Michael Vander Luitgaren Obituary

I miss you Mike, give your Mom, Aunt Barb and the rest of the family a big hug.

Uncle Bill

Happy 40th Birthday Mike. We miss you!
Love from your cousins.

Hi Mike,
Just thinking of you and your mom tonight. Missing you both and hoping your getting some of Uncle Carmen's big hugs.
love your cousin,
Michelle and family.

I echo that sentiment, Tommy. Your Mom talked about a star in the sky nearly one year ago here in Michael's guest book, so now we'll look for two stars.

Here's to a healthy and prosperous New Year for everyone, and for all families.

Miss you Mike!

Your Bro Tom

about a month ago I had a dream with Michael. He was walking into the room with Tommy, came up to me and kissed me on the forehead and then said, "I love you." And then, I woke up! Of course. But it was a pleasant way to wake up. I miss you Mike and I love you too.

Michael is truly missed not only by his family but also friends and acquaintences. I would like to thank all who keep Michael in their hearts for he is a star in the sky which he uses to shine down upon us to let us know he is happy.

We miss him terribly but when those moments come we think of the happy times, his beautiful smile, his funny and mischievous antics and we can smile again.

God Bless all. Love, Donna

To the whole family:

My thoughts and prayers have been with all of you. I love you and and think of you often.

The Baltus Family
Steve, Lisa (Hicks)
Jordan, Kennedy, Sydney, Tyler

6am Sunday

I was just awakened by Mike's CD randomly playing on our I-Pod/ radio alarm. Not a bad way to begin a day spent remembering Mike. Was it random?

11/11/2006 10:30 pm

Dear Jordan Marie Vander Luitgaren,

What a beautiful name.

As I sit here thinking about going to you're christening tommorow and who I would see, I thought of your Uncle Mike. I think of him every day.

One day you will get to meet him. I know until then; as you read through these heartfelt memories of him you will know what a wonderful uncle and man he was.

God Bless
Love,
Gruncle Bill

Mike,
As I read through these again , I realize even more the void there is in all our lives without you, but how blessed you are to be in the presence of God. It's a hard thought to wrap my mind around, but makes me hopeful to know that, God willing one day we'll all be together again with you and our other relatives and friends. Keep me in your prayers. I miss you.

U.B.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKE!!!!!

Thinking of you always!

On the one year anniversay of your death your picture literally jumped off of my fireplace... as to say "I can't stop by today - but hey there anyway!" I have missed you this past year: your e-mails and your drop in visits. We think of you often & wonder if you and Ed's mom are tipping back a few whiskeys together and thinking of us as often as we are of you. You are deply missed.

Love & kisses to all of the family

Ed, Beth & Olivia

This one year anniversary is a time to reflect on all the great memories we shared with Mike. Though I am deeply saddened by the new memories we will not share, I give great thanks for those we did.



Mike's passing is also a reminder that our time here is limited. Our faith teaches us not to live in fear of that, as heaven awaits. Let us all adore each other during our time here. I can think of no greater tribute to Mike, and no surer way to ensure our reunion with him.



Mike, we miss and love you. We take comfort in knowing that we will all be together again.



Nyong.

On the first anniversary of Mike's passing I went to Holy Sepulchre to his gravesite. The drive after work, from Joliet to Worth, was one of heavy snow flurries and very dark clouds. As I stood by Mike's grave and thought of him and how I missed my dear nephew the snow covered my red jacket in white. I had wished I had time to buy a flower for him but the cemetery was closing in 25 minutes.It was pretty windy and cold but I just wasn't ready to leave. I sat in the car for a moment and noticed I had a complimentary CD from Hard Rock Hotel-Florida. It immediately reminded me of something Mike would have enjoyed, I looked around and I was the only visitor and knew if I put the CD in and cranked up the volume I wouldn't be bothering anyone..So, that's what I did. I rolled down the window and played a rendition of a heavymetal guitar"Star Spangled Banner" and thought it was really cool and Mike would have loved it. I guess he did, because as God is my witness(and Mike) the snow stopped, the clouds parted and the sun shone brightly and the sky was as blue as could be.As I was leaving the dark clouds again covered the sun and the snow flurries started again.Confirmation for me that there is a heaven and a life ever after and that our loved ones do look down on us.. Thank you, Mike..I love you, Aunt Pat

It's been a whole year and I've missed him more each and every day as today came closer. I walk around campus thinking "Did Mike sit under the oak tree near Santa Alberta studying for class?" Or "I wonder if Mike had this Professor." I'll miss you terribly the rest of my life but I'll never forget. Death is just the start of a brand new adventure..and Mike you better be taking pictures for me. Love you always.

To all our family and friends who have remembered Michael's memory this past year with prayers, masses and thoughts of him, however fleeting, please know that we are forever grateful.



"There's a feeling I get, when I look to the West, and my spirit is crying for leaving".



From one of Mike's favorite songs and I think of it often because he mentioned to me before his last flight back to Afghanistan that this would be his last gig in the Mid-east as he wanted to get back to the states.



Michael, I love you forever.



God Bless and keep you in His care, Mom

Michael,



Our family prays for you, especially today.



