Michael Ivis Cardwell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Ivis Cardwell, Mikey, who left us far too soon on November 20, 2024. Although his life was short, it was full of love, friendship and kindness.

 Mikey was an incredibly loving and caring young man who made everything and everyone around him better. He had a great sense of humor, loved learning, and excelled in academics of all kinds, but was particularly good in math and chemistry. He was a senior at University High School, where he was captain of the school’s academic team.

 Mikey planned to attend the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology next year to study chemical engineering. He had planned to participate in RHIT’s Rose Squared program, where he would receive a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering and a Master's in Engineering Management in four years.

 He was a wonderful athlete who became a leader on the UHS cross-country and track teams. Without being the fastest or the strongest, he continually pushed himself and improved and encouraged everyone around him. Mikey would have joined the Rose-Hulman cross-country team and relished taking on the challenge of becoming a college athlete, running longer distances, and piling up personal bests to prepare. As with everything he set his mind to, he was determined and excellent. 

Mikey was a talented musician. He started playing the piano at age 4. In 5th grade, he started learning to play the alto saxophone and continued until his passing. He had just gotten a brand new sax for his 18th birthday. He took band all through high school and was part of his high school’s revival of pep band after COVID. He participated in his school’s jazz band, enjoying playing with his friends and improvising. He was as flexible as he was gifted and also played the trombone and clarinet. At concerts, he would take his seat with both a baritone and alto sax so he could play both when needed. For a school musical, he managed to play both the clarinet and the saxophone for the same song. Mikey loved creating music and often impressed his family by sitting at the piano, improvising songs, or using software to create music for an entire band.

 Mikey is survived by his loving parents, Marianne & Michael, his amazing brother Danny, his nephew Finley, and his grandparents, Mike & Fay Cardwell and Gilbert Van Kerckhove. He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Danielle Brossé. He had a special touch with his tiny nephew Finley, and both of their faces inevitably lit up with delight when they saw each other. He will be forever loved and forever missed by those of us who are better for having known him.

 Mikey was proud of his many accomplishments, but he also truly loved helping others reach their goals. As a tutor, a teammate, a classmate, and a friend, he was generous with his time, his attention, and his love. Whether he knew someone his whole life or had just met them, Mikey used his brilliant mind, optimistic nature, and boundless determination to offer help and encouragement. He was kind and sincere and gave the best hugs. 

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral Home, 11411 N. Michigan Road, on Wednesday, November 27, from 1 to 3 pm. To view this memorial via live-stream, click HERE. A memorial for all will be held at University High School on Saturday, November 30, from 1 to 3 pm. Flowers may be delivered to the funeral home. 

It is our plan to establish a scholarship and make other contributions to University High School in honor of Mikey, and donations on his behalf are welcomed.