Michael (Mike) Frank Suhadolnik, 83, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on June 30, 2026, one day after celebrating his 83rd birthday.

Mike was born on June 29, 1943, in Waukegan, Illinois. His parents were Paul and Mary (Grom) Suhadolnik. In 1979, Mike married Maureen, and together they raised their daughters, who remained the greatest pride of his life.

Throughout his life, Mike embraced learning, hard work, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. He played football at Illinois State University and pursued graduate studies in mathematics and physics before beginning a career teaching college-level mathematics. Later, his entrepreneurial spirit led him into the construction industry where he founded and operated multiple successful construction, concrete, and tilt-up companies. Over the course of his career, he helped build thousands of homes and buildings throughout central Illinois, leaving a lasting impact on countless families and communities.

He thrived on waking up early, writing, working, and weightlifting; he never took a day off. His brain and body were hardwired with drive. His larger-than-life personality and imagination could be felt and seen, especially as he would ride around with a beaming smile in one of his boldly colored Hummers. His loud, confident voice and his tall muscular frame were hard to miss if you were in his presence.

In his later years, Mike found a new calling as a fitness coach, dedicating himself to helping adults over the age of 60 improve their health, strength, and quality of life. He believed it was never too late to become stronger, healthier, and live life to its fullest. Mike believed every person had far more potential than they realized. Whether he was teaching mathematics, building homes, coaching clients, or encouraging his daughters, his life's work was helping people believe in themselves and become more than they thought possible.

His drive for health meant he was constantly reading, researching the latest news on longevity, and preparing daily and weekly messages to encourage and inspire his followers. Whether you were a beginner or a seasoned veteran, his boisterous voice and strong handshake was quickly met with a smile and a wink. His catchphrases, also coined "Mike-isms", are forever ingrained in anyone who was lucky enough to be coached by him.

Above all else, Mike treasured his daughters. He delighted in encouraging each of them to dream boldly, step beyond their comfort zones and believe there were no limits to what they could accomplish. He led by example by always looking hopefully forward and never behind. He constantly shared his wisdom, unwavering optimism, and belief that hard work, perseverance, and determination could overcome almost any obstacle. More than anything, Michael wanted his girls to know they were capable of achieving whatever they set their minds to. He taught them that hard work pays off, that they were stronger than they realized, and that no challenge was too great to overcome. One of the greatest gifts he left behind was the confidence to face life's hardships, always reassured by his familiar words, "You'll be alright."

Michael is survived by his daughters, Liana and her husband, Jonathan Kurka, and their children, Dominik, Elijah, and Josselyn; Molly and her husband, Timothy Hahn, and their children, Huxley, Juniper, and Laney; and Caroline and her husband, Zachary Kirchner. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Suhadolnik, and Paul's wife, Deb.

He was preceded in death by his beloved firstborn daughter, Christine Kirk, who resided in Colorado and passed away in February 2026.

Mike's legacy lives on not only through the homes and structures he built, but through the lives he touched and inspired. He will be remembered for his curiosity, creativity, resilience, generous spirit, and unwavering belief in the potential of others. His encouragement, wisdom, and love will continue to guide his family and friends for generations to come.

Please join us for a memorial gathering at Washington Park on Wednesday, July 8th at 9:30 a.m. where we will be planting a tree in his honor.