One of our cousins said it best.



"Beyond the world as we know it, there is a place,

where we will all meet again --

where we never have to say good-bye."



In God's time we will all be together again.



See you then!

Love, your cousin

Michelle and Family

Well, its almost been a year, and I think of you often. I remember your smile and your charm, and your laugh. I know you are above looking down singing a tune while you play your guitar. Please know you are still in my memories, and I pray for you and your family often.

Love,

Camille

Dear Vanders,

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't even begin to understand what you are going through. I have not seen Mike in for a long time yet when i think about my childhood he is all over it. I remember when Laura and i would fight WE would get are brothers yet she had three and i had one, Geoff would come out and so would Tommy Mike and Brian. Mike and Geoff would solve are fights for us and then Laura and I would go on playing. My childhood would not of been the same if you guys were not there. Again I send my deepest sympathy to all of you.

Love

Liz

Dear Vanderluitgaren Family:



Words can not express my profound sadness at Mike’s passing on into the Kingdom of Heaven.



I was most fortunate to have had the opportunity to work closely with Mike in Kuwait. Mike was always a pleasure to be around … full of life and optimism. Mike’s dedication to his work, his outgoing personality, energy and love of life was contagious. He made me laugh and smile.



You can all be proud of Mike as he represented himself at all times like a true gentlemen. I will certainly miss Mike, but I know that he is at peace and resting comfortably in the presence of God himself.



I have prayed for Mike’s salvation and acceptance into heaven through the Grace of Jesus Christ. My prayers are with you all.



I am truly sorry for your loss.



God Bless you all,

Bob Ferguson

My dearest Mike, it's so unreal to me and I'm all out of words. I miss you tremendously and my heart still aches. I now wish that I would have gone with you to Hawaii, it's my biggest regret. But I thank you for teaching me another lesson...and that is if you get any great oppurtunity then take it. So thanks to you Mike, I'm going to go to Italy this summer. Carpe Diem, even though that's French, you know what I mean. I miss you so much but I know that you're okay. Every now and then I get a sense of your presence and a glimse of your smile. You will always be with me...whether you like it or not! I love you.



PoohBear

Mike: The time we knew each other since August was filled with great joy in me - at your dedication and your effort to do the best job that you could do. You were an inspiration to all of those you worked with. I was especially thankful of the fact that you went to Mazar E Sharif - where I had been before when I commanded in the Reserves- and you brought some joy to that place. I can still see the doves in the Blue Mosque and today they are crying for us who remain here without you. I guess it is true - God's Christmas came early this year. I miss you Mike.



Jim

With deepest condolences,

Being next door neighbors for a number of years growing up in Matteson was a lot of fun. I remember being sad when you moved away. The neighborhood was never the same and, while I had not seen you since childhood, I know that the world will never be the same either.

To the Vander Luitgaren Family



I had not seen Mike in a couple years, which saddens me deeply. One of my fondest memories of Mike was at a family party. Mike and I sat in his room and listened to some music while he played his guitar. I remember thinking that he was one of the coolest cousins that I have.



I loved going to the Marian Catholic football games and hanging out with the family afterwards. I will always cherish those memories of Mike and the family.



You are in my thoughts and prayers.



Love,

Stephanie

Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss

You are in my prayers and thoughts!!

The sun on your face

The wind gently blows,

You were taken from us

For reasons unknown,



Your smile we see

An imprint in our minds,

Your heart made of gold

So caring so kind.



Your life was a journey

With you we did share.

Those moments were precious

No matter how rare.



You so will be missed

Much much more than we can say

Our lives you have touched

In your own special way.



Even though you're now gone

Your life here now is done.

A new wonderful journey

For you has begun



The sun on your face

While the wind gently blows



We Love you Always Michael

More Than You Will Know



Love Your Cousin

Carole Ann

Rest in peace , I had the opportunity to work with you in the aleuteons - your dedication was appreciated

ppmk

The sun on your face

the wind gently blows,

You were taken from us

For reasons unknown.



Your smile we see

An imprint in our minds,

Your heart made of gold

So caring so kind.



Your life was a journey

With you we did share.

Those moments were precious

No matter how rare.



You so will be missed

Much more than we can say,

Our lives you have touched

In your own special way.



Even though you are now gone

Your life here now is done

A new wonderful journey

for you has begun.



The sun on your face

While the wind gently blows



We Love You Always Michael

More than you will know.



Love Your Cousin

Carole Ann

Dear Vander Luitgaren's,



We wanted to extend our deepest sympathy for your family's loss.



Very truly yours,

Elias & Dyan Valaveris

Sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

My heart goes out to the family. Michael was a great person always having a good time. He will be missed.

Words can not express how special Mike was to me. He was the best roomate/cousin anyone could ask for. I have many happy memories of him and I swear I can feel his presense all around me. My prayers are with Aunt Doona,Uncle Tom, Tommy, Jam, Brian, Tracy, Alexa, Laura, Maddie,and Jenny. He was greatly loved and will truly be missed.

To Mike's Family,

Our prayers and deepest sorrows are with you all. Please take care of yourselves at this horrible time. Love, Lisa, Steve,

Jordan, Kennedy, Sydney & Tyler

Dear Vanders,



It is with a heavy heart I wish you all my deepest sympathy for your loss of a great brother, son, grandson and friend.



