MICHAEL J. GANSTER, SR. age 88, late of Shorewood. Passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Born in Chicago to Francis E. and Anna (Novak) Ganster, Mike became a resident of Lockport as a child. As a teenager he worked at the Royal Blue Food Mart on State St. and later on the Henry Meader farm. In 1960 he began a 23-year tenure as a supervisor at Andrew Corporation, overseeing nearly every department before leaving the company in 1983. That year he and his beloved wife Diana moved to a small farm in Plattville where he spent his days beautifying his property, tending a large garden, raising chickens and volunteering with the Lisbon-Seward Fire Department. Over the years he had gained a reputation as both a talented landscaper and skilled restorer of antique furniture. Mike owned several antique cars throughout his life and was a member of the Buick Club of America.

He enjoyed reading, following NASCAR, fishing with his sons and continually building on his knowledge of World War II history. He was known for an independent but affable nature, generosity of spirit and a nearly flawless memory, all of which made for a seemingly limitless supply of engrossing personal stories and observations. Conversations with Mike will be greatly missed.

Preceded in death by his wife Diana (Ramuta, d. 2020), his mother and father, sisters Irene (late Harold) Fitzgerald, Eleanore (late Frank) Kucer, Anna Marie (late Wilfred) Watling, Mary (late Robert) Hornbuckle; brothers Frank (late Stella) Ganster and James (Liliane) Ganster.

Survived by his children Patrick (Linda) of Pearland, TX; Susan (Joe) Tanner of Arden, NC; Michael Jr. (Linda) of Cassville, WI; Christopher of Braidwood, IL; Gary of Houston, TX and Shelley (Doug) Finke of Louisville, KY. Mike is also survived by a sister, Marguerite Seil of Scottsdale, AZ; his grandchildren Daniel Monshau, Alexandra Davis, Michael James Ganster, Gianna Wruk, Allyson Ganster, Douglas Ganster and Gina Ganster; and three great-grandchildren Andrew Monshau, Anya McKinnon and Michael J. Ganster III.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Lightways Hospice or the Alzheimer's Research Foundation are appreciated.

Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME, 1105 E. 9th St. Lockport, IL.  A private family burial at Plattville Cemetery will take place the following day. For Info: (815) 838-5010 or www.oneilfuneralhome.com