Michael James Purvey

Michael James Purvey of McHenry, 78, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2022, surrounded by family.

Michael was born in Pineville, Louisiana on December 5, 1943, to John Compton and Clarice (Miller) Purvey. The Purveys raised their family in Crystal Lake, IL. After one year at Central High School, Michael was recruited to play football for Marian Central High School and as quarterback he led the team (nicknamed “The Bombers”) to its first successful season. He attended Drake University in Iowa for his undergraduate degree in communications and started a successful career selling printing and marketing. As the world transitioned from print to digital, Michael joined his wife, Janet, in real estate to continued success.

Growing up Michael frequently visited McHenry Country Club golf course under the care of his grandfather and greenskeeper Alan L. Purvey where he fostered his love of the game. Michael became president of the club from 1987-1989 and spent his years playing in men’s leagues developing lifelong friendships. Living on the sixth hole, Midwest weather never prohibited Michael from hopping on the course for solo rounds.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Janet Purvey; his devoted children Dan (Laura) Shanahan, Danielle (Tadd) Spiewak and Gretchen (Jon) Corteen. He is further survived by his cherished stepdaughters Shelley Carroll and Jenny (Rod) Krstich and his adored grandchildren; Zack and Sam Spiewak, Luke and Grace Corteen, Haley Hoffman, Keegan Carroll, Christopher (Brandi) Lesik, Garrett Fischer, Kyle, Caitlyn and Cameron Spears and his brother Alan Purvey. Michael was preceded in death by his parents, his brother John Compton Purvey II, sisters Patti Church, Lynn Bruce and Peggy Lozynski and his stepdaughter, Carolyn Spears.

Michael’s legacy will be his flashy smile, sense of humor, how big he loved, and his complete acceptance and care for everyone around him.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Michael’s name may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at www.michaeljfox.org/donate .