OBITUARIES Michael Jackiw passed away the evening of July 12, 2021 after 83 years full of life, surrounded by people who love him. He was a smart, incredibly determined man, dedicated to his family, and never without a story. Mike was born to Teodore Jackiw and Pelagia Horin in Bilyavtsi, Lviv Oblast, Ukraine on June 22, 1938. He, along with his brother, sister, and parents, made their way to the United States by way of Germany, eventually reaching Chicago in June 1960. After graduating high school, he joined the army, serving part of his tour in Berlin, and gaining his citizenship in the process. After settling back in Illinois, Mike started Jay Pontiac – some of his favorite stories originated on that car lot. After retiring, Mike decided to become a
crossing guard. His love of children and animals is one of his defining characteristics – he leaves behind two dogs and a cat who will deeply miss his conversation. On the human side, he is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Lisa (Steve) Stach, Joanne Cavanaugh, Julie Halverson, Michael Jackiw Jr., Suzanne Jackiw (Gregory Wallin), and Pamela (Fred) Griner; his grandchildren Sarah Stach, Tom (Callie) Cavanaugh, Jamie Cavanaugh, Kevin Cavanaugh, Caitlyn (Coty) Cavanaugh, Ashley (John) Yonkonski, Matt Clark, Alex Halverson, Jill Halverson, Ana Jackiw, Nicky Jackiw, Matt Griner, William F. Griner (Diego Xavier), and Jillian (Benjamin) Bouchard; and his great grandchildren Poppy and Parker Cavanaugh, and Opal Bouchard – all of whom will miss his advice, even if it wasn’t always applicable. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Northwestern Medicine for their kindness during his last days. Services will be held at St. Mary’s Church in DeKalb on July 17, 2021, with a visitation from 9AM to 10AM and a funeral mass immediately following. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery. For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.
HOW TO SUBMIT Send obituary information to obits@MidWeekNews.com. or call 815-526-4438. Notices are accepted until 3 p.m. Thursday for the next Wednesday edition.
BETTER MEDICINE STA RTS W I T H B E T T E R L I ST E N I N G Sometimes, life’s circumstances can feel overwhelming. The Living Room, located within Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center, is a comfortable, calm, nonclinical space where DeKalb County residents age 18 and older can get help to resolve or better manage crises. No appointment is necessary. You’ll be welcomed by a certified recovery support specialist who will listen to understand your concerns, and help you find options. If you need additional support, we can connect you with community resources for services such as emergency housing, health care or food, or make appropriate referrals to other agencies to get the help you need. You are not alone. There is a place for you in the Living Room. For more information including hours, visit nm.org/dekalblivingroom or call 815.756.4875. TTY for the hearing impaired, 815.748.9459.
BETTER SM-CL1898622
IVT schedules auditions for ‘Dracula the Musical’
Indian Valley Theatre will hold its first live auditions since 2019. Auditions for the October musical production of “Dracula the Musical,” directed by Kyle Carr, will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, Aug. 1, at the Sandwich Opera House, 140 E. Railroad St. in Sandwich. Enter through the side door to the Community Room. “Dracula the Musical,” written by Rick Abbot, is a delightful spoof of Bram Stoker’s horror classic that will add song, dance and plenty of laughs for the whole family. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. Come prepared to sing two songs to show vocal range. No appointment is necessary and IVT membership is not needed to audition, although it will be required if cast. The cast will include up to 16 teens and adults ranging in age from 14 to 99. Many crew members will also be needed. Performances of “Dracula the Musical” will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 22, 23 and 24 at the Sandwich Opera House. For questions or more information about auditions or Indian Valley The-
atre, send email to info@indianvalleytheatre.com or Kyle Carr at kmcarr96@gmail.com or visit http:// indianvalleytheatre.com.
Scheffers retires from Federated preschool
After 25 years employed as a teacher and director at the Federated Church of Sycamore Preschool, Jan Scheffers, director for 15 years, has retired as of July 1. Her dedication and caring for the children and families of the community will long be remembered. The Federated Church Preschool is known for its loving environment where children’s differences are respected and opportunities to grow by doing and investigating are provided by playing and learning. Healthy and safe peer relationships are modeled where children learn independence, cooperation and positive social manners. Children’s confidence and curiosity is encouraged and kindergarten readiness is developed. Registration is ongoing for the fall session. Information is available online at www.sycfedpreschool.com or by calling 815-764-9473. – The MidWeek
17 MIDWEEK The MidWeek / MidWeeknews.com • Wednesday, Jul 21, 2021
MICHAEL JACKIW
BRIEFS
