Michael Mikhaeil

Michael Nader Mikhaeil Abdalla Rizkalla Abd-ElMalak Elkumos (25) passed away at his home on February 21, 2021 as a result of COVID-related complications.

He was the husband of Katherine Combs. They shared 8 joyful months of marriage together learning about each other, blending families, and experiencing all Chicago has to offer.

Born in the country of Oman, he was the son of Nader Mikhaeil and Suzy Marzouk of Egypt who immigrated to America in 2004. He is the younger brother to his loving sister Monica Mikhaeil.

He attended the Youth with a Mission Discipleship Training School and received his bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Missouri, Kansas City.

Michael was an insurance agent with Country Financial and a barista at many coffee shops in the Kansas City and Chicagoland areas.

He belonged to Renewal Church in West Chicago and Missio Dei Chicago.

Each of his hobbies embodied his fierce support for and encouragement of others:

He enjoyed watching anime because of the connections and conversations it fostered.

Powerlifting allowed him to be a part of an uplifting and encouraging community of athletes that pushed each other to become their best.

Michael had a passion for coffee, with a goal to share the perfect cup with everyone he met.

A lifelong supporter of human rights and equality for all, he was a passionate supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and was dedicated to calling out racism wherever he saw it.

He had an enormous heart for mentorship and discipleship, and he loved and supported his biological and chosen families unconditionally.

He will be remembered for his limitless passion, his unending loyalty, his ability to make friends with everyone he met, and above all, his love for God and others.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Combs; their pet cats, Beans and Sushi; his parents, Nader Mikhaeil and Suzy Marzouk; his sister, Monica Mikhaeil; and countless other friends and family members.

There will be a 1:30-3:30 p.m. viewing on Sunday, February 28 at the Benson Family funeral home (3224 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618). A private memorial service will follow at 5:00 p.m. and will be made available online at miss.io/mikhaeil. In true Michael fashion, dress code is extremely casual, and profanity is encouraged.

COVID INSTRUCTIONS: The viewing and funeral each will not accommodate more than fifty individuals. The family asks that those with symptoms or who have tested positive for COVID within the last 14 days NOT ATTEND in person.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent via GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/acfdea6d

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Mikhaeil, please visit our floral store.