Michael-Jusk-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Hultgren Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Wheaton

Michael Lee Jusk

Wheaton, Illinois

Sep 25, 1974 – May 11, 2020 (Age 45)

About

BORN
September 25, 1974
DIED
May 11, 2020
AGE
45
LOCATION
Wheaton, Illinois

Obituary

Send Flowers

Hultgren Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Wheaton Obituary

Michael Lee Jusk, 45, a community member of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2020 — way, way too early in life. He was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and a dear friend to many.


He was born September 25, 1974 in Hinsdale to Gary Jusk and Heidi Fusaro. Mike grew up in Downers Grove and graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1992, where he was named “Male Athlete of the Year” for basketball and baseball — pastimes he would enjoy his entire life. He attended Upper Iowa University on a basketball scholarship where he graduated with a BA in Business. He started his career in banking and then became a Mortgage Underwriter and was loved by the mortgage community. 


Mike’s favorite activities were centered around family and friends. He loved throwing a great party, being the life of the party, and making everyone feel welcomed at the party. Whether the celebration took place at one of the many travel hotspots he enjoyed with his wife Christy or at a Hawkeye football game, Mike delivered a good time to all. And Mike’s backyard BBQs or appearances at The Lodge were a highlight for everyone who loved him.


Mike was also a huge sports guy. He was a Chicago sports fan through and through, cheering on the White Sox, the Bulls, the Bears, and eventually the Blackhawks. Mike loved watching all sports but was passionate about playing them even more. He was fiercely competitive but also a great sports coach and mentor to those around him. Mike was the heart and soul of the many teams that he was on. He was loved and respected not only by his own teammates, but those he competed against. For many years after college, he continued to play basketball on leagues or with his boys in city tournaments. His team won the “Shoot the Bull” tournament in 1999. Later, his love of softball became his main sport. He loved the game and the softball community became family to him. He was proud to be part of every team and had many wins. One of his many softball achievements was helping to lead the Injured Reserve to a 5-peat Championship from 2004-2009.  Another was helping to lead Mint win 7 tournaments from 2017 to 2018.


Mike’s pride and joy was his family. He married the love of his life, Christy, and they have two beautiful children, Jaxon and Elliana. His babies called him “Papa.” Mike’s love for music carried into his family life. Mike and Christy would go anywhere to see a great band and brought that love into their home with weekly kitchen dance parties. He was grooming Jaxon to be a great athlete like his father. Papa loved watching and coaching him on the soccer field and basketball court; he was really excited to see him start baseball this spring. Elliana was the sparkle in his eye that captured his heart. You could see it in his face each time he looked at her. He was also grooming her to be a great athlete and was a proud papa cheering on Elliana for the start of her soccer career. 


Mike will always be the life of the party and the light in our lives. We love him and miss him deeply. Mike — You will always be in our hearts.  You will always be a big part of our lives and we will always remember and love you.


Michael is survived by his wife, Christy Kallinger; two children, Jaxon Lee Jusk and Elliana Kathleen Jusk; his mother, Heidi (Dave) Fusaro; his father, Gary Jusk; one brother, Jason (Ashley) Jusk; step-sister, Christine (Mark) Altstiel and step-brother David (Elizabeth) Fusaro and pups Bella Bear and Baxter.


Information on memorial funds will be available soon. 

Read More

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

I'm sorry to hear about your husband. My condolences. I hope your grief doesn't swallow you up. You always struck me as a strong individual.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Mike was a wonderful human. Sending you love and light ❤

An absolute shock. I played youth baseball with Mike, went to DGN with him, served him beers at The Lodge. When I heard of his passing, I couldnt believe it. I feel for his family and their loss. Mike was a very kind person. He was an amazing teammate and leader. One of the nicest guys Ive had the pleasure of calling a friend. He will be missed. God bless him and his family.

I just learned of Mike's passing and wanted to offer my deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends of Mikes. Rest In Peace.

I met Mike 21 years ago through a friend of a friend and eventually we were all friends. A friend of mine and I were starting a softball team and we needed guys. My buddy was able to have Mike come out to practice and we hit it off from day one. He became one of the original Big Strokes. We played together for almost 20 seasons. Through his other teams we were always able to field a team. I'm glad Mike came into my life because he made it better. It was a blast playing with him for two...

Christy, Im so sorry for your loss! Ive been thinking about you all week. Mike was such an amazing guy! I had only met him a few times but he made it feel like we were lifelong friends. Today will be hard but you are a strong woman and have great people around you. Thinking of you!

To the Family of Michael --- Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers.

Christy I am so sorry. You are one of the families I really enjoyed. When Mike was at photo shoots he always made us laugh. I will keep you and the kids in my prayers. Xo

Far to many stories to tell but his love for his wife, kids and family and the conversations we would have around those things I will treasure forever
I will forever be a better man for having Mike as a friend