Michael Joseph Madeja of Burbank, Illinois, born December 3, 1970, passed away on Saturday, December 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, laughter, and quiet strength throughout his battle with cancer. Michael was a devoted dad to his children, Jessica and Michael, who were the bright lights of his life and the source of his greatest pride.
He was the beloved son of the late Esther (nee Forrester) and James Madeja, and the cherished brother of Tony (Martha Lucero) Madeja, Lisa (the late Dennis) Hermosillo, Jimmy Madeja, and David (Kathy) Madeja. He was a proud godfather to Joseph and Amanda, a caring uncle to the late Kathryn, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Joshua, and Cynthia, and a proud great-uncle to Lucille. His love also extended to longtime friends Kathy (mother of his children), Jeff C., and Glenn N., along with many other relatives and friends who will forever remember him fondly.
A proud E3 Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, Michael carried the discipline, honor, and dedication of a Marine throughout his life. His Catholic faith anchored him, offering calm and strength in difficult moments. Prayer and music became his comfort, helping him face hardship with courage and peace.
Michael graduated from Reavis High School in Burbank (Class of 1989), where he was a member of the track and field team. His passion for sports followed him throughout his life. He loved cheering for his favorite college and professional teams, especially the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Maryland Terrapins, and the University of North Carolina, home of his all-time favorite basketball player, Michael Jordan. In recent years, his greatest joy came from supporting the Edgewood University Lacrosse Team, proudly traveling to Madison, Wisconsin, to cheer for his son and celebrate a sport he grew to love deeply.
Michael was also an avid fan of international soccer and a devoted supporter of the Chicago Fire Soccer Club, attending countless matches as a season ticket holder. His loyalty to Chicago sports was unwavering, particularly the Bulls, Bears, and White Sox.
Nature was Michael’s refuge. He loved long, peaceful drives to nearby forest preserves such as Bull Frog Lake, and walking the trails at Swallow Cliff and the Little Red Schoolhouse. He enjoyed fishing at Joe’s Pond, Tampier Lake, and on family vacations, and he had a special affection for turtles and reptiles of every kind. Some of his happiest memories came from simple days spent with his children—road trips, outings, and family vacations to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, or St. Joseph, Michigan, where laughter and togetherness defined the moments they shared.
Michael will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his fierce devotion to family, his loyalty to friends, and the humor, pranks, and warm smile that made him unforgettable. His presence will be deeply missed, but the love he gave and the memories he created will live forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Avenue, Justice, Illinois.
Funeral Service and Time of Remembrance will take place Friday, December 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, Illinois.