Michael Joseph Creaney

Michael “Mike” Joseph Creaney, 73, of Gurnee, passed away November 26, 2020, at Captain James A. Lovell Health Care Center in North Chicago. He was born August 15, 1947, in Chicago, to the late Arthur and Annamary (nee Callahan) Creaney.

Mike was a United States Army Veteran serving during Vietnam. After being wounded in Vietnam, Mike successfully sold cars for a living as his day job. Mike excelled at singing and playing his guitar. When young a promoter wanted to sponsor him, he thought Mike could be a star. His dad said “NO.” It didn’t stop Mike from continuing to play and entertain family, friends and patrons. He and his brother, Artie, were in bands together for a number of years.  They played with the “Road Show” for many years. Every Christmas we would find him singing and playing Christmas songs and carols for family and friends. He was a musician through and through. Mike was a loving father; his daughter, Chrissy, knew how to delay bedtime. She would ask her daddy to sing her a song. Her favorite was “Puff, the Magic Dragon.” His grandsons called him “Chicago Bear Papa.” We all knew not to call him when “the game” was on TV.

Mike was married to Denise Mihalic, and they had two children. He is survived by his loving son, Michael Patrick Creaney; six siblings, Patricia (George) Bueltmann, Kathleen “KC” (Mick) Dieck, William (Lorraine) Creaney, James (Kim) Creaney, Rory (Glenna) Creaney, and Robert Creaney; one sister-in-law, Nancy Creaney; one brother-in-law, George Nerroth; his soulmate, longtime friend, and companion, Nancy Rieger; two grandsons, Corbin Creaney and Riley Creaney; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mike was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Christine Creaney; sister, Carol Jean Nerroth; brother, Arthur “Artie” Creaney.

Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org. Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. Please sign the guestbook at LauraSambranoFunerals.com; 847-571-7719.

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