Michael James Hardesty

Michael was born February 4, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to parents James & Evelyn.

Brother to Debra and Virginia Hardesty

Michael attended school at Saint Rita High School as well as Circle Campus University of Illinois & St. Louis College of Pharmacy

Throughout his life and career, he was a renaissance man in terms of skill and trade

Married to the love of his life Kathy Lynn Bradley and her two wonderful daughters Tareasa and Kasandra on April 30th, 1976

Fathered a son Shawn Michael Hardesty on June 20th, 1983

Father-in-law to Christopher “Tareasa” Penn & Matthew “Kasandra” Forsell

Grandfather to Gabrielle & Aaliyah Forsell, Alexander Hardesty, and Carson & Keaton Penn

Brother by marriage and love to Sheran & Peter Stanaitis, Barbra & George Hertzner, Penny & Phillip Getz, Peggy & Milton Morse

Loving Uncle to Barbra Kay, Rock, Lauren, Rick, Mark, George, Kathy Joe, Damion, Chad, Jona, Charity, and Jyl

Best friend from childhood to Tony Borjarski

And friend to so many people throughout his life it’s hard to count…

This was a wonderful man, a great father, a loyal relative and a true friend to everyone that had the pleasure of being a part of his life. He lived as hard and true as he could. He battled more fights in his life than can be counted from the streets of Chicago to the hardest battle of all in his mind. Confidence and warm encouragement were his tools to raise his children. Love and passion his weapons to combat the world. Loyalty and compassion were his duties to his family. His memory to those who knew him will remain joyous and uplifting because that he what he gave to them. No one can say he didn’t make them laugh. No one can say he didn’t make them smile. Everyone in his life has a story to tell about Michael James Hardesty. If only those memories remain from his life, then he left behind more of a legacy than most. Thank you for everything you were and everything you gave us Michael, you will always be in our hearts and minds, farewell old man.

Memorial service to celebrate Michael's life will be 11:00 am Saturday April 8, 2017 at Advantage Funeral Home 7000 W. State St. in Rockford.