Mike Arakelian, a first-generation American, passed away on Monday, December 27, 2021. He was 91 years old. Mike was born August 7, 1930, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Eli and Soultan Arakelian, Armenian immigrants who survived the Armenian genocide.
After attending high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He proudly served aboard the aircraft carrier, USS MIDWAY, as an Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS). Following his Navy service, he settled in the Chicago area and began his nearly 40-year career with the Chicago and North Western Railway. He began as a steam engine fireman and finished his career as Director of Locomotive Operations. He mentored many people who worked “on the railroad.” In the early days at the CN&W Railway, he worked in his free time as a beer vendor at Wrigley Field, developing his lifelong love of the Chicago Cubs.
After retiring, he took only a brief “vacation from work,” and then followed his passion for horse racing and meeting people by becoming a bookmaker at Arlington International Racecourse.
After a few snowy winters in retirement, he moved to Estero, Florida, where he enjoyed hosting his visiting family members. He meticulously maintained the swimming pool on their lanai and loved playing with his grandchildren in the pool. His love of racing continued, and he worked alongside his brother Robert as a bookmaker at Naples-Ft. Myers Greyhound Track.
After returning to the Crystal Lake area to be closer to family, he was a frequent visitor to Lifetime Fitness in Algonquin, and his affable nature earned him many friends there who lovingly watched over him. Friends and staff greeted him as the “mayor” or “Godfather.” For several years he managed a softball team composed of friends from Lifetime Fitness.
He enjoyed living at Bickford of Crystal Lake during the final two years of his life where he was affectionately known as “Handsome Mike.” The family would like to thank the staff at Bickford for all of the love and care he received there, particularly during the difficult months of Covid-related lockdowns.
Mike is survived by his brother Robert (Jacqui) Arakelian; daughters, Deborah Duffy and Susan (Paul) Tagatz; son Michael T. Arakelian; and step-daughter Kay Raebe. He was a loving grandfather to Dawn Ryan, Patrick Raebe, Jennifer Raebe, Ryan Manning, Brian (Jennie) Manning, Jennie (John) Franklin, Jessica (John) Fitzpatrick, and Andrew Tagatz. He was proud of his many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. His great grandchildren, Jack and Lucy Fitzpatrick, who called him “Papa Mimi,” brought great joy to his final years.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; sisters Anne Cox and Julia Arakelian; first wife and mother of his daughters, Nora Arakelian; second wife and mother of his son, Katherine G. Arakelian; and step-son Floyd Manning.
There will be a visitation from Noon to 2pm on Saturday, January 8 at Querhammer & Flagg Funeral Home, 500 W. Terra Cotta Ave., Crystal Lake. The service will start at 2pm. The Family requests that all attendees are masked and vaccinated.
Interment will follow at Crystal Lake Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name may be directed to The Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Flr. 17 Chicago, IL 60601, www.alz.org, or Feed My Starving Children, 401 93rd Avenue NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433, www.fmsc.org.
Online condolences may be made at www.querhammerandflagg.com.
