Michael Vassallo Obituary

Missing you more this week! Thankful I know you are there to help me as the hawks fly above my house. Curious why I see two? Maybe because your strength is double. luv dawn

Jen and family of Mike;

I was deeply saddened by the news of your terrible loss. There is nothing to say to express the depth of my sympathy however please know that I considered Mike a friend and a genuinely decent guy. I think of him often and shed a tear for him from time to time, if there is ever anything I can do please feel free to ask, anything!

sincerely,

Kevin Barnett

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in the heavens, where our loved ones look down on us and smile to let us know they are okay. The stars in Wauconda are much brighter these days, reflecting in them the smile of Mike. He will be truly missed by many. With all our love and sympathy.

Kathy Olson & Don Dietz

Wauconda, IL

Jen - I know we haven't seen each other in a long while, but Linda told me what happened to Mike. I'm so very sorry for your loss and for the rest of the families that are affected by his death. They are in my thoughts and prayers. I only met Mike a few times while playing pool, but I know that he made you very happy. May all your treasured memories keep you at peace during these most difficult times.

Take care old friend,

Corrine

Dear Jen and the Vassallo family,

I was so upset to hear the news today from a friend back home. I am so sorry for your loss, Mike was such a wonderful person in so many ways. I played pool with Mike and Scooter for a couple of years before I moved to Utah, and that was when I met Jen. My husband, Jason Adams, grew up with the guys in Forest Lake, and sends his condolences. Please know that we are thinking of you all, and we will have our memories in our hearts forever. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kris and Jason Adams

As requested by my friends and the Vassallo family this is a copy of the poem I made for mike at the service:



Mike Vassallo was a man full of passion



He lived life to the fullest



He touched many hearts because that was his fashion



He would tell us don’t be sad and shed no more tears



For he no longer has any fears



He is at rest up in the sky



As we ask ourselves and wonder why



God had a plan to bring him to heaven



For he must have wanted a game or two or even a race to seven



So as we all gather to say goodbye



He won’t be so far



Just look in your heart



He will be there for you so you can say hi



I love you Mike …..Goodbye



Love Bob Vesneske

Dearest Family

There are no words to express the sorrow that we have shared over the loss of our dear Michael..He will be forever in our hearts.



DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND WEEP,



I AM NOT THERE, I DO NOT SLEEP.



I AM A THOUSAND WINDS THAT BLOW,



I AM THE DIAMOND GLINTS ON SNOW.



I AM THE SUNLITE ON RIPENED GRAIN,



I AM THE GENTLE AUTUMN RAIN.



WHEN YOU AWAKEN IN THE MORNING HUSH,



I AM THE SWIFT UPLIFTING RUSH, OF QUIET BIRDS IN CIRCLED FLIGHT.



I AM THE SOFT STARS THAT SHINE AT NIGHT.



DO NOT STAND AT MY GRAVE AND CRY, I AM NOT THERE, I DID NOT DIE...



ALL MY LOVE,BARB

TOGETHERNESS



Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away into the next room.



Whatever we were to eachother,we still are. Call me by my old familiar name.



Speak to me in the same easy way you always have. Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.



Play,smile,think of me,pray for me. Life means all that it ever meant.



It is the same as it always was. There is absolute unbroken continuity. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight?



I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.



All is well. Nothing is past. Nothing has been lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before...only better. Infinitely happier.



We will be one,together forever

To Mike's Family and Jen; Mike was the first friend I met when I moved here ten years ago. I think of all the close friends I now have due to my relationship with Mike. I always enjoyed playing pool, fishing or even just shooting the shit on a long ride to Sandusky for a pool tourney. There hasn't been a day gone by since his tragic accident that I don't reflect on all the good times we had spent together and I will always cherish those memmories. I'm sure all of his friends are feeling the same way as he was loved by all who knew him.I sure will miss his joking personality and the nicknames he had for everyone. My deepest sympathies go out to all his family and friends. Mike will be missed by us all.

Dear Vassallo family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking back to the fond memories that I and my siblings had growing up in Forest Lake--you can't help but recall the Vassallo house and their loving family.

You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless, Erin

Adeline, Victor, Vicki and Family

We are so saddened by your loss. We have come to know Vicki through the Kazmer fammily and the warmth and love of your family radiate in her. Please know that many prayers are surrounding you at this sad time. God bless you all. Warmest wishes and heartfelt sympathy.

