Michael Sekiguchi

On July 28th, 2022, Michael Sekiguchi tragically passed at the age of thirty-seven in Palatine, Illinois after a year-long battle with gastric esophageal (“GE”) junction cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing. Michael is survived by his wife, Nabeela Mohsen Sekiguchi; his parents, Eiji and Halina Sekiguchi; his brothers and sister-in-law, Jakub Grab-Lucki, Celine Grab-Lucki, and Ken Sekiguchi.

Michael was born on August 17, 1984 in Matsudo-Shi, Chiba-Ken, Japan. Those who were privileged to have Michael in their lives would describe him as fun, loving, athletic, organized, detail-oriented, compassionate, loyal, quick-witted, and an exceptionally kind and well-mannered gentleman. Michael could walk into a room and light it up with his big, beautiful smile. He brought joy to many who knew him.

After graduating Rolling Meadows High School, in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Michael attended Western Illinois University where he studied English and graduated with honors in 2006. He excelled in academia and was a member of the Sigma Tau Delta- International English Honor Society. In 2008, Michael received his Certificate of Paralegal studies and was a member of the Lambda Epsilon Chi National Paralegal Honor Society. During high school and college, Michael was always surrounded by his close friends and enjoyed going to concerts, sporting events, being outdoors, and spending quality time.

Michael’s passion for advocacy, combined with his natural talent and skill in legal proceedings, brought him professional success and accolades. Michael was a Senior Paralegal at Reed Smith LLP for over a decade before joining Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in 2020. Throughout the span of his career, Michael exemplified extensive commercial litigation expertise and exceptional skills in many areas of law, specifically within product liability law and as a trial director. Michael was not only proud of his professional accomplishments but was also full of integrity and gratitude. Michael was incredibly accomplished, extremely proud, and loved his career.

Michael was a multifaceted and an inquisitive person who was usually seen curled up next to a paperback book with his sweet golden retriever, Penny, always by his side. He loved Penny with all his heart and often he and his wife, Beela, would spoil her with treats, toys, and belly rubs. Michael enjoyed relaxing at home with his wife Nabeela, or “Beela”, as he would adoringly refer to her, and the two of them often enjoyed cooking extravagant meals together, being foodies at restaurants, playing board games, exploring on road trips, going on long trail hikes, doing outdoor activities, going to comedy shows and musicals, taking endless photos together, relaxing with Penny on a beach, and most of all, being silly with one another. Mike and Beela were inseparable and enjoyed a life full of adventures with one another. Their love story remains unfinished. Michael also enjoyed many activities including: snowboarding, frisbee golf, watching sports and drafting players for his fantasy football league, biking camping, boating, as well as roller blading and skating. Michael loved spending time with his friends and family and was truly loved by all.

Michael’s viewing was held privately on August 1st, 2022, with immediate family members only. Mass was held on August 2nd, 2022, at Saint Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church at 1201 E. Anderson Drive, Palatine, IL. 60074. Chapel and Burial Services were held at All Saints Cemetery at 700 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL. 60016.

Memorial Contributions may be given to the Debbie’s Dream Foundation at https://debbiesdream.org/ or Hope for Stomach Cancer at https://stocan.org/.

Condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.