Michael Allen Ornelas

Michael Allen Ornelas, 72, of Calumet City Illinois, passed away following complications of a major surgery on Monday August 3, 2026. He was born in Gary, Indiana at St. Mary Mercy Hospital on September 1, 1953, to David and Evelyn (Knabenhans) Ornelas. Just like his Grandfather Ernest Knabenhans and mother, Michael was a lifetime resident of Calumet City. He attended Thornton Fractional High School and was a member of St. Victor’s church. He was employed with an electrical company until through an association of friends, he was introduced to Thornton Township Services of South Holland Illinois. He held employment in the Division of Senior Services that held a wide range of services and events in the community. After 25 years of service, Mike retired in 2024. Mike’s health challenges led him to being a recipient of a liver and kidney transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Respecting these special gifts of life, he diligently adhered to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. Mike loved preparing gourmet meals and photographed his food like a magazine spread to share with family and friends. He developed his cooking skills on his own, inspired by visits to his favorite restaurants throughout the Chicagoland area. One of Mike’s pastimes was fishing, especially at Lake Michigan city pier in Michigan City. While vacationing one year in Fort Myers Beach Florida, he participated in fishing boat trip and proudly posed for his sizeable catch of the day. He enjoyed working out and swimming at the local gym. On occasion, he took in a round of golf. One of Mike’s favorite parts of the day was riding his bike early in the morning around the park and reading John Grisham novels. Michael was preceded in death, by his father David Ornelas and mother Evelyn Ornelas- Hronec. His survivors include his centenarian aunt -Isabel Ramirez of Merrillville IN, uncle -Tom (Linda) Ornelas of Valparaiso IN and aunt- Ann (Jerry) Vale of Valparaiso IN, along with numerous Ornelas cousins, especially Susan (George) Dzyacky of Ft. Myers Florida. In addition, with family members, he will be remembered by his lifelong friends Rita and Greg Skubisz of Michiana Shores IN, and Sharon Hudson friend and co-worker of Thorton Township along with members of his department. Visitation will take place on Thursday August 6, 2026, from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m. at Burns Funeral Home and Crematory, 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN. Ennichement will be held on Friday, August 7,2026 at 11:30 a.m. at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 W 73rd Ave, Merrillville, IN. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made online to Northwestern Medicine’s Comprehensive Transplant Village Center, Chicago Illinois, and Dunes Hospice of Valparaiso IN .Please visit Mikes online obituary and guestbook at www.burnsfuneral.com.

Michael Allen Ornelas

September 1, 1953 - August 3, 2026