Michael R. Bement, Sr.

MICHAEL R. BEMENT, SR.

Michael Richard Bement Sr., "Mickey", passed away Friday, July 14, 2017 at the Joliet Area Hospice House surrounded by family. Mickey was 75 years old. His family will miss him deeply.

Mickey was born August 25, 1941 in Chicago Heights. He was married to Sue Ann (nee DeLuca) for 52 years. Mickey was educated in Chicago Heights & graduated from Bloom High School. He lived in New Lenox for the past 40 years.

Mickey leaves to cherish his memories his wife Sue Ann; his three children and their spouses; Michele (Gary) McGinn, Michael (Vianey) Bement, Suzanne (Adam) Nissen. Mickey's grandchildren are: Cazden, Rhylen, Brookelen, and Greysen. He is survived by his brother Richard Bement, brother-in-laws: Andrew (Carol), Pasquale, David DeLuca, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many very close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard & Josephine Bement, his sister Marlene, his grandparents, in-laws, a brother-in-law, Peter, cousins, and many other family members.

Mickey proudly served in the US Army from 1959 to 1965. He was promoted to Sergeant and was stationed in Germany. He was part of an Infantry Unit called "Hell on Wheels". Mickey was a veteran who always gave back. His family could not be prouder for his service.

Mickey spent a very long career in banking & finance. He was a loan officer and earned several promotions through the years. In addition to his vast knowledge of finance and accounting, he owned and operated an income tax service from 1967-2017. His business, which was very large, was all built on word of mouth. Mickey never had to advertise his business. He was able to finish this past tax season working seven days a week even while battling end stage cancer.

Mickey was known for his sense of humor. Besides Mickey's family, his true passions were fishing and sports. He started fishing at two years old and grew up with his family owning three cottages in Momence. Fishing was a huge part of Mickey's life. He and Sue Ann later bought their own cottage in Momence where he taught his own children to fish. He also owned several boats over the course of his life and more fishing equipment than you could imagine. His family will cherish the weekends spent at the cottage where they entertained. Baseball and football were also a huge part of Mickey's life. Mickey, a die hard Cub's fan, was fortunate enough to see the Cubs win the world series. Mickey himself was an amazing baseball player in school and especially in high school. He had numerous articles and pictures of him in the local newspaper during his baseball career. A lifetime achievement includes pitching a no hitter. Mickey's Uncle Ted and idol was a former Chicago Cub. Mickey also enjoyed golf and another lifetime achievement was getting two holes in one.

Mickey was a former member of the Moose Lodge and a current member of the American Legion in New Lenox. He was generous in giving to many charities including the Native American Indians, to honor his heritage. He also gave to the Fraternal Order of Police to honor his father and uncle who were both Chicago Heights Police Officers.

Mickey's favorite vacation was Hawaii. He and his wife enjoyed their annual trips to Branson, MO.

Mickey had an extremely strong work ethic and worked two jobs most of his life. When asked recently what his greatest achievement was, he replied that it was the family that he and Sue Ann created.

Family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 102 E. Francis Road, New Lenox, IL 60451 on Wednesday, July 19th, 2017 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Funeral service, Thursday, July 20th, 2017 with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30 AM and then to St. Jude Catholic Church, 241 W. 2nd Avenue, New Lenox, IL 60451 for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Interment, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. For information www.kurtzmemorialchapel.com or 815-485-3200.