Michael Steven Montel, 35, passed away peacefully at Joliet Area Community Hospice in Joliet, Illinois on Monday, March 18, 2019 following a long illness. Mike was born in Carbondale on February 13, 1984 to Betty Jo (Lindsey) Sohn Montel and Steven M. Montel. His sisters wanted him to wait to be born on Valentine's Day, but Mike wasn't having it. He was adored by his four older siblings, and spent his early years cruising around Carbondale with his sisters and their friends. He attended Carbondale Community High School, John A. Logan College and studied Criminal Justice at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. He loved his family, Suzie, his friends, his faithful companion Fuego, boating and fishing on Kentucky Lake, reading, cooking and collecting firearms (not necessarily in that order), and he had many other diverse interests. He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Montel. He is survived by his mother, Betty Jo Montel, who currently resides in Joliet, his sisters Kari Ferguson of St. Louis, MO and Angie Resuali of Shorewood, his brothers Douglas Sohn and Daniel Sohn of Seattle, WA, his dear friend Susan Gonnerman of Naperville, his nephews Logan Whelan, Evan Resuali and Sam Resuali, and his nieces Madison Whelan, Delaney Whelan, Anellie Sohn, Avery Resuali and Brynn Resuali. His nephews and nieces will miss him and his fabulous gourmet mac and cheese, the recipe for which he kept a closely-guarded secret. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle and friend to many, quick-witted, generous and kind, and he will be missed. Visitation will be on Saturday, March 23 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM followed by a brief memorial service at 4:00 PM at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home, 2320 Black Rd, Joliet, IL. Private interment will at Forrest Township Cemetery in Forrest, IL. Those wishing to make a donation in Mike's name are encouraged to donate to an animal rescue shelter of your choice or any suicide prevention organization in honor of his close friend, Chad.