Michael E. Tabernacki

Michael E. Tabernacki, age 65, of Western Springs; beloved husband of Ilona (née Hetrovicz); loving father of Lisa (Tom) Lyth; dear brother of the late Robert (Carol) Tabernacki, Claudia (John) Hutter, & Donna Tabernacki; proud dog dad of Bailey & Missy; uncle and friend of many.

Mike was a dedicated Doctor of Optometry for many patients in the Chicagoland area for over 30 years.

Visitation from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass, 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 26 at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL. Those unable to attend may view the Mass live at: https://www.facebook.com/sjcwesternsprings. Entombment will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mike’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org) or the SmileTrain (https://donate.smiletrain.org/) are appreciated. Funeral information: (708) 352-6500

17 Replies to “Michael E. Tabernacki”

  1. God bless you Michael, favorite cousin. My heart is broken to know you have left, but I pray we will meet again so that I can know your laughter and your love once more. Prayers for beautiful Ilona and for your family.
    Love,
    Nancy

  2. Rest in Peace Dear friend, Michael. We treasure our friendship and will miss you dearly. We’ll look out for Ilona, Baily, and Missy. Now Michael, get busy in heaven doing eye exams on all the angels and saints. Until we meet again, we love you. Liz and Steve Wentink

  3. RIP Dr. Tabernacki, you will be missed, it was great pleasure working with you, left us too soon. My deepest condolences to all your family, may God blessings reach you always.🙏🏻

  4. Mike has always been a trusted friend ever since our days with EyeQ Optical. When I filled in for him, patients would frequently say Dr. Tabernacki was their favorite eye doctor. He was recognized by Luxottica for his contact lens expertise and one year he received the top Luxottica National Award for patient care. I will miss his professionalism and our easy going conversations.

    Ilona, I am sure these rough times will pass and if you need anything don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a conversation, lunch, or a cup of your favorite beverage.

  5. we are so so sorry, he was genuinely one of the nicest men I have ever met.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with Ilona Lisa and all of Mikes family and friends at this difficult time.

  6. Seems like only yesterday we were playing in your cardboard storefront on clide Avenue R.I.P Cousin Joe

  7. Rest In Peace Cousin Michael. It feels like only yesterday we were playing in your cardboard storefront on clide Avenue Love Cousin Joe

  8. Dear Family and Friends:
    I will miss Michael. He was a fun cousin and a shining light in our world. I am so sorry for your loss.
    Susan Karpinski McKinney

  9. Mike, tomorrow I will bury my partner of one week shy of 39 years. I cannot believe you are gone. I loved our travels and adventures. We were lucky to have great friends and family and live in such a wonderful community. I can no longer closely share my birthday with you. Thank you for Lisa. I will keep our little family together and welcome our new grandchild when they arrive. I loved you for years and will miss you forever. Say hello to everyone in Heaven. Please watch over me and know I feel your presence. Love ilona

  10. Tomorrow I will bury my partner of 39 years. I will miss you and feel your presence forever. Thank you for Lisa. I will keep out little family together. Thanks for our travels and adventure. Rest In Peace. Love, ilona

  11. I have many good memories from our family times when we were young.. Michael, I know you have a large group of our family up there to be with and I have no doubt that they all greeted you when you arrived at your new home.. Rest In Peace cousin. Sending my deepest sympathies to Ilona and Lisa for their loss! Michael will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

  12. It was an honor meeting you and family for dinner in Chicago with cousin Dr. Nancy Kois. 💖

  13. Ilona

    Mary and I are heartbroken to learn of Mike’s passing. Praying for you and your family that you may find a way to heal.

    May the love which comes from the memories of Mike comfort you now and in the days ahead.

  14. Dear Ilona, I was so sad to hear of Mike’s passing away. I remember that you knew each other your whole lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Lisa and all of yours and Mike’s family. Love, Gina

  15. We are so sorry.
    A donation in Michael’s memory is made to SmileTrain.
    Ilona is in our hearts and prayers at this sad time.

  16. I went to Lenscrafters in Chicago Ridge to order glasses; and one of the staff informed me that Michael passed away about 2 weeks ago. After leaving the store, i was so distressed that I couldn’t find my car.
    I will miss him. He was my favorite eye doctor.

  17. So sorry to hear this. Dr. Tabernacki has been my eye doctor for years. I followed him from the Sears Optical Department to Lenscrafters. What a wonderful, caring man. God Bless and rest you well.

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