Michael A. Kilker Sr., 82, of Glen Ellyn, IL passed away July 18, 2024. He was born on December 20, 1941 in Girardville, Pennsylvania. Michael was loved and beloved by friends and family alike. In 1971 he married the love of his life, Denise (Weber) Kilker, and together they raised two wonderful children Michael Kilker Jr. and Rachel (Kilker) Pacilio.
Michael was the son of the late Cyril and Betty Kilker, and devoted brother to the late Honey, Cyril, Adrian and John Kilker.
Michael had a long and successful 34 year career at TTX Company leasing railcars to the railroad industry. He had many other great achievements in his life. As a young man, he completed his college degree in philosophy and studied theology at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia with a plan to become a priest. Michael decided instead to pursue a career in business. In addition, he dedicated his life to be of service in various areas of the church. Michael was an active member of St. Petronille Catholic Church in Glen Ellyn for 52 years. He volunteered most of his free time there in many capacities. His was involved with and served as:
Former Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Serra Club, St. Petronille Parish Council, Worship Commission, School Board, Church Usher, CCD instructor and many other ministries.
Michael also volunteered in the local community. Michael was an avid non-fiction reader, mostly of history and biographies. He loved to travel and had taken thousands of photos. He enjoyed looking back on his lifetime through photos of family, friends and places he loved. Michael enjoyed being with his family and friends at his summer place for 52 years at Woodhaven Lakes.
Michael is survived by his wife Denise, his children Michael Jr and Rachel, his son in law Vincent Pacilio, and his 3 delightful grandchildren Eliana, Henry and Jack. Michael never missed an opportunity to share stories and pictures of his beloved family to everybody, even complete unknown strangers. Michael was a life long learner and an absolute true renaissance man. He was a good man.
Michael will be missed by family and friends alike. Despite the loss, we celebrate and take comfort in the many years of happiness he brought to so many people.
Viewing at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at St. Petronille Catholic Church and Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2024, St Petronille Catholic Chuch, 420 Glenwood Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137.
In lieu of flowers, any donation may be made to: Poor Household of God, by mail at P.O. Box 4482, Wheaton, IL 60189 or via their website at www.poorhouseholdofgod.org/donate
Arrangements were made by Leonard Memorial Funeral Home in Glen Ellyn, Illinois; for more information please call (630) 469-0032.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Michael Ambrose Kilker Sr., please visit our Tree Store.