Michael J. Legerski passed unexpectedly at home on April 13, 2013. Beloved brother of Gerald J. Legerski. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael J. Legerski (2002) and Mary Tkaczyk Legerski ( 1996), his maternal grandparents, John and Antonina Tkaczyk, his paternal grandparents, John and Anna Legerski, his uncle and aunt, Stanley and Lillian Tkaczyk and numerous other cousins and relatives. Mike attended Crete Elementary School and Crete Monee High School- Class of 1964. A special edition to his high school years was his involvement in Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Illinois State University attaining both a bachelors and masters degrees in education and reading specialization. Mike taught in the Laraway Community Consolidated School District 70-C for 38 years teaching grades 3,6,8 in various subject areas and diversified reading classes in his role as reading specialist. Mike possessed an active and sustaining interest in students, and he worked actively to their educational and life advancement. His keen interest and knowledge in reading enabled him to help students attain success. Mike embraced a variety of interests. His love of sports led him to enjoy baseball, track,basketball and hockey. He coached basketball and track at Laraway for many years. An enduring love of the outdoors and outdoor sports occupied leisure time, and he and his brother spent many happy hours together in Wyoming. Traveling the world was an intense passion that led Mike to see Greece, Italy Spain, and Europe. A highlight of his travels were trips with his grandmother, Antonina Tkaczyk, who at 87 years accompanied him several times to visit Poland, to revisit the home she left 65 years before. Mike also perfected many aspects of photography and was an avid photographer who extensively recorded his travels. Different cultures and customs and food sparked Mikes interest, and he enjoyed cooking and sharing his creations. Mike retired from teaching at Laraway in 2005. He was actively involved in numerous retirement activities. Substitute teaching at Beecher Elementary School and Mother Teresa Catholic Academy extended his commitment to students and their learning. He became involved in local political topics and was an active advocate on important issues. He enjoyed the Illinois State Alumni Association, the Illinois Reading Council, and his involvement with local libraries and reading. Michael was a loving son, a beloved brother, and a devoted companion to family and friends. He will be sorely missed. Visitation will be held Saturday, July 27, 2013 10:30 a.m. until time of Funeral Mass 12 Noon at St. Liborious Catholic Church in Steger, Illinois. Interment Private According to Mikes wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Memorial donations in his name may be directed to the Laraway Community Consolidated Library, 275 West Laraway Road, Joliet, Illinois 60436 or to the University Park Library, 1100 Blackhawk Drive, University Park, Illinois 60466. Service Information Cemetery Private private private, IL 60466 --> Visitation Saturday July 27, 2013 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM St. Liborius Church 71 W. 35th St. Steger, IL, 60475 --> Service Saturday July 27, 2013 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM St. Liborius Church 71 W. 35th St. Steger, IL, 60475 -->