Michael "Mike" Thomas Couri

He was born on January 30, 1950 in Peoria, IL to Thomas and Jeanette (Kouri) Couri. He married Vickie Girton on May 26, 1973 in East Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are their three children, Dr. Nicole (Vinnie Malson) Couri Wood of Metamora, Allie (Neal) Hannant of Cary, IL, and Dr. Chris (Crystal) Couri of Morton; six grandchildren, Addisyn, Ayshton, Giana, Cole, Aidan, and Wesley; nine siblings, Karen (Fred) Clark, Janice (Ray) Martin, Bob (Kathy) Couri, Deb (Bill) Spears, Sue Couri, Cindy (Lester) Behrends, Jeannine (George) Jacob, Beth (Ed) Olehy, and Tricia (Jeff) Lambrich, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Jazmin Malson.

Mike graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architectural Design. He worked as a Project Manager and Estimator for several area construction companies, including, Tousley-Iber Construction and Williams Brothers Construction. He took great pride in his work and was a huge asset to every company he worked for.

Mike was a member of St. Monica's Catholic Church. First and foremost in his life, he was a man of God and a humble servant who was called home. He was a past President of the Greater Peoria Contractors Association. He was also a past President of the Mr. and Mrs. Dance Club, the Secretary of the Eureka Dance Club, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Itoo Society. Mike enjoyed ballroom dancing with the love of his life Vickie, volunteering his time to help others, attending his grandchildren's sporting and school events, cheerleading competitions, and other activities, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family. Mike and Vickie loved ballroom dancing, their network of wonderful friends, traveling to the Caribbean on cruises, and visiting Galena every Fall. Mike was so proud of his family heritage and proud to be 100% Lebanese. His siblings and cousins were his best friends in life from childhood to this day. They shared a very strong bond that will never be broken and is admired by all who know and love them.

Mike was an amazing Father and Gidu to his grandchildren. He had infinite wisdom in every area of life and guided us through every major decision, as well as everyday life decisions. He was a skilled handyman, and took pride in helping others. His children and grandchildren were the pride of his life, and if you had a conversation with him you would hear him brag on them every opportunity he had. Mike and Vickie have been like a second set of parents to their grandchildren, running them to and from their extra-curricular activities, never missing a game, performance, or school event. Gidu often spent his evenings running Addi to dance during their special Monday night time, or studying at the counter with Ayshton after picking him up from soccer or basketball practice, just like he did with each of his children. As his children, it is one of the greatest blessings in our lives to have had our own children raised alongside their Sithu and Gidu. As a family, we have truly lived life to the fullest together, seizing every opportunity we had to be together. Needless to say, we will have a huge void in our family that can never be replaced, however we take comfort in knowing that by his strong faith, our Dad is with the Lord and will continue to walk alongside us and guide us all every day of our lives.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm with a rosary at 3:30 pm at Davison-Fulton Woolsey Wilton in Peoria, IL. A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 11:00 am at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in East Peoria, IL. There will be an additional visitation one hour prior to the services on Thursday at the church. Burial will be at Swan Lake Cemetery in Peoria, IL. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.