Michael K. Ouwenga, MD
Michael K. Ouwenga, MD age 43, of Fowler, died on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 6:40 p.m. at his home.
He was born in Kankakee, IL on August 6, 1975, to Warren L. and Sharon (Hamann) Ouwenga. He married April Emerick on September 23, 2000, and she survives.
Dr. Ouwenga was a Doctor of Urology at Quincy Medical Group. He was a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University and Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.
He was a member of The Crossing Church.
He was awarded the title of Best Surgeon in 2018 by the Quincy Herald Whigs Reader’s Choice.
Michael was an amazing husband and father, a wonderful son, brother and uncle as well as a talented, caring surgeon.
Michael was genuine, generous and fun-loving.
In addition to his parents, Warren and Sharon Ouwenga of Bourbonnais, IL and his wife April Ouwenga, survivors also include his four daughters, Gabriella, Lily, Violet and Lucy Ouwenga all of Fowler; His Grandfather: Clarence Ouwenga of Bourbonnais,IL,
a brother, Ron Ouwenga and his wife Julie of Bourbonnais, IL; and two sisters, Shelly Sparrow and her husband Ryan of Haddonfield, N.J. and Kim Vilendrer and her husband Mike of Tinley Park, IL. Many nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.
Funeral services will be at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the Crossing Church , 48th & Maine Streets Quincy, IL. Pastor Jerry Harris to conduct the services.
Visitation will be prior to the service Tuesday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Crossing Church
in Quincy.
Memorials are suggested to The Crossing Building Fund in Memory of Dr. Michael Ouwenga.
Interment will be in All Saints Cemetery in Bourbonnais following services that will be held in Bourbonnais, IL.
Funeral arrangements with the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, Quincy.
www.dukerandhaugh.com
It is Easter. I just saw this Obit on a Facebook site of nurses at MGH. I am so saddened to learn of Dr.O’s passing and send my prayers and sympathy. I was a pt. of his but also a nurse who worked in Endo at the time. We lost a gem. Having lost a dad on Good Friday yrs. ago, I am reminded that there is a new life promised to those who believe, and that we will see our loved ones again when we too enter another life. My prayers are with your entire family
We will miss Dr. Ouwenga. When my husband was in the hospital for 15 days Dr. O. never missed a day visiting him. Sometimes it was late at night but he was there. He was truly a caring man!
Warren and Sharon, my heart aches for your loss. I cannot even imagine the pain in your hearts. God bless you and your family. Stay strong and keep the faith. Sending you hugs and prayers. Joe and Norma Alcala’. San Antonio, Texas
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Ouwenga. My deepest sympathy to all his family. I was a patient of Dr. Ouwega for several years before moving from the area. He was caring, professional, yet down to earth and wanted to help. My prayers for all the family during this difficult time and pray that the only One, Jesus will give you comfort and peace.
My deepest sympathies to Warren, Sharon and the whole family. I pray you’ll experience God’s perfect peace with each day.
Dr. Ouwenga certainly will be missed. It was a privilege to have him for my doctor. As has been mentioned many times by others, he was very friendly, genuine and interested in your specific needs. I never felt rushed. I was able to always have my questions or concerns addressed by him as a friend. We talked about faith and Jesus Christ. I am thankful that he believed in the Lord. I cannot imagine the loss now felt by the family. I trust that Mrs. Ouwenga and family have comfort in knowing how loved this Doctor was in our community. May God’s grace lead and guide you in the days ahead. Rest in peace, Dr. Ouwenga!
I’ve performed anesthesia for 32 years. Dr Ouwenga was not only one of the finest surgeons I’ve met, he was a true gentleman with outstanding character. A HUGE loss to the medical community and humanity. Rest In Peace Mike
I am so sorry to hear of this terrible loss. My heart hurts for all of you. I pray God will help to ease your pain.
