Dr. Michael "Mike" Choe

Dr. Michael "Mike" Choe, 51, of Lake Zurich, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Mike was born to the late Sun Joo and Kum Cha Choe in Seoul, South Korea on May 23, 1971. He fought his battle with pancreatic cancer with great strength and courage, but after valiantly persevering for a year and a half to relish his time with his beloved family, he was called to heaven by our Lord.

Mike graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 1994 with a B.S. Degree in Microbiology. He then received his Doctorate from the National College of Chiropractic in 1997.

On March 6, 2004, Mike married the love of his life, Nina Choe, after a year of courtship. They raised a beautiful family and enjoyed 19 unforgettable years of marriage together. Mike was an incredibly loving husband and their unbreakable bond grew only stronger as they fought his illness together. His love for her was indisputable and demonstrated everyday through his constant presence - an unending light which will never diminish even still.

Adored in his heart of hearts was the beautiful family that he and Nina created and cherished together. His greatest joy and pride was being a father to Jenna and Connor Choe. He brought his beautiful spirit to his own children through his kind and tender ways that accompanied his selfless sacrifice and fierce commitment to his children. By showing his children how to lead a meaningful life through his daily actions of support, guidance and influence, Mike's unfailing love and kindness will live on lifelong in their hearts.

To his friends and patients, Mike had the gift to make everybody laugh and be unapologetically goofy past all judgment. His trademark "dad jokes," always delivered with a perfect zing, were a source of pride for Mike. His quiet patience and loving-kindness were a living proof that true strength is never brute thunder and might. Mike always poured everything into his family and others first; and his perennial sacrifice and warmth made an indelible mark on everyone with whom he came in touch. No vain thing on earth could compare with Mike's saintly courage and strength.

Mike is survived by his wife, Nina Choe; children, Jenna and Connor Choe; and sister, Melissa (Jeff) Shen, who embrace him close within their minds and spirit as they send him to rest in heaven.

A memorial service for Dr. Mike will be held Monday, April 3rd at 6pm at Immanuel Community Church 300 N Schoenbeck Road Wheeling, IL 60090.