November 16, 1950 – February 24, 2019
James Michael “Mike” Devlin, 68, Cicero, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 24, 2019 after a hard-fought battle with melanoma.
Mike was born on November 16, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio, son of Frances A. (Brennan) and James A. Devlin. He attended Holy Angels Grade School in Dayton, Ohio (Class of 1965) and Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio (Class of 1969). Mike received a BA in Political Science from Loyola University, Los Angeles, Calif. (1975). In conjunction with his overseas studies at the University of London Mike received his Master’s in International Relations from the U.S. International University (1989). Lastly, Mike earned his Certificate in Business Administration from UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif. (1999).
Mike married Mary Sue Eisbach on August 13, 1994.
Mike retired from Caterpillar Financial Services in December 2016.
Mike loved his wife, sisters and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and grand- nieces and nephews. Mike also loved his “Dayton Posse,” traveling, deep sea fishing, playing golf, watching and attending college basketball and football games, road trips, telling stories, a good meal, reading, AND he never met a weed that he couldn’t pull. He was an Iowa Hawkeye basketball fan because of his grandnephew Cordell, and he was a soon-to-be Hoosier football fan because of his grandnephew Beau.
Mike is survived by his wife, his “son” (nephew) Rob Slonaker (Shannon), Ft. Pierce, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Kathy A. Eisbach, Cicero; brothers-in-law, Steven J. Eisbach (Johanna), Sacramento, Calif.; and David G. Pemsl, Dubuque, Iowa; his nieces, Teresa, Anne, Heidy, Katy, Greta and Phoebe; his nephews, Kevin, Garrett and Todd; and his “grands,” Cordell, Beau, Guinevere, Lilly, Garrett, Gabriella, Wyatt, Jack, Bella, Peter, Mara and Jack.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary “Molly” H. Devlin.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2019 at Hartley Funeral Home, 209 W. Jackson St., Cicero. Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for noon on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 410 Pearl St., Cicero. Interment of Ashes will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two of Mike’s favorite charities: Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60607; and the Southern Poverty Law Center, 403 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
Mike’s wife Mary would like to personally acknowledge her sister Kathy A. Eisbach, the cadre of family and friends too numerous to mention, Dr. Devona Anderson and staff, Dr. Brian Eddy and staff, Dr. Mina Swofford and staff, the ER doctors and staff at IU North, the nursing staff at IU Methodist Neuro Critical Care Unit, the therapists at Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, the staff and therapists at Neuro Rehabilitation Center, the Cicero Fire & Rescue and Police departments, the hospice nurses from Great Lakes Care … you all have my heartfelt gratitude for the professional, loving care you gave Mike.
Arrangements
Calling: 4 to 8 p.m., March 11
Location: Hartley Funeral Home
Service: Noon, March 12
Location: Sacred Heart of Jesus Church
Condolences: hartleyfuneralhomes.com