Michael "Mike" D. Gassensmith of Manhattan, IL, surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully at his home on January 30, 2025, at the age of 70.

Born on November 28th, 1954 in Joliet, IL. The fourth oldest of seven.

A lover of his lawn, garden, golf, washing and waxing his cars, the Beatles and an avid Chicago Bears fan.

He worked for PT Ferro Construction for over 30 years. He is described as one of the hardest working men around. Ultimately passing that same work ethic down to his kids.

If you didn't find him working in his yard, tending to his vegetable garden or working in his garage, you could find him fishing with his grandkids or playing a round of golf with Bud or his buddies.

Mike is survived by his loving wife, Melody (nee Searing) Gassensmith of 48 years. Growing up right across the street from each other and going on to get married in 1976 and having four loving kids. Stacy (Greg) Perez, Amy (Michael) Kuzmuk, Michael "Bud" Gassensmith Jr., and Wendy (Chase) Schweitzer.

Grampy to 9 beautiful grand babies. Shaun, Liam and Jax Perez, Everett, Fin, Merrik and Gunnar Kuzmuk, Trey and Jayde Schweitzer. One of his favorite past times was sitting in his rocking chair watching the grandkids play and grow in his beautiful yard.

Also survived by his siblings Paul (Kathy) Gassensmith, Cathleen (Michael "Boz") Bozarth, Judy Westbrook, David (Roseanne) Gassensmith, Gary "Moose" Gassensmith and Gail (Danny) Lowry, brothers-in-law Charles (Marianne) Searing and Michael (Sherry) Searing, nieces Ashley and Hailey Searing, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike is preceded in death by his father Paul W. Gassensmith, his mother Catherine Gassensmith, mother-in-law Mary C. Searing, brothers-in-law Allen "Stuie" Westbrook and Vernon Searing, and nephew Nathaniel C. Searing.

The family would like to thank Lightways Hospice and Mike's nurse, Tom.

Memorial contributions in his name may be made to Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 . Cremation rights to be accorded. A Celebration of life will be held at a later date.

"Though I know, I'll never lose affection for people and things, that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them, in my life, I love you more." - The Beatles

Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.