Obituary of Michael Gordon Feeney
Michael "Mickey" Feeney, affectionately known by many, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. Born to Genevieve (McDonald) and John B. Feeney, Mickey spent a lot of his childhood with his grandparents, Michael and Laura McDonald including living at the historic lock tender home on the I&M Canal in Channahon, Illinois. His life was marked by faith, family, hard work, and his unshakable commitment to his community.
Mickey was a lifelong Roman Catholic, a devoted parishioner who played an instrumental role in founding and constructing St. Ann's Mission in Channahon, where he was one of twelve founding members. Mickey also donated his time and excavating services to the Channahon Methodist Church, Families of Faith Church, and St. Ann’s Parish.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Phyllis (Stafford); his children, Jerry (Leslie), Ronald, Shelly (Bill) Wright, Terry (Becky), Lana (Tony) Pursell, and Ray (Tammy), as well as his stepchildren, Jennifer (Timothy) Doyle and Dustin (Jennifer) Kemp; grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, all of whom were important to him. Mickey is also survived by his siblings, Mary Jean (Gerald) Breen and Patrick (Michelle) Feeney; sister-in-law, Sharon Feeney, and was previously married to June (Wilhelmi) Feeney for 23 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Darlene (James) Downey, John "Jackie" Feeney (Virginia), and James "Jimmy" Feeney.
A hardworking man with a passion for wearing many hats, Mickey ventured in many businesses. He opened a local gas station, apartment complexes, and the Mortgage Inn with lifelong friends. He was a talented carpenter, millwright, and operator, and founded M. Feeney & Sons Excavating, which thrived for 25 years. He played an integral role in developing subdivisions and contributed towards the growth of the communities of Channahon and Minooka. Mickey also served as the Village of Channahon’s Highway Township Commissioner for 38 years, the longest tenure in the state. His work with the Channahon Park District, including the excavation of walking paths, swimming pools, and pavilions, stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the community. He also served as a founding member of Citizens Bank and was on the boards of Busey Bank, First Community Bank, and Princeton National Bank.
Mickey was known for his love of storytelling, recounting rich tales of adventure and everyday life that brought joy and laughter to all who heard them. He was a passionate sports fan, especially of Catholic High and Notre Dame. Mickey also cherished skiing, fishing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends. His family fall festivals and hayrack rides were among our favorite memories. He was a founding member of the Lazy Acres Club in Morris, as well.
Mickey’s charitable spirit extended far beyond his professional accomplishments. He believed in using his time, talents, and resources to serve the community, and his generosity was felt by many. Mentoring and helping others was simply part of his nature.
A visitation will be held at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd. Joliet, on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Parish in Channahon with a luncheon to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Mickey’s life. For those who cannot attend in person, St. Ann’s Church will livestream the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Mass on their YouTube Channel, which can be accessed at www.stannchannahon.org.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Mickey’s name to Lightways Hospice of Joliet.
For more information, please call Fred C. Dames Funeral Home at 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit his Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com.
