Michael J. Gray

Visitation for Michael J. Gray, 81, will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 33 S. Buesching Rd. Lake Zurich, IL from 10:00a.m. until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00a.m. The Interment will be private.

“Mike”, passed away peacefully at ALTA Nursing Home in Wauconda, IL on September 11, 2026, from heart disease.

He was born in Milwaukee, WI, and raised in Oconomowoc, WI. He attended St. Jerome Grade School from 1st through 5th grade and then attended and graduated from Sacred Heart Military Academy in Watertown, WI. He graduated in 1963 from Catholic Memorial High School in Waukesha, WI, and furthered his education as a machinist in airport ground equipment, truck, heavy duty equipment and car maintenance.

Michael retired after 42 years from United Airlines as a Ground Maintenance Mechanic at O'Hare, Chicago.

Michael was married to Mary Ellen Leonard in 1966 until her death in 1981. They had 3 children.

He was married to Jane (Kociuba) Polnaszek in 1991 until his death. They just celebrated their 35th Wedding anniversary.

He loved to rebuild cars and accomplished rebuilding his Bicentennial 1976 Corvette and a 1952 MG. He loved to attend, and display, his cars at shows around the area. He was a great lover of music, all years, especially the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Mike loved his chocolate, chocolate chip cookies and western movies. Everyone that met Mike, liked Mike.

He is survived by his wife Jane, his sister, Caron (Thomas) Nedderson, his brother, and Brother of the Holy Cross at Notre Dame, Shaun Gray. Survived by his children, Meg (Mark) Grethen, Michael Gray Jr. (Fiancee, Bridget Hennings), and Amy (Robert) Fambrough. His stepchildren, Heather (Brian) Dybing, Amber (Polnaszek) Dines, Damen (Heather) Polnaszek, 17 grandchildren and 8 great grands.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Doris Gray, his first wife, Mary Ellen Gray and granddaughter, Santana (Brown) Knox.