Michael R. "Mike" Evans

Michael R. “Mike” Evans

Age 74 of Joliet, IL, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at Ascension St. Joseph Hospital, with his loving family by his side.

Born September 10, 1947 in Harrisburg, IL, Mike was the son of Homer R. and Helen L. (Née Wilson) Evans.  He grew up in the Joliet area and was a graduate of the class of 1966 – (second graduating class) from Joliet Township High School –West Campus.

He was retired from The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 after 38 years of dedicated service; having been an instructor for the last ten years.

Mike was a faithful member of St. John Lutheran Church, Joliet Masonic Temple - Matteson Lodge #175 / Worshipful Master (1988-1989), District Deputy Grand Master of the 19^th Northern Area – (1989-1991), Joliet Commandery #4,  The Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago - Medina Temple, Chicago, and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #300.

In his free time, Mike loved golfing and photography. He was affectionately known as PhotoMan Mike; the man behind the camera. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears games.

Survivors include his loving wife of 47 years; Linda L. (Née Russ) Evans, devoted children; Michael K. Evans, Brian (Jessica) Evans, Jonathan Evans and Amanda (Kelly Bishop) Evans-Beaudry, grandchildren; Ashley Evans, Aiden Beaudry, Maya Bishop, Bailey Beaudry, Helena Bishop, Dakota Evans and Azriela Kruspe, siblings; Patty Carnett, Joseph (Geri) Carnett, Linda Hotuyec and Paula (Joe) Acosta, sisters-in-law; Sue (Rick) Ehrsam, Diane (Jerry Higginson) Bartholomew, Karen (Bob Nowak) Russ and Cheryl Russ, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; Homer R. and Helen L. Evans, siblings; Carla (late Larry) Clark, Richard Carnett, mother and father-in-law; Frank and Mary Lou Russ, and brothers-in-law; Jack Hotuyec and Richard A. Russ.                   

A visitation will be held at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435 on Sunday, May 1, 2022 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Masonic services will be conducted at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be on Monday, May 2, 2022, 10:30 a.m., at St. John Lutheran Church, Pastor Jen Beamsley, officiating.

Per Mike’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following services.  

Mike will be laid to rest in the St. John Lutheran Memorial Garden at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mike’s memory to: St. John Lutheran Chorale, 2650 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435.

Relatives and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.PleseFuneralservices.com.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the genuine care and direction of Kenneth A. Plese, in Joliet, IL   815-735-2125.