Michael B. Hakeman

Michael B. Hakeman, 61, of Fairview Park, soared through the eternal gates of heaven on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, surrounded by loved ones, in the comfort of his family home.

On January 13, 1962, he was born to Robert C. Hakeman and Sandra J. Thoma in Sioux City, Iowa. Michael grew up in Fairview Park, Ohio. While attending Fairview High School, he participated in Varsity Wrestling and Football, later passing his passion for sports onto his children. Michael attended Bowling Green State University, where he discovered his interest in human anatomy and physiology. He transferred from Bowling Green State University to Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill. While at Worsham, he was recognized for his excellence in restorative art and obtained his Associate’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 1987. After graduating, Mike entered the Funeral Industry at his family’s funeral home while completing his Associate’s Degree in Marketing Management at Kankakee Community College. Mike succeeded in making the Dean’s List at both Worsham and Kankakee College. He was also a Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society member and recipient of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association Scholarship for Academics.

Mike’s academic achievements kick-started his career within the Consulting and Commercial functions of the Funeral Industry. He joined the Champion Chemical Company in 1996 and, in a very short period, was recognized as the Top Sales Executive for three consecutive years (1998-2000). He was also ranked #1 for Sales Territory Growth in 1999 & 2000, with growth exceeding 45% per year consecutively. Mike moved to Federated Funeral Directors in 2004 as a Business Consultant and served clients, many of whom became great friends over the years, by helping develop strategy, improve operational execution, and solidify financial performance. In 2011, Michael co-founded the Professional Funeral Alliance of Springfield, Ill. As a Vice President of the firm, he was visionary in evolving the industry’s accounting and consulting methods for decades to come. He was instrumental in the success of PFA and secured more than $1 million in acquisitions within the firm’s first five quarters. Mike spent the final years of his career as the General Manager of Schreffler Funeral Homes in Kankakee County, caring for the community and orchestrating intricately themed ceremonies that commemorate the loss of loved ones. Throughout his career, Mike presented at many seminars to develop the broader industry and demonstrated best practices within numerous cohorts to expand the knowledge of funeral directors nationally. He deeply cherished the relationships he built with clients, friends, and colleagues through industry forums.

Michael was known for many exceptional accomplishments throughout his life, both personally and professionally, but found the most solace in developing, coaching, and giving back to others. Michael was a devoted Father who loved his family, friends, and making company laugh. In the community, he supported “The 100th Club of Illinois,” a non-profit organization supporting families of fallen First Responders. He often volunteered to help build and repair homes with Kankakee’s “Christmas in April” foundation. Mike was a coach for his son’s athletic teams, including the Brawlers Wrestling Club, Bourbonnais Bears Football Club, and baseball teams at various levels. He was a staunch supporter of his daughter’s Starlight Dance Academy recitals, dance competitions, and was the “perfect date” for Daddy Daughter Dances. Mike spent his weekends with Valerie, his wife and soulmate of 43 years, and their three extraordinary children: Bricen, Samantha, and Brent.

Survivors include his wife, Valerie Hakeman of Fairview Park; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Bricen (Hailey) Hakeman of Warwick, Bermuda, Brent Hakeman (Sara Lowis) of Columbus, OH; one daughter, Samantha Hakeman of Indianapolis, IN; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert (Lois) Hakeman of Sanborn, IA; one step-mother, Chris Ann Hakeman (Ben Kelly) of Huron, OH; one father-in-law, Samuel Grose; one brother and sister-in-law, Richard (Jennifer) Grose of Apollo Beach, FL; one brother and fiancée, Ronald Grose (Traci George) of Avon, OH; one god-daughter, Megan Grose; numerous Aunts and Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews; four “furry grandbabies” and a family of close, loving friends who will feel his loss immensely.

In heaven, Michael will reunite with his parents, Robert C. Hakeman and Sandra J. Thoma, and mother-in-law, Mary Lou Grose; his identical twin daughters, Morgan Rose and Taylor Alexandra Hakeman; his youngest brother, Jeffrey Thomas Hakeman; and his beloved family pup, Quinton Alexander Hakeman.

Friends of Michael and Family are invited to attend the memorial service to be held at First Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St., Huron, OH, at 11am Saturday, September 30th, 2023. “Mike’s After Party” will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or planting trees, the family greatly appreciates any memorial donations be made to Valerie Hakeman at https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-hakeman/. Contributions will help alleviate a portion of the exorbitant medical and travel expenses incurred commuting to RUSH University Medical Center in Chicago during Michael’s six (6) year battle. The family intends to allocate a portion of the proceeds to support other families battling Undifferentiated Sinonasal Carcinoma, which accounts for less than 1% of all known cancers.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared with the family at https://everloved.com/life-of/michael-hakeman/.