Obituary

Michael “Mike” Richard Mudra of Goodyear, Arizona passed away the evening of January 24, 2024 in Surprise, Arizona where he was surrounded by family, friends, and amazing hospice caregivers. He was born February 16, 1965 in Chicago, Illinois to the late James R. Mudra and Genevieve (Jean) S. Mudra (née Steiner). He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, brother-in-law Marv Kleiman, and nephew Jake Kleiman.

Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Vickie Mudra (née Winters), son Jeffrey Michael Mudra, daughter Jessica Nicole Woods, sisters Elaine Kleiman, Joanne (Dennis) Ochal, Jeanine (Ron) LeBlanc, brothers Jim (Cindy) Mudra, and John (Julie Rechlicz) Mudra; and sisters-in-law Carol (Scott) Larsen and Debra (Marty) Schwarz.

Mike grew up in Cary and Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was an accomplished Cary-Grove High School athlete and worked for over 25 years as an overhead lineman supervisor for ComEd in the Chicago suburbs. On July 28, 1984, high school sweethearts, Mike and Vickie, were married and together they raised their children Jessica and Jeffrey. Mike was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in January 2016. The journey with ALS was long and quite different than what the family had planned for their lives. Despite the fear, frustrations, and uncertainty that accompany a terminal disease like ALS, the family always found joy around every turn. Mike and his love of his family, traditions, his great sense of humor, and overall appreciation for every day made it a ride his family wouldn’t trade for anything.

We have been blessed with so many people during this journey. We are grateful for all the love of our family and friends, as well as the many caregivers, and others. Thank you to everyone who has been on this ride with us. We welcome your continued prayers for Mike and everyone who loves him and is feeling this loss.

Our hearts are broken, but we know he is finally able to fly free from the body that was failing him.

We will also be planning a celebration of life back home in Cary/Crystal Lake, IL soon and will share those details when we have them.

A visitation will begin at 5pm, Monday, February 5 at Thompson Funeral Chapel. A funeral mass will begin at 10:30am, Tuesday, February 6 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church (Avondale, Arizona)

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the ALS Arizona Chapter (alsaz.org)