John Michael ‘Mike’ Kuharic
John Michael Kuharic (AKA Mike, Q, Coach & Dad), age 68, of Chicago, IL & LaPorte, IN – formerly of Western Springs, IL. Beloved husband of Pamela Kuharic for 43 years; proud and devoted father of Michael and Ryan; fond brother of Gregory Kuharic and sister Deborah Usher; caring son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and cousin. He taught and coached at Lyons Township HS for 31 years; additionally, he coached marathoners for the leukemia Team-in-Training. After retiring, he coached athletes at UIC and Thornton HS. He was inducted into the IL Track and CC Coaches Assoc Hall of Fame in 2005. He loved all things sports-related as a spectator, participant, and collector. His passions included family, golf, travel, and antiquing. A memorial visitation will be held on April 8 from 11am until the service at 3pm – Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W 55th St., Countryside. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of J. Michael Kuharic to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – 954 W. Washington Blvd. #305, Chicago 60607 or LLS.org/donate.com Info: 708-352-6500 or hjfunerals.com
Thank you Coach Kuharic for all that you did for me in high school. I am a better man for having known you and a better athlete for having run for LT. I will never forget the trip to Indiana with other varsity athletes to see the NCAA track & field finals. You took us to Butler Fieldhouse to see “Hoosier basketball” and to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to motivate us to “speed” on the track team. As a high school teacher and former track coach, I would remiss if I did not mention that you served as a role model. Thank you for everything. My deepest condolences go out to your family.
Mark Thode Class of 1980
CC Team 1976-1979 (track)With deepest sympathy to your family. Great Cross Country coach ..kept me in shape all those years his motivation made me excel to run with patient and finish hard the the last quarter mile..coulda wish he motivate me now fast foods caught with me..Godspeed Coach Mike! and thanx
I worked with Mike during his days at Whitney Young and always enjoyed talking to him. He was in my department quite often. My deepest sympathy to his family.
Mike was a wonderful man. He subbed at Whitney Young Magnet HS and helped us out a lot. He was great with people and was great to talk too. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to his wife and sons.
So sorry to have just heard the news. We met Mike at an antiques auction in LaPorte – he always seemed to outbid us on all the sports collectibles! We will miss him.