Cover photo for Michael E. O'Laughlin's Obituary
Michael E. O'Laughlin Profile Photo
1928 Michael 2020

Michael E. O'Laughlin

March 26, 1928 — November 13, 2020

Davenport Lake Zurich

Michael Edward O’Laughlin came from a small town in Pennsylvania, nurtured by the love of his Irish-American brothers and sisters, and fresh from serving in the US Navy’s submarine service during the Korean War.  He would recount the story of when President Truman boarded his submarine to address the entire ship, and took President Truman‘s command “do the right thing“ as a personal charge.  From his simple/humble beginnings, Michael developed a love of the American flag and of country that would endure his entire life.

After the Navy, Michael found his fortune and future in Chicago, Illinois. There he met, pursued and married “the best thing in his life“- his wife Caroline.  He also brought his gift of salesmanship to various radio stations in Chicago and excelled at selling advertising.

Always an optimist and feeling there was an opportunity around the next corner, Michael pursued other ventures including producing 13 television shows about native American Indian tribes and their leaders combining his love of storytelling and the rich culture of these early Americans. Truly ahead of his time (1972), television executives were not interested in airing these programs, and Michael reluctantly sold the rights to the shows.

Michael, his wife and children made their home in Schaumburg, Illinois from 1958 until 2012.  Michael is survived by his wife, Caroline; son Michael G. O’Laughlin (Nancy); daughter Kathleen Newhouse (Russ), five grandsons Brian (Lauren), Jeffrey (Katherine), Matthew, Vincent, Joshua and four great-grandsons Aiden, Finnian, Theodore, and Benjamin.

Over the past several years, Michael was provided excellent care by DuPage County Care Center. The family wishes to thank Cher Williams and the entire staff of 2 East for their exceptional care.

Gathering for a mass of Christian burial will occur at 9:30 AM at St. Anne’s Church, 120 Ela St, Barrington, IL 60010 with mass starting at 10 AM Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Michael will be interred at Saint Michael the Archangel Cemetery in Palatine, Illinois.

Michael always favored the underdog and the less fortunate, so in lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to the DuPage Care Center in Wheaton, Illinois https://dpccfoundation.org/ .  Rest in peace.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael E. O'Laughlin, please visit our flower store.

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