Michael "Mike" Hamnik

Michael G. Hamnik, 82, of Zion, IL, died on May 3, 2026, at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL, after an acute illness. He was born on December 16, 1943, in Waukegan, IL.

A graduate of Waukegan High School, he met the love of his life and forever girlfriend, Barbara Ann Merkling, in high school and they married August 8, 1964. Their oldest daughter was born in 1966 and youngest in 1974. Mike and Babs were a love story like no other and they were married for 51 years up to the untimely and sudden death of his wife on March 29, 2015.

His life was blessed with nuclear, work, and friend families over the years -- his wife and kids, the Merklings, Munder Color, and most recently, the VFW in Winthrop Harbor. He had many life-long friendships, including childhood friends growing up on Gretta Avenue in Waukegan and meeting up at Quonset Pizza or Louie’s, golfing partners at Bonnie Brook, fishing buddies, tennis partners at Oakwood in Waukegan, Munder Color work colleagues in Zion, and shenanigans with his best friend (even though he was a Packers fan:), Rob Bousson, who preceded him in death.

As a young family man, he spent many nights after work playing softball with his eldest daughter, bike riding with his youngest daughter, working in the garage and on the lawn, playing the ‘record game’ with whomever happened to stop by to have a shot and a beer, listening to the love of his life’s daily happenings with her beloved ‘seesters’, and being present with his family no matter what time he got home from work.

A proud grandpa, he spent many of his older years going to his grandkids’ sporting events and school programs, and gushed about their accomplishments all the way through and post-college graduation. He enjoyed conversation and trying to learn cell phone technology with his best buddy/grandson and they often could be found discussing the Chicago Bears or Chicago Cubs. In turn, Mike blessed his grandkids with endless love and support.

A religious man, he most recently was part of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Our Lady of Humility parishes in Wadsworth and Beach Park, respectively.

In the most recent years, Mike got his most enjoyment from going to the Dollar Tree, visiting with his best friend’s son, Don Bousson, and close friends, Lee Skelley and Jim Potocek, and hanging out at the Winthrop Harbor VFW where the people there became his final family. To that end, in lieu of flowers please kindly donate to the VFW.

In addition to his wife, Barbara Ann Merkling Hamnik, and best friend, Rob Bousson, he is preceded in death by his son, Brett Hamnik; dad, George Hamnik; brother, George Richard “Dick” Hamnik; mother, Mellie (Moore) Hamnik; mother-in-law: Hilde (Gerard) Merkling (Fred) Dudink.

He is survived by his daughters, LeAnn “Annie” Berens and Lynn (Tim) Germer; grandchildren Jack and Allison “Ally” Berens, Lauren Germer; brothers-in-law: Steve (Diane) Merkling and Dan (Nannette) Merkling; sisters-in-law: Karen (Dave) Grooms, Ruth “Pooh” (Jeff) Paul; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends who will miss him fiercely.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 7, 4:00-7:00 pm at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, with an informal celebration of Mike’s life to be held directly thereafter at the VFW, 1112 Sheridan Rd, Winthrop Harbor. 

A private inurnment will be held at Northshore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, where he will be rejoined with the love of his life for their eternal heavenly chapter.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Winthrop Harbor VFW by dropping off or mailing in a check directly to 1112 Sheridan Road, Winthrop Harbor, Illinois 60096 ATTN: VFW Post 7448