A loving son of a very loving mother and father, Mike led a life full of compassion, warmth, and kindness. Mike’s kindheartedness followed him wherever he went and allowed him to form meaningful connections with everyone he met. This extended beyond his human companions, and Mike formed bonds with any animal he could. This included leaving out birdseed for squirrels and birds and creating bedding for local dogs and cats. When not sharing his love with animals, Mike was always one to keep the mood light and loved to make everyone laugh. His laugh and smile were infectious. People like Mike are rare to find and everyone is better for having known him. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran and received a Bronze Star. He will be deeply missed.
Born February 19, 1948, in Chicago to the late Nickolas and the late Lillian Kusen, Mike was the loving brother of Ken (Lucille) Kusen and Howard (Sharon) Kusen; dear companion of 44 years of the late Dee Schuster; cherished uncle of Lori Meadows (Wes), Michael (Cindy), and Nickolas (Rebecca); adored great uncle of Anthony (Victoria), Adam (Marissa), Alexandra, Nicole, Christopher, Caleb, and Jackson; fond cousin of Diane (Bob), Phil, and Bonnie; and beloved friend of Joyce, Mike, Justin, Margaret, Mike and Michelle.
Memorial Visitation Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 4pm until 8pm at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. For more information, please call (847)824-5155.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike's honor to:
PAWS Chicago (https://www.pawschicago.org/contact-us)
Feline Friends Chicago (https://felinefriendschicago.org/fostering-copy/)
