Michael W. Hobbs

In Loving Memory of Michael Hobbs March 3, 1974 – March 19, 2026 

On March 19, 2026, after struggling through years of physical and emotional pain and suffering, Michael passed away in his sleep and found eternal peace

Mike was born at 10:54 am March 3, 1974, at the University of Illinois Research Hospital in Chicago, IL, weighing 5 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 19 inches long, to Richard and Donna (Vaughn) Hobbs.

Mike was very mischievous when he was young, and he enjoyed teasing and sometimes tormenting the siblings he loved dearly. To his nieces, he was a "big teddy bear" when they were young. He loved joking around and pulling pranks.

Mike had a kind heart and never hesitated to help someone in need. He enjoyed playing pool and tried hard to catch up to his Uncle Doug in the game. He loved arm wrestling and even made the newspaper during a park tournament, where his Uncle Doug made some money betting on his wins. Even as a teen, he was wrestling grown men and winning.

Mike was strong from a young age; at barely three years old, he was already toting a gallon of milk in each hand into the house. His Aunt Debbie once recalled a time he moved huge cement slabs in her yard just to lay pipe.

The proudest time in Mike’s life was becoming a father to his son, Cory. He loved him so much and loved showing him off. However, when his brother Rob died, Mike sank into a deep depression. Sadly, his marriage ended, and Mike faced many losses and tragedies. When the depression took over, he became withdrawn and turned to alcohol to try to forget. Those times gradually started to outweigh the good, and Michael began isolating himself and pulling away from loved ones.

During his "up" times, Mike loved spending time with Josette on the reservation, helping the elders and making jewelry with leather and beads that were quite beautiful. These were peaceful times for him.

Those Left to Grieve: His mother, Donna Moore; his son, Cory (Ashley) and grandsons, Jordyn and Julian Hobbs; sisters, Tina Christesen, Amber (Lisa) Montero, and Mary White; brothers, Richie and Nicholas Hobbs; his soulmate and special love of many years, Josette Martin; aunts, Debbie Ebert and Renie Carr; uncles, Doug, Bill (Lynn), Frank, and Dale Vaughn. He also leaves behind nieces, Sarah, Amy, Samantha, Taylor, and Tona; nephews, Aubrey, Ben, Joshua, and Jordan; grand-nieces, Alina, Gabby, McKenna, Addie, and Zoey; grand-nephews, Ash and Jasper; and cousins, Desi, Billy, Amber, Nicole, Terry, April, Bobby, Ben, Melissa, Tabitha, Brigit, Frank, Christina, Tanya, Kimberly, Jamie, Katie, Connie, Carrie, and many more extended family members.

Preceded in Death By: Besides his father, Michael was preceded in death by his siblings, Kelli Samuelson, Robert Chamberlain, Cory and Tona Hobbs; stepfather, Martin Moore; grandparents, Gloria and Ed Przyborski, Arvel Vaughn, Julia Bulanda, and J.D. Hobbs; aunts, Darlene Fay and Barb Ellis; uncle, Teddy Hobbs; and cousin, Philip Vaughn.

Through the years, Mike suffered two traumatic brain injuries, had broken almost every bone in his body and had recently been diagnosed with dementia.

He longed for a life without the pain of broken bones, self-imposed loneliness, and a broken heart.

The night before his passing, Michael was sober, bragging to staff and residents how proud he was of the fact that he had been living in the same place for 15mos and not in jail. That night when he went to bed, he passed peacefully in his sleep, sober and proud. He is finally at rest.

The ones left behind will miss him so much and are very proud of him too!