Michael Laut

Michael “Mike” Laut, 65, family man and avid sports fan, peacefully passed away on March 1st, 2020 in Elk Grove Village, IL.

What drew people to Mike was his great sense of humor and easy-going personality. Mike always made sure that the people he loved were taken care of before himself. Like most Chicago sports fans, he had a love/hate relationship with all local sports teams, especially the Bears and White Sox. He was always the one to be found in the middle of dance parties on celebratory occasions, and loved a good party. Mike enjoyed going to live music shows, and had a sweet tooth that would put anyone to shame. Later in life, Mike got bitten by the travel bug, as indicated by taking many trips with his long-time partner Jeanne. Mike was someone who was a little hesitant to try new experiences, but when he did, he was so enthusiastic and happy to share with anyone who was willing to listen about his newest trip, restaurant, etc.

Born in Yugoslavia on January 14th, 1955, Mike, at age 6, immigrated to the U.S. with his parents, Frank and Mitzie Laut with nothing but the clothes on their backs and a single wood crate of belongings. With his gritty, hard-working mentality, Mike’s life proved to be an exemplary American dream, as he went on to graduate high school from Gordon Tech, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in History from DePaul University.

After college, Mike fell in love with his wife, Joyce “Wawrzon” Laut. Mike and Joyce married on August 28th,
1982. Mike’s funny personality found a perfect match with Joyce’s, and their relationship was filled with lots of love and laughter, which was very infectious, as they made lifelong friends with many other couples nearly instantly. Shortly after marriage, the couple moved to Arlington Heights, IL, where they had their two children, Adrienne and Mark. Mike was a very hands-on dad, taking great interest in his childrens' academics, athletics and other extracurricular activities. He could always be found either coaching Adrienne and Mark’s youth athletics teams, attending plays they were in, or loudly cheering (sometimes a little too passionately) at games. Mike always displayed a selfless “family first” mentality, consistently sacrificing anything he could in order to give Adrienne, Mark and Joyce or anyone he loved the best possible life they could have.

Although Joyce’s untimely passing in 2004 left an unfillable hole in his heart, Mike’s love and selflessness for Adrienne and Mark never faded an ounce as a single dad. In 2011, Mike met who would become his longtime partner, Jeanne Calvert, who became such a gift and light of happiness to Mike in his remaining years. Mike’s selflessness of his preceding years was reciprocated when he met Jeanne, whose love and unequivocal kindness enhanced Mike’s life to the fullest. Jeanne was Mike’s partner, best friend and caretaker, even right up until the end. Mike’s children are forever grateful for the joy and compassion that Jeanne was able to give Mike over the last 9 years of his life.

Nothing gave Mike more joy than becoming a grandfather to his grandson Bennett in 2017. Mike’s eyes lit up with excitement every time he got to spend time babysitting and playing with Bennett. Although Mike kept in good and consistent communication with Adrienne throughout her life and adulthood, upon Bennett’s arrival, Mike’s “grandpa instincts” kicked in and his communications with Adrienne dramatically increased to at least a daily minimum, always asking about daily updates on Bennett and taking great joy in his progression, accomplishments and silliness.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Laut, and his parents, Franz and Milica Laut.

Mike is survived by his children, Adrienne (Jay) Gillette and Mark Laut, his longtime partner, Jeanne Calvert, his grandson, Bennett Gillette, his brother, George (Debbie) Laut, his nephews Matthew Laut, Zachary Laut, Thaddeus Williams, Chris Williams, and loving in-laws Karen (Pete) Mancuso, Janice (Bob) Williams, Ron (Joy Norquist) Wawrzon as well as many other extended family members and friends.

A memorial celebration of Mike’s life will be held at Reserve 22, 485 Winchell Way, Glen Ellyn, IL, on Saturday, 3/14/20 from 11:00am-3:00pm. At 1:00pm, a few family members will share some words in Mike’s honor, and afterward, all guests are encouraged to share stories of your favorite memories of Mike that highlight his fun-loving personality.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s name to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation to help fund lung cancer research, or since Mike was upset to miss the ability to vote in the upcoming election, The Democratic National Committee.