Mike Watson Family

Michael Edward Watson began his rule over this world on May 5th, 1978, and lost a brutal war with an extremely rare incurable form of Cancer on April 29th, 2023, 6 days before his 45th legendary "Drink-o De Mike-o" birthday celebration.

To know him is to love him. No truer words have ever been spoken.

From his demented, demonic, fevered love for death metal, to his never-ending kindness, selfless nature, undying love for his family and friends, he ran the spectrum of life.

He lived his life so fully, and never took things too seriously, except when it came to providing for and protecting his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rani Tucker-Watson and two beautiful daughters, Trixie and Georgia Frances (Frankie). His Mother, Shirley (Shirl Girl) and Father "Fast" Eddie Watson, ever-loving, admiring brother, Billy Watson, Sister in-Law, Shy Pilgreen-Watson & Nephew Phoenix Watson - loving In-Laws, Bob and Marilyn Tucker, the most amazingly wonderful, loving support from his Aunts and Uncles; Rosie and Billy Pacella, Jimmy and Brenda Peplowski, Johnny and Carole Peplowski, Brother and Sister-In Law Bart and Katie Tucker & Nieces and Nephews Ella, Sara, Jackson, and Julia Tucker, extended family, and a bottomless well of best friends. The list is too long to name all of you, but you know who you are.

Mike graduated from Victor J. Andrew HS in Tinley Park, Il. Class of '96. He then went on to study and excel in the Culinary Arts at CHIC/Le Cordon Bleu in Chicago, Il., resulting in him being made Executive Chef, at the age of 28, making him the youngest person to receive that honor in the history of the Maggiano's Corporation. He finished his career at Advocate Aurora St. Luke's medical Center in Milwaukee as the Executive Chef/Food Production Manager. Referred to by many as "the best boss they have ever had."

One of, if not his most prized possession, was his massive, across the board music snob record collection. From Cannibal Corpse to Crosby Stills Nash & Young, and everything in between.

The annoyance of having a new record(s) arrive at the house daily, is an annoyance that will be sorely missed. Second, only to his ridiculously huge record collection, was his ratty, overly offensive, T-shirt collection. Looks can be deceiving, we promise he owned a beautiful home in a respectable neighborhood. Believe it or not, he was a respectable member of a functioning society. More than 300 people worked... FOR HIM.

He was the boss at work, as he was in life. Every room Mike ever entered instantly became the room to be in. Spirits lifted, jokes were told, great conversations were had, and prize winning ball busting ensued, and he crushed it every time. He was consistently the funniest human being alive. He could and would make you laugh so deeply, even in the darkest of situations.

His quick wit and level of sarcasm were unmatched, and we imagine most people that didn't know him very well would walk away from conversations with him thinking "wtf, is this guy for real?" ... Yes, he most certainly was. He was the most for real.

Sunday family dinner around the table was very near and dear to his heart, as his commitment to work left little time for such things during the week. Nightly dance parties to Macabre' "Wheels on the Bus" with his girls in the basement, and fun family outings to 'I Like Big Putts' for mini-golf. Always being fully present in those huge family moments, never allowing for any distractions.

The guy with flesh-eating zombies rising from the grave sleeve tattooed on his arm, is the same guy that cried when he watched "Stepmom." He was truly dynamic and had the single most multi-layered personality that anyone could possibly have. His kind, loving nature being at the forefront.

He fought viciously, quite literally til the end, just as he lived his life. Never wavering. "Strong like a lock."

His song has ended, but his melody lingers on.