Mike,

I'm sorry I souldn't get my travel plans in order to make it to Chicago but if I would be there I would say some words about you, something like this:

You were a true friend and I am so happy that you had the chance to some and visit us in our home in Stockholm Sweden. We ALWAYS had a good time together! I will never forget you because there are just too many things that remind me of you in everyday life. I love you like a brother and will miss you very much. Rest in peace and Love!

Danny, Ingrid, Elias & Sofia Yergler

Michael, it's hard to express how much I miss you. I was always the baby of our group and now it'll never be the same. I miss you every day because you were the best older cousin any person could ask for. I'll love you forever, and you'll always be in my heart.

Memories of Mike, Craig, Danny, Kevin, Tommy and all the rest of the guys that would get together to play frisbee golf and do the things that kids do are still among my fondest memories. Vander you will be missed, you always had a kind heart and such a warm and funny personality. I only wish that I had seen you more recently before you were gone. It's hard to believe.

My deepest condolences, Mike was taken too young, as the best usually are.

To family and friends,



My deepest sympothy goes out to everyone. I met mike the summer of 1991. That was the best summer I ever had! I have very fond memories of him. He was very nice and caring and he always had a smile on his face! I wish the family the best my prayers are with you.

Dearest Vanders,

My heart is truly broken for you all with your loss of Michael. He was a wonderful soul that was taken from us much too soon.



Michael,

I will miss your random emails and stories about your adventures in life. You always had something cookin! :) Thank you for all of the happy and funny memories that have come to me recently. You have always been in my heart and will remain, wearing that smile that was so warm and comforting.



My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always.

To the VanderLuitgaren Family:



We are tremendously sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love Chad Bouck and Linda Evans

Michael,

It is so hard to believe that you are gone when you memories are still alive in my heart. You were a great brother to me and a wonderful uncle to Maddie. We miss you so much and think about you every day. I know that I will see you again in heaven and that gives me the strength to go on. Until then, I love you and as you would say, Ciao for now.

Your sister and neice,

Laura and Maddalena

Dear Vanders,

I am so sorry to hear about Mike. You know when I think back to my childhood, Mike, Tommy, Brian, Laura, and Jenny are all included in those wonderful memories. That is a wonderful thing, to touch someones life. Mike was so full of life and charm, always making sure that someone was happy. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I miss you all.

Love, Camille

Words cannot express what a wonderful Godson Michael was, or how much he will be missed. I will treasure the memories of this bright, multi-talented young man. Our loss is heaven's gain.

Mike, pray for us as we pray for you; confident in the knowledge that by the grace of God we will meet again.



Uncle Bill

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

ALL MIKE'S NU PHI EPSILON BROTHERS GRIEVE FOR HIS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.WE ARE ALL PROUD THAT HE WAS HELPING MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE.FOLLOWING OUR PRINCIPLES OF VIRTUE DILLIGENCE AND BROTHERLY LOVE.FRATERNALLY YOURS

Dear Vanders,

Words cannot explain the sorrow I feel for you all. Its been a while since I have seen you all, but let me say, growing up on Greenwood Dr, with the Vanders is full of great memories. I love you all like you are my own family. Know that Michael touched so many people with his charm and his whit...you all will be forever in my heart...Mr. V, Mrs V, Tommy, Brian, Laura, and little Jenny, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers.

Love

Camille

How can this be true? We just saw you this Christmas. My last words to you were "I love you be safe" It breaks my heart to know you won't be "here" but I know you are safe in heaven. We all love you Mike and miss you ...



love your cousins,

Cathy, Jim

Matt and Kyle

Whether you were friend or family, our cousin Michael treated you the same. Can you remember Michael having a bad word to say of anyone? We cannot. I will miss sharing stories of faculty we shared at Lewis University as well as the E-mail from overseas. Overall, his demeanor and genuine "Steven, how the heck have you been?"



Our family is defined by its unity and as our grief dissipates with time, we will continue to share fond memories and stories of those that have passed before us. We believe Michael to be in a better place.



Love,

Steven (1st cousin) Kylie, Austin and Trey (2nd cousins) Korbel

What can we say about such a wonderful grandson. He was a blessing in all our lives and now he's in heaven with his Lord and with so many relatives who were there to greet him. He leaves an empty spot in all our lives.

Rest In Peace Michael

I had the pleasure of working with Mike. He was a good person, intelligent, and dedicated. He will be missed. I send my prayers to all close friends and family.

Michael,
On behalf of your Aunt Be Vinezeano and family…. we are all extremely proud of you. You have shown unconditional courage by devoting your time, and especially your life to others in hope that they can rebuild for a better future.

We will miss your contagious smile, laughter, and manner to just lay back to enjoy the most out of life when you could. You will be greatly missed my many...Our prayers to Tom, Donna, Thomas, Brian, Laura, Jenny, and the many relatives and friends during this difficult time in all our lives.

Love your cousin Michelle, Aunt Be Vinezeano and family.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep Mike and your family in our prayers.