Joanne & Tom Carlson

Response from mike



I’m Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day to laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way. I found that peace at close of day If my parting has left a void then fill it-with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss ah, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, good friends, good times a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts, and share with me God wanted me now; He Set me free.



When tomorrow starts without me,



And I'm not there to see,



If the sun should rise and find your eyes



All filled with tears for me.



I wish so much you wouldn't cry



The way you did today,



While thinking of the many things,



We didn't get to say.



I know how much you love me,



As much as I love you,



And each time that you think of me,



I know you'll miss me too.



But when tomorrow starts without me,



Please try to understand,



hat an angel came and called my name,



And took me by the hand.



And said my place was ready,



In heaven far above,



And that I'd have to leave behind



All those I dearly love.



But as I turned to walk away,



A tear fell from my eye



For all my life, I'd always thought,



I didn't want to die.



I had so much to live for,



So much left yet to do,



It seemed almost impossible,



That I was leaving you.



I thought of all the yesterdays,



The good ones and the bad,



I thought of all the love we shared,



And all the fun we had.



If I could relive yesterday,



Just even for a while,



I'd say good-bye and kiss you



And maybe see you smile.



But then I fully realized,



That this could never be,



For emptiness and memories,



Would take the place of me.



And when I thought of worldly things,



I might miss come tomorrow,



I thought of you, and when I did,



My heart was filled with sorrow.



But when I walked through heaven's gates,



I felt so much at home,



When God looked down and smiled at me,



From His great golden throne.



He said, "This is eternity,



And all I've promised you."

Today your life on earth is past,



But here life starts anew.



I promise no tomorrow,



But today will always last,



And since each day's the same way



There's no longing for the past.



You have been so faithful,



So trusting and so true.

Though there were times you did some things



You knew you shouldn't do.



But you have been forgiven



And now at last you're free.



So won't you come and take my hand



And share my life with me?



So when tomorrow starts without me,



Don't think we're far apart,



For every time you think of me,



I'm right here, in your heart.

Dear Jen,



I am so very sorry for your loss. My condolences go out to you & your family. My brother Tom, sends his condolences as well. If there is anything I can do for you , please don't hesitate to call me or just come over. May God bless you & your family always.

Adeline and Vic,



As I reflect back on our many years as very close friends, we raised our children together; all the fun we had in Forest Lake; our late-night sing alongs at the piano while the children were upstairs trying to sleep; the pig roasts; the parades; the wedding on the "hottest most humid" day of the year; the birthdays, communions, graduations; then came the moves that took our friendship out of reach. I regret we never got to see each other's children grow to become beautiful adults. I will always miss that. Your family has always been very, very special to me and I miss being part of it. I sincerely hope we can change that in the future.



We all share in your grief and loss and hope that your faith and the love of your family and friends will bring you strength to get through this chapter of your life. Watching your children today, and the love they seemingly show you, brought joy to my heart. Michael's wake and funeral were such a wonderful tribute to a great young man, you must be so proud. You are so blessed. You'll be in my thoughts, prayers and mind until we speak again.



Love Janet

Auntie Adeline & Uncle Vic,



So many of my childhood memories include times spent with you and all the kids. Even though there was no "blood" relation between us, I always felt as if I was part of your family and that Mike, Jeff, Jenny, Gina & Vicky were cousins of mine. Even now, 20 years later, it still seems right to call you "Auntie" and "Uncle."



You had asked for us to share some of our memories of Mike. Here are a few of mine:



*I remember that when we were at your house on a rainy day, we would go out into the driveway when the rain stopped and play in the puddles. Mike taught me that if you take a dandelion and split the bottom of the stem and stick it in the puddle, the stem would curl up like curley-ques. (I still think of this when I see my own kids play in puddles.)

*I remember how I used to chase Mike around your backyard, telling him that I loved him (I think I was about 7). He would run away, hop on his bike and take off down the street.

*I remember the Christmas concert that we all put on at the church. All us kids sang "I'm On Top of the World, Looking Down on Creation".

*I remember how Mike & Jeff used to pick on me. Like the time they talked me into sticking my fingers into a mousetrap and then they would snap it!

*I remember how much easier my first day of kindergarten was because I knew that Mike & Jeff would be right down the hall.



