Michael Hobart

Michael F. Hobart, 61, passed away from colon cancer on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at his home surrounded by those he loved.
Mike "Hoby" Hobart grew up in Rockwell City, Iowa and that farm boy stayed embedded in him for his entire life. He loved to remind us that "Farmers feed America!" He attended Iowa State University and earned his PhD in Mathematics, formed lifelong friendships, and met and married his soulmate, Laura. Together Hoby and Laura created a home of love wherever life took them. He worked as a chemical engineer, a college professor and data scientist but his joy came from being a friend, husband, and father. Hoby loved being a father to Fox and Bets and was happy to give his time in service to be a part of their lives from helping with fun fairs, driving the band equipment truck, or listening to their life goals. He made a point of meeting people where they were at whether it was mentoring them or just listening to their stories. He didn't give unsolicited advice or push his opinions on people, but just let each person be who they were. His sense of humor and puns made just about everyone groan and were delivered with his dry sense of humor; not everyone even realized he was telling a joke. Having heard his jokes many times, Laura would just smile and tell him he was not funny. Hoby would just laugh and tell her she was wrong. Their love and friendship was the foundation of their lives. Hoby didn't let a lot of people into his circle but those that he did, he loved fiercely. His love and presence is greatly missed but his love will live on in us forever.

He is preceded in death by his father, Pat Hobart and his parents-in-law, Harry and Mariellen Kuehn. He is survived by his wife, Laura and children, Bets and Fox (Miriam) along with a new granddaughter, Lydia. He is also survived by his mother, Maureen Hobart and sister, Catherine (Luis) Maestre.

Please join us in his Celebration of Life on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church; 285 East Washington Street in Grayslake, Illinois. Visitation 11:00 am with the service beginning at 12:00 pm; followed by a light lunch.