Michael J. ORourke

Michael J. ORourke, 68, of Bloomington, passed away at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at the McLean County Nursing Home, Normal. A memorial visitation honoring his life will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He was born October 2, 1948 in Bloomington, a son of John Dewey and Elizabeth Dickerson ORourke. He married Suzanne Broderick. He later married Mary Ellen Brent Gilmore on March 22, 1991. Surviving are his wife, Mary Ellen ORourke of Bloomington; five children, Michael (Laura) ORourke of Puyallup, Washington, Beth (Dan Lindoerfer) ORourke of Palm Harbor, Florida, Greg (Pat) Gilmore, Jeff (Danielle) Gilmore and Don (Lori) Gilmore, all of Bloomington; twelve grandchildren, Connor, Collin, Jacob, Jack, Ella, Maddie, Mia, Matthew, Lauren, Parker, Harry and Steven; two brothers, Thomas J. (Susan) ORourke of Bloomington and Patrick (Judy) ORourke of Normal; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, John Patrick ORourke. Michael was a U.S. Veteran, a graduate of Trinity High School, Illinois State University and earned his Juris Doctor at Drake University. He was a talented trial attorney, specializing in criminal defense and practiced law in Bloomington-Normal from 1978 until his retirement. Michael had a profound love for his family and friends. He had a huge Irish heart, full of great emotion and feeling which expressed itself in his loyalty, charm and graciousness. He will be remembered as a friend to all.The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the McLean County Nursing Home for the love and care shown to Michael.