Michelle R. Bicknase, age 41, of Cary, IL, passed away unexpectedly on June 4, 2025. Michelle was born December 16, 1983 in Elk Grove Village, IL to her loving parents, Andrew and Julie (née Plunkett) Bicknase.

Michelle attended SEDOM and Dundee Middle School, and graduated from Jacobs High School, Class of 2005. She got to celebrate graduation with a trip to Walt Disney World, which included having breakfast with the Disney Princesses. After her graduation, she attended Pioneer Center’s Adult Day Program for 22 years.

Michelle enjoyed watching Chicago’s ABC7 News. Her favorites were Tracy Butler, Greg Dutra, Larry Mowry, and Roz Varon. She also enjoyed game shows and rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. She was so happy when she had the opportunity to attend a live taping of Wheel of Fortune!

Michelle’s favorite pastime was watching her collection of DVD movies; her most favorite was Homeward Bound. She always had beads in her hands and her assortment of “little guys” next to her. She also enjoyed riding her horse, Taco. She was so excited the first time she rode him.

Michelle had a smile that lit up the room and a laugh that was contagious. She was always excited to see her family and friends, and enjoyed attending Christmas pizza parties at Mount St. Joseph Home with friends and the nuns.

Michelle made an impact on her family, her friends, especially Stephanie, Kathy, and Tim, and all those who knew her. She was honored to have a handicapped-accessible pontoon boat at the Wauconda Park District dedicated in her name. She will be greatly missed!

Michelle is survived by her parents, Andrew and Julie Bicknase; grandmother, Joan (née Smith) Bicknase; aunts and uncles, Jan Nirva, Art & Jeri Plunkett, James & Carol Sferas; Linda Bicknase, Greg & Laura Malizzio, John “Bird” Bicknase, and Patty Bero; and cousins, Sandra Nirva, Ryan (Karla Tapia-Nirva) Nirva, Samatha (Kris) Pappert, Austin (Bridget Monsen-Nirva) Nirva, Richie (Katie) Plunkett, Lily (Kyle) Andrews, Emma Sferas, Sarah Sferas, Lamarie Sferas, Quentin Bicknase, Lauren Gritmacker, and Gina Gritmacker.

Michelle is preceded in death by her grandparents, Arthur & Rita (née Norwick) Plunkett, and Neville Bicknase Jr; and her uncle, Michael Nirva.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with funeral service at 8:00pm, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home, 403 Silver Lake Road, Cary, IL 60013. Fr. Robert Camacho will be officiating.

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michelle’s name to Walk On (Equine Assisted Activities).

Final arrangements entrusted to Kahle-Moore Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-639-3817.