Michael Penzek

Michael Penzek, age 62, of Dallas, TX, passed away on December 16, 2024 after a long battle with heart disease. He was born on April 5, 1962 in Elmhurst, IL. Michael touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. He was a skilled nail technician and artist for years in the NW suburbs of Chicago where he developed lifelong friendships with his coworkers and clients. He raised Yorkshire Terriers and loved them so much he started breeding and showing them. After leaving the nail business he began working for Apple Vacations in Arlington Heights where he got to explore his love of travel. He was a top agent there for many years and made many friends during his tenure at Apple. He moved to Dallas in 2012 and began a career in hospitality working at various hotels in Dallas, Irving, and Arlington. He was also an avid gardener and was fond of sharing the flowers and vegetables he grew with his neighbors.

He leaves behind his beloved mother Karin Penzek, father Richard Penzek (Jadwiga), sisters Dianne and Doris Penzek, stepsister Ewa Stefanski (Krzys), stepsister Jola Willis, nephews Kamil and Jan Stefanski, niece Marysia, and many dear cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Emily and Wilhelm Penzek, maternal grandparents, Erna and Walter Asmus, Uncle Paul and Aunt Eleanor Fechtner, Uncle Bill and Aunt Erna Keller.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the Heart Doctors at UT Southwestern and Parkland for their expertise, compassion, and dedication to Michael’s care over the past several years. We also appreciate the kindness of Concho Hearts Hospice in the care they provided to Michael in his last weeks to ensure he was comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.

A visitation for Michael will be held Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004, followed by a memorial service at 12:00 PM.