mike was born April 18, 1976 on Easter Sunday in Chicago, to James and Christine (Labuz) Thomas.  His work ethic started at an early age when he helped his grandparents in their grocery store, often assisting Grandma Jessie with deliveries to neighborhood families.  In 1997, Mike started working at the Budweiser Distributorship in Arlington Heights.  He remained a loyal employee for 25 years as the company grew and changed, now Lakeshore Beverage.  Mike worked alongside several of his fellow drivers including Mike Como, Eli Florakos, Scott Thorstenson, and Marco Laterza for many years.  His accounts looked forward to their weekly stop when they had a chance to chat and joke with Mike, some becoming friends along the way.  Mike also loved spending time with friends and family, always the one making everyone laugh with his contagious smile.  He passed his love for Star Wars on to his son James, spending time watching movies, and building character Legos.  On the weekends, you could find Mike cheering on his sons, Ryan and Michael, playing Rockets Baseball or Panther Football.  Mike would be the first one up on game day, waking up his boys by playing “Thunderstruck”, with the cooler packed, car loaded, and ready to greet everyone at the fields.  Mike had the best sense of humor and ability to banter with anyone. The laughter and friendship shared with his wife Kate was one of a kind. 

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kate (Daum); sons James, Ryan, and Michael; parents James and Christine of Elk Grove Village; sister Lisa (Curt) Buss of Geneva; mother-in-law Colleen Long of St. Charles, father-in-law John Daum (Sue) of Elgin; brother-in-law John Daum (Debbie), sister-in-law Meghan Michaelsen, nieces Alma, Sophie, Julia, Amelia, and Abbi, nephews Kevin, Evan, Gio and Ben, and his pitbull, Annie.

He was preceded in death by his Uncle John Ryan, Grandma and Grandpa Labuz, Grandma Alma and Poppy Joe, and father-in-law Dr. Steven Long.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 5 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm at Malone Funeral Home with a liturgical wake service at 6:45 pm.

Funeral Prayers will be held Monday, February 6, 2023 at 9:30 am at Malone Funeral Home, 324 E. State Street (Route 38), Geneva proceeding to St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva for Celebration of Funeral Mass at 10:30 am with Father Jonathan Bakkelund officiating. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aupUhtpTdOQ

Burial will follow at Whitney Cemetery in Campton Township.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in the form of a check for the future educational expenses for the Thomas boys can be made to:

The Michael J. Thomas Family Trust.

For information 630-232-8233 or www.malonefh.com.

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