Mike Trelford

Michael “Mike” Trelford, 74, passed away on March 24, 2026 in Barrington, Ilinois. He was born on June 27, 1951 in Marquette, Michigan.

Mike met the love of his life, Linda, at Harper College in Palatine, IL. What began with the “biology chick” quickly turned into a lifelong love story. They were married on April 5, 1980. Their son, Jack, arrived in 1991 as a happy surprise and became one of Mike’s greatest blessings.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Jack (Vanessa) Trelford; brothers-in-law Steve Arnold and Joe Hessinger; nephew Joe Hessinger (Katie); and many cherished cousins including Scott Hostetler, Dawn (Jerry) Williams, Greg (Tina) Hakkola, Jodi (Jeff) Carney, Heidi (DJ) Paquette, Bill (Carey) Ranta, and Tammy (Ruben) Taborda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Trelford and Eva Trelford Van Horn; step-parents Alice Trelford and James Van Horn; his brother, Thomas Trelford; his sister, Shelly Hessinger; his nephew, Matthew Hessinger; brother-in-law Richard Arnold; and his Yooper aunts and uncles, Marie (Donald) Hakkola, Nancy (Bob) Ranta, Beatrice (Ernie) Ronn, Eugene (Neola) Juntunen, and Elmer (Aune) Juntunen; along with cousins Paul Juntunen, Marsha Ronn, and Jeffrey Ronn.

Mike worked for Adco Van and Storage in Barrington, Illinois as a driver and mover before taking his “thirty and out” retirement. He enjoyed sports of all kinds, but there was always a special place in his heart for the Chicago Bears, win or lose. Mike never met a cigar he didn’t like and could often be found enjoying a stogie, sipping a beer, and cheering on his Bears.

Some of Mike’s happiest memories were made during childhood summers on his grandmother’s farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It was there that he grew close with siblings and cousins and developed his love for the Finnish sauna, especially the one on Grandma’s farm. Those summers and the time spent with his many Yooper aunts, uncles, and cousins remained special to him throughout his life.

Mike also had a soft spot for the many pets who shared his and Linda’s home over the years, including Corky, Quinny, Mookie, Ellie, Sunny, Jessie, Tippie, Reese, Stella, Stanley, and Libby.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, at the Norge Ski Club clubhouse in Fox River Grove, IL. Guests are encouraged to bring stories to share and, if you’d like, wear your Bears gear in Mike’s honor.