Michael "Mike" J. Wise

Michael “Mike” James Wise, 77, of Winnebago, IL, passed away on June 16, 2021. He was born on August 9, 1943, in Rockford, IL to James and Helen (Weber) Wise. Michael proudly served his country as a Navy Sea Bee in both active and reserve service from 1962 to 1970. He married Leslie Journy on April 24, 1971; they had the first Eccumical wedding in the Rockford Diocese. Michael retired from Woodward Governor in 2011. He was a strong supporter of the right to unionize and was a union steward for 3 years. Mike loved his family and served as a Boy Scout leader and basketball coach. Mike was an active member of Alcoholic Anonymous and had been sober for over 30 years. He loved searching for treasures and dreaming about how his purchases would someday enrich his family. Mike was devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs.
Mike is survived by his wife of 50 years, Leslie; his children, James (Anna) Wise, Lori (Alejandro) Olea, and Ryan (Nya Hargan) Wise; his grandchildren, Samantha (Zachary), Carlie, Mia (Christopher), Alex, Victoria, Amalia; his great grandchild, Maverick and 2 more on the way; his sisters, Sally Cassaro, Susan (John) Rodgers and Jaime (Tim) Young; his in-laws, Laurie Vieth, Mollie (Rick) Teckenberg, Jane Brook, Tim (Diana) Journy, Lee (Robert) Conzen, Ann (Brent) Rogers, Kirk Journy and Tom (Jill) Journy, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; his in-laws and brothers-in-law, Martin Journy, Ray Vieth and Geoff Brook.
Services for Mike will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family. Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory assisted the family. 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com