What happend to Mike is a tragedy. Please know that you are, and will continue to be, in my thoughts and that Mike will always be a part of some very fond memories.



Love, Jennifer

Dear Mike,



I cannot express what a profound impact you had on those who were fortunate enough to know you and to love you. Your light,love and laughter will always be remembered.



I never thought I would have to say goodbye this way. But, I can say this for sure...I am comforted in knowing that you are "Home" and that you are surrounded by loved ones - who in life- guided you loved you and who also passed before you to God's Kingdom.



Mike, I know you will always be with us. Death is not an end - it is merely a transition. Love is eternal- so how can there be an end?



I will be eternally grateful for having you in our family.



Love,



Tracy

Vassallo Family,

I always knew I grew up with special people, but after tonight those feelings were made stronger. The great thing about the Vassallo family was that if you did not know one of the siblings there was always more you were bound to run into. In a way there is a piece of everybodys childhood that is missing now. I'm so sorry for your loss. Mike will be forever missed.

To the entire Vassallo Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Remember to charish the wonderful memories you share of Mike as we will. Love Henry, Charlotte, Hayley and Sarah Wright.

Our loved one is not gone away, but rests in a peaceful sleep: to awaken upon another day. his time with god to keep. his life was long, his life was vast, his countenance was cherry: to face each day and free each task, but never did he weary. Now he rest in a peacful slumber, his tasks on earth are done: among the angels he will number, for he rich rewards are won.

If Tears Could Build A Stairway

If tears could build a stairway And memories were a lane We would walk right up to heaven And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why. Our hearts still ache in sadness And secret tears still flow What it meant to lose you No one can ever know. But now we know you want us To mourn for you no more To remember all the happy times Life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten We pledge to you today A hallowed place within our hearts Is where you’ll always stay

to peg and family



So many people will miss mike.

You have been told by many that he was a wonderful part of their lives. He was also a part of our lives that will leave a big space for a very long time. But mike loved life so much that it's hard not to have a smile on our faces when we think of how happy he always was. Thanks, mike, for being part of our lives. It was truly an honor.

Love you all,

Vic, Adeline and family,----Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this time. We hope your pain and sorrow ease as time goes on. God, is with you.

The entire Lobodzinski family extends their deepest sympathy with all of the Vassallo family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you today, tomorrow and always.

Dear Vassallo family,

My heart aches for all of you as you go through this difficult time. Mike was a dear and sweet person and an integral part of your loving family. I am so very sorry for your loss.



Praying for you each day and thinking of you all.



Susan Guetzlaff

Dear Adeline and Victor,

We can't imagine the loss you feel from this tragedy. Our sincere sympathy and our love to you and all of your family.

WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS THE SORROW WE FEEL YOUR FAMILY. PLEASE EXCEPT OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. THERE ARE VERY FEW PEOPLE THROUGHOUT ONE'S LIFE THAT YOU CAN CALL A TRUE FRIEND. KEITH AND I HAD THE PRIVLIDGE OF CALLING MIKE A TRUE FRIEND. HE WAS NOT ONLY OUR BEST MAN HE WAS OUR BEST BUDDY. MIKE HAD SUCH A WONDERFUL SMILE (SMIRK)AND WAY ABOUT HIM. HE MADE EVERYONE FEEL GOOD, HE HAD TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON SO MANY LIVES. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED.



WITH ALL OUR LOVE AND SUPPORT



(PER MIKE PIPPY AND MS.MINNIE)

My Deepest Sympathy to all of the Vassallo family. I know Micheal will definetly be missed.

My entire family sends to the Vassallo family their deepest sympathies. You all will be our prayers. May God Bless You.



Kathy Koester Miller

Johnny Koester

Playing pool with Mike was an honor, he brought out the best in me and anyone who played with him. He was a great pool player, and a great friend. God bless you Jennifer and your family.

Hello Mike,

I picked over pictures today trying to keep hold of my emotions while trying to comprehend the incomprehensible. There were so many images of a smiling Mike! I got to thinking, was there ever a picture that didn’t capture a smile on your lips or a smile in your eyes? That says it all, what a happy boy you were and what a fun man you grew into. I have a picture of your very first smile captured when you were only 4 hours old and a sweet memory of a smile meant just for me when you were 2 weeks old. They say babies don’t really smile…we knew better you and I.

