Felix Mikhailov

It is with great sadness that we inform you Felix Mikhailov, 66 years old, passed away on July 9, 2023. Felix was born to Anatoliy and Raisa Mikhaylov on September 20, 1956 in Ukraine. He was a loving husband to Larisa Mikhailov, a proud father to his children, Inessa and Yevgeny, and a cherished grandfather to Alexandra and Nicholas. He is survived by his brother, Alik Mikhaylov and his sister, Bella Mikhaylova.

In life, Felix’s accomplishments are too far and wide to contain in a few short paragraphs. His humble beginnings start in Eastern Ukraine, where he studied engineering, fell in love with Larisa, started a family and got his first taste of entrepreneurship. Understanding that his dreams far exceeded the opportunities available, he risked everything, packed up his young family and made the move to the United States in 1989. Faced with uncertainty, he pushed fear aside and together with his wife, established a life full of love and hope. After taking a few years to get settled, Felix helped the rest of his family, including his siblings and parents reach the States as well.

Felix was a born-risk taker, constantly gambling and laying everything on the line for the opportunity for a better tomorrow. This mentality led him to open numerous businesses, innovate and develop new products, establish livelong friendships and forge an identity and legacy through his talents and kindness. Felix became defined by his constant need to help and assist, to provide and protect, to entertain and to give.

Felix’s love of life cannot be overstated. An avid fan of live music, he loved to tell tales of everyone he had the pleasure of seeing in concert, from Tina Turner, to The Rolling Stones, to AC/DC and beyond. While he certainly loved the occasional slot-machine, he was able to find peace through the arts and sculpting. He fiercely loved his friends, placing loyalty above all else while also teaching forgiveness.

His passion for food led him to open Gurman Food Co. and share his recipes with the world. He loved working with his family and found his greatest joy in the works of his children and grandchildren. He reminded those around him to take risks, explore their gifts and forge their own identities.

He will be deeply missed.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 2 pm at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, 111 Skokie Blvd, Wilmette, IL. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.weinsteinfuneralhomes.com for the Mikhailov family.