Michael E. McLean

Michael E. McLean, 83, completed his journey home on December 20, 2022 in Aurora after courageously facing several extended illnesses. He was born in Belvidere, Illinois on August 29, 1939. Mike was blessed with a brilliant mind and a photographic memory that remained razor sharp until his very last day. Mike first gained local fame by winning the Aurora 8th grade spelling bee that earned him an acclaimed trip to Washington, D.C. The Aurora Beacon News followed Mike and his mother on that trip which included visits to several national landmarks and a meeting with FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. A 1957 graduate of Marmion Academy, Mike attended night school at DePaul University while working full-time and raising four children with his wife Shirley. Mike ultimately earned his Business Management degree from DePaul in 1966. After 27 years as a Sales Representative with IBM, Mike owned and operated Aurora Travel Agency with Shirley for 6 years until 2001. Mike and Shirley shared many happy trips together and savored those special times when their family gathered in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. Mike especially treasured the wonderful memories of the golf trip with his family to Ireland in 2001. Mike cherished spending time and laughter with all his family and friends. Mike and Shirley loved their many communities of friendship and support over the years at Holy Angels, Westwind, Bristol Tap and their bridge clubs. An avid golfer, boater and sports lover, Mike closely followed all Chicago sports teams and reveled in that long-awaited Cubs title in 2016. Mike was a quietly devout man whose faith sustained him through many life challenges and carried him home in peace. Mike is survived by Shirley, his devoted wife of 62 years; son Tim (Jeanne), daughter Ann (Kevin) Ingram, and daughter-in-law, Kristine McLean; grandchildren Joe, Jamie and Daniel McLean, Katie (Michael) Denci, and Meghan Ingram; great-grandchildren, Noah and Emma Denci; siblings Carmen (John) Powers, John, Steve (Liz), Trudy (Kevin) Rigney, and Mary Ellen (Paul Ganz); brother-in-law Rod (Patricia) Barkei and sister-in-law Kathy Barkei; and countless loving friends and family. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Marguerite; daughter Kathy Colombo and son Tom; brother David; and brother-in-law Randy Barkei. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 10:00 AM from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY to Annunciation Catholic Church in Aurora for Mass at 10:30 AM with Fr. Patrick Gillmeyer OSB, and Fr. Joel Rippinger OSB, concelebrating. Burial will be at Marywood Cemetery in Aurora. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 27, from 3:00 until 7:00 PM with a Vigil Prayer and Eulogy Service at 3:30 at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St, Aurora IL 60506. 630-631-5500. With caring concern for our dear family and friends who are particularly vulnerable, Mike’s family respectively requests that masks be worn at his services. Memorial contributions may be made to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in support of the continuing effort to combat the disease that afflicted Mike’s beloved two children, Kathy and Tom.

Michael E. McLean

August 29, 1939 - December 20, 2022