Michael Pontow

Michael J. Pontow, 62, of Momence, IL, died on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. He was born on June 8, 1962, in Momence, IL, the son of James A. Pontow and Catherine Giasson. He married Kelly Schuler on Friday, November 13, 1981 in Kankakee, IL. She survives.

He is survived by his wife; Kelly Pontow of Momence, IL. His two daughters and sons-in-law; Athena and Adam Gibaszek of Somerset, KY, and Brenda and Al Lopez of Bourbonnais, IL. His brother; Mitch Pontow and Steve Isley of Kankakee, IL. His sister; Rebecca and David Bishop of IN. His foster brother; Chuck and Brenda Nowak of TN. Also surviving are his four grandchildren; Constance Graham, Michael Lopez, A.J. Gibaszek and Elizabeth Gibaszek. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Michael worked and was retired as an industrial maintenance technician.  He served in the United States Air Force and served in Desert Shield/Storm. 

He graduated in 2002 from Kankakee Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science – Industrial Machinery Maintenance. During college, he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society.

He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Momence, IL and a Master Mason. He enjoyed wood working and watching TV, especially Sci-Fi and old Westerns. He collected guns and loved shooting them.

In honor of Michael, please dress casually to the visitation and funeral mass and wear blue as this was his favorite color. Please no hats at the funeral mass.