Mike Ahern

Michael 'Mike' Francis Ahern, born on September 29, 1961, in Evergreen Park, Illinois, was a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew him. Mike underwent a bilateral lung transplant on July 1, 2026, and passed to his eternal resting place on August 21, 2026, with his wife and daughters at his bedside. His dedication to family, love for nature, and unwavering commitment to his work in the finance sector were his main sources of passion and energy throughout his life.

Mike was an intelligent man with lifelong love of learning. He was a loyal Illini fan graduating in 1983 with Business Degree in Accountancy and went on to complete his MBA in 1990 at the University of Chicago. Mike first worked as a CPA in public accounting, then as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for start-ups and private companies in Silicon Valley and Chicago. Most recently, he worked as Controller for Sabey Corporation in Washington state.

Mike was an avid hiker, biker, and golfer when his health allowed it and was often found enjoying the beauty of nature during his free time. He demonstrated his love and care for his family through his 40-year marriage to Cathy and by being a dedicated father to his two daughters, Erin and Colleen. As a family man, he built everlasting memories through family trips (from local national parks to far-flung locales in Asia and Europe), experiences (like golfing, fine dining, or even dune-buggying), and spending quality time together sharing a meal, going for a walk, or watching a TV show.

After relocating from San Jose, California to Chicago, Illinois, Mike spent his last five years in the serene beauty of Gig Harbor, Washington, a place he loved and called home. He loved the fresh air and glimpses of Mount Rainier, and he could always point out a bald eagle overhead.

Mike's life was guided by his Roman Catholic faith, something he instilled in his family. He served his loved ones and his community with dedication and kindness. Mike is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Ahern (nee Twohig), his cherished daughters, Colleen (Matthew) Svinte and Erin (Bradon) Jones, and granddaughters Vivian Svinte, Nordika Jones, and Charlotte MacHale-Jones. He is survived by his brothers, Jerry Ahern (Katie), Tom Ahern (Karyn), Kevin Ahern (Vicki), Pat Ahern (Katy), and sister Mary Krunnfusz (Jon) and sisters-in-law Marcia Ahern and Kimberly Dobbins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Mary Ahern, his two brothers, John Ahern and James Ahern. He loved his many nieces and nephews.

Mike's memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew him. The family invites you to share your memories of Mike, and upload photos to his memorial page. In this way, we can all continue to celebrate his life and the remarkable man he was. Mike's story is far from over, as it will live on in each of us and in every life he touched.

Please join us for Mike’s funeral mass on Friday, September 25, at Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N State St, Chicago, Illinois. Visitation begins at 9:30am with the funeral mass at 10:30am. Please contact the family for information on the luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the University of Washington Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit that cared for Mike after his transplant. Checks can be made out to “UW Foundation” with a memo to the “UW Caregiver Recognition Fund/CTICU” and mailed to:

UW Medicine Advancement
BOX 358045
Seattle, WA 98195-8045