Michael Steven Dickenson

July 9, 1963 - January 19, 2020

Michael Dickenson, age 56, passed away peacefully on January 19 th , 2020 in his home

surrounded by his wife of 27 years, Laura, and their two children Jacob (26) and Joshua (24).

Their cat (Jeff), who adopted the family after refusing to leave because Mike fed him one time,

was also present. Mike had been recently diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer that

took away his ability to do many things, however loving his family was not one of those. For

that, his family is grateful.

Always wanting to do things for others and ensuring that his family was happy are trademarks of

Mike’s legacy. Whether cooking his wife’s favorite meals (or any meal since she didn’t like to

cook), taking spontaneous trips to places his family enjoyed or just making people laugh, Mike

sought to please others and make them smile. He never hesitated to do something that made life

better or easier for someone else. He was also known to play an occasional practical joke on

those he worked with which provided opportunities to make his wife both laugh and cringe in

embarrassment. She will miss those moments.

Mike wore many hats throughout his life: manager at several restaurants, car salesman, server at

a local steakhouse, student and teacher. However, the hat he was most proud of wearing was that

of a husband and a father. Changing careers in his 40’s was not due to a mid-life crisis but the

desire to spend more time with his family. Recognizing there would be a point in life when time

would slip away, he went back to school at the age of 40 to become a special education teacher.

He held a position at Normal West High School (Normal, IL) for eleven years where he made an

impact on students, the degree to which he was most likely not aware. He did not seek the

spotlight and most likely would not have believed the testimonies, but he changed lives and left

behind co-workers who both missed him but also breathed a sigh of relief because he could no

longer make them the subjects of his practical jokes.

Mike worked alongside his wife Laura for several years at Autism Camp, first through their

former school district, and most recently through Autism McLean, where they worked with

adults who were no longer in school. He found opportunities to engage those at camp in

activities that were both exciting and new. Whether he was the captain of a pontoon boat, filling

hundreds of water balloons on his deck, cooking burgers and hotdogs for campers and their

families, or just pouring water on unsuspecting individuals, Mike always had fun and created

lasting memories for everyone in attendance.

He willingly and excitedly moved across the country to Southern California to be closer to

family and worked as a special education teacher at San Jacinto High School up until he passed

away. He enjoyed the challenge of his new job and appreciated his coworkers. Their humor and

posted disclaimer were right up his alley. Their support during his illness was appreciated more

than they know.

He was so excited about the new adventures he and his family would have in this temperate and

sunny climate. While he was able to make a few of those a reality, there was so much more to do

and so many plans that did not come to fruition. For that, his family mourns the loss of what

could have been. However, Mike would be both pleased and amused to know his children have

agreed to be their mother’s travel buddies.

Besides his wife and sons, Mike leaves behind his loving family: a sister Brenda (Bobby) Oliver,

brothers’ in law Matt (Lori) Michel and Mark (Renee) Michel, in-laws Richard and Nancy

Michel and nieces and nephews Teddy, Brandon, Krystal, Gavin, Alexa, Will and Addisyn.

Mike will be missed and has already left a void where there was once energy, excitement,

spontaneity and silliness. He has also left behind a caring presence that simply wanted others to

be happy and content. His death has impacted many, but none more than his wife and children

who loved him dearly. He would like it if you spent time with your family, played a joke, cooked

someone a favorite meal or just did something fun as these actions embody who he was.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15 at 12:00 pm at Inland Memorial

Harford Chapel (120. N. Buena Vista in Hemet, CA) with a celebration of life and pop-tarts

following in their banquet room.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in Mike’s name to either:

Wishbone Canine Rescue (2020 Bunn St in Bloomington, IL 61704)

Autism McLean (2404 E. Empire St. in Bloomington, IL 61704)