Love always, until we meet again,

When we are parted from someone whose life has given our own meaning, we pause to reflect not only on what the loss means to us personally, but what it means to the larger world that person lived in, laughed in, made a mark in.



My heart knew Mike as a fellow fisherman, a boy in love with the outdoors who carried that love forward into manhood. In a very real sense Mike and God spent time together every time he cast a line, everytime he found a stolen moment to be back in the outdoors and touch his boyhood fondness for a lazy day spent fishing.



I like to think that during those times, Mike might have said to the creator, "I know a good place to fish not too far from home, lets give it a try"



It is with certainty that when he passed away the very same conversation occurred...only this time it was God who said.."Mike I think were closer to my house today. Let's give it a try"



We are never truly parted from those we love for they live forever in our memories of laughter, love and time spent together in the warmth of their smile.



With all my affection.



Uncle Ed

Dear Vassallo Family, My deepest sympathies to you all. Although I cannot be there, please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this sad time. My parents and Tom also send there love and prayers. Love, Becky

Victor, Adeline and Family,



I just wanted to let you know that Mike is in our thoughts and prayers, along with you and your family. Our deepest condolences go out to you all.

To the family and friends of Michael, our deepest condolences to you in this time of sorrow. All though we lost contact after school, I still remember the laughter during our younger days. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Kim Brown

My deepest sympathy to the loss of

a great guy - may our memories

keep Mike near and dear for many

years to come.

Mike was a great brother and friend to everyone who knew him. I had the great privilege of knowing Mike and the whole Vassallo family for over 20 years. They bacame a second family to me over the years and the loss of Mike is to me like losing a big brother. My heart and prayers go out to all of them and to Jen. I love you all very much.

First there is love which plants the seed.

And then with more love the flower's freed.

It blossoms and blooms. Sweet pedals grow,

And brings to the world such joy to know.

With fragrance sweet, and soft to touch

Into our lives bringing pleasure such.

As the summer turns to fall,

And we hear the winter's call

Our flower knows it's time has come

To return to where it has come from.

So slowly folds as time draws near

Knowing that it's love's still here.

That's why you'll never see flowers cry.

Flowers know that love can't die.

Love can't die.

Vic, Adeline and Family----- Please accept my condolences on the passing of your son, Michael. My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.

Treasure a life that was loved by so many! We have to remember how grateful we were to have known Mike...he truly made us all better people.

I've know Mike for 15+ years as I'm Kris Pinns (Keith)sister. Mike and I stood up in their wedding together and we have shared many other great moments together such as pub crawls in chicago and watching Mike win every pool game he entered! He will be missed!

Vicki and the Vassallo Family-



My love and prayers go out to all of you. The loss of a dearly loved one is so very difficult to understand. During these cold days, may the memories, laughs and love you shared keep your heart warm.



I pray for the Lord's comfort to wash over and around all of you.

My deepest sympathy on the loss

of a great guy - may our memories

keep him near and dear for all the

years to come.

February 2, 2004

Our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family and friends. Alot of my child hood memories are of Mike and my brother Bob playing hockey and all of their buddies picking on me. Mike will be deeply missed.

My dearest sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to ask.(one of Pat's employees)

JENNIFER, YOU DID OUR MORTGAGE FOR US. WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR BABY AND YOUR HUSBAND. PLEASE KNOW THE LORD IS LOOKING AFTER YOU, EVEN WHEN IT DOESN'T SEEM HE IS NEAR. YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. GOD BE NEAR TO YOU AND GIVE YOU THE SUPPORT YOU NEED TO GET THRU THIS. WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOU. LOVE AND BLESSING,

I will miss my favorite nephew. We always joked that I was your favorite Uncle and you were my favorite Nephew. I laugh every time I think about last summer. Every ten minutes you were taking my Harley for a ride.



Say hi to Grandpa for me.



Uncle Frank

To All this may concern, words can not express my deepest sympathys enough. I have been thinking,crying, and wondering Why this has to be. Mike is such a good person, with sooooooooo many friends, and a wonderful family. I never saw a person with such a wide variety of people in his life. I will never forget the memories of Jr high, High school, or our adult years. My heart goes out to his family,friends, pets, and most of all to his wife. Love and prayers christie Wall

Our deepest condolences at this very difficult time. We will remember and share all the special times we enjoyed with Mike Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jenn and your family!