It’s difficult for me to think of a memory from that 5 year period encompassing med school and internship that didn’t involve Mike, and each memory that flashes into my mind makes me smile in between my tears. He was probably the best friend I ever had. Mike and I were almost inseparable during that time. He was the smartest guy I knew and honestly, I wouldn’t have made it through several classes without his help. We studied every day and every night together, bouncing from one library in Chicago to another. Having Mike there with me made a stressful experience into the best time of my life. We would get home and stay up way too late playing video games and Mike would always destroy me, especially when it came to James Bond. I think I probably had a faulty controller. He taught me how to work on cars because we couldn’t afford a mechanic. I’ll never forget the red plastic key we mounted onto the grill of my ’84 diplomat that disconnected the battery. That ingenious idea was Mike’s and it kept me from getting stranded around town. We spent several weekends at the lake getting into trouble. I’ll never forget the time I dropped the keys in the frigid March waters and we couldn’t move the boat or the car without them. We were totally stuck with the car and the boat both in the water. We spent like 2 hours swimming in the freezing water with a glass bowl pressed up to our faces to see below the surface, and we finally snagged the keys from under a rock. I’m surprised I could have kids after that. I’m reminded of our house full of guys who were too lazy to take out the trash during the winter until we learned the hard way that the trash bags aren’t water tight and it’s a lot more work mopping the floor than taking out the trash. I’ll forever remember the last minute trip to Europe over Christmas break because Mike found a sale on airline tickets on Orbitz. We didn’t get far and crash landed the 747 at JFK because the engines failed. Then we spent the night on the airport floor and half our trip with no luggage because the airline sent it to the wrong country. There was a $700 cab ride from Brussels to Paris, compliments of the airline. Ultimately we flew back first class because Mr Ouwenga made some phone calls to complain and the airline felt bad. The endless basketball games and paintball matches. The Halloween parties and softball tournaments. We had so much fun on that trip. As I write this I’m crying my eyes out, and my heart aches, thinking back to all the amazing times I had with Mike. Wishing there was more time. Wishing I had made more of an effort as we grew older and geography separated us. I’m sorry for that. I was naive for thinking that there would always be another date to get together. Thank you, Mike, for being such a great friend, for helping me to grow as a person, and for bringing such joy to my life. I will always love you like a brother and I will miss you. To April and all the Ouwenga’s, thank you for raising such an amazing young man and thank you for sharing him with me. Words cannot express the depth of my sorrow.
As a young doctor in training he worked alongside me. I trusted him with my patients because even at an early stage of his training he had the essential qualities of a special doctor…compassion, humility and loyalty to his patients. I saw his name on a patients medical record recently and found myself thinking how strange that good people can touch your life for a brief moment and still be remembered with fondness so many years later. My heart felt sympathies for a family that will certainly miss this kind and gentle man.
My deepest condolences. I am so sorry to learn of Mike’s passing. Even though I haven’t seen Mike in years, we grew up together at church and I remember his smile and laugh. Just know that you and your family are in our prayers.
My deepest sympathies to all his family, coworkers, and patients. I was a patient of Dr. Ouwenga’s and he saved my life in surgery just 4 years ago on January 21st, 2015. I always said God got me to him for a reason and just in time. I grieve his death like it was my own family. My story was unique and he was just the guy to handle it! No one will hurt as bad as his family, but I know the hearts of many feel the pain of his loss.
Michael was a sincere, wonderful man. He always had a gentle and calming presence. He will be missed at QMG as a colleague and a friend.
We were so shocked and saddened over the news of his passing. Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. As a colleague of his, I can tell you that he will be greatly missed!!
Great physician. Great man. I’m so sorry. Thank you for saving my sister’s life. Praying for you all.
Prayers go out to his family. I just saw him in Decemcer cor for surgery.
I was also a patient of Dr Ouwenga. He was so kind and thoughtful. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Im going to miss our talks doc. I’m here because of you. I’ll never forget. A great doctor and very cool guy. Fly on doc.
We are so saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. We remember him fondly from our first year of teaching at Manteno High School years ago. He was always kind, respectful, and compassionate – we are not surprised he has been so successful in his career. We are deeply sorry for your loss and we are sending our love and prayers to the entire Ouwenga family.
I am so saddened by this unexpected loss! I used to work in surgery with Dr Ouwenga, and all of the staff thought very highly of him. His patients that we cared for also thought he was wonderful and caring. Praying that your family, friends, and faith will help you through this difficult time
Sharon and Warren and your entire family, I am so very sorry for your loss of Michael. I know your pain is great. Prayers for strength and comfort for your entire family.
Mr. Ouwenga was a great urologist and all the patients loved him! I am so sorry for your lost, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
My favorite doctor ever. You had a special gift doc. I’ll miss our talks and your expertise and wit. You will be missed my friend.
We are shocked and saddened beyond words. We double-dated with Mike’s parents when we were in high school, and his father Warren was best man at our wedding. Our deepest sympathy to Mike’s family.
So sorry to hear about Michael. Rhonda and I send our sympathies to Warren, Sharon and the rest of the family.
Mike and I went to school together from grade school through high school. He was a good friend and wonderful person. Definitely taken to soon. He will be missed.
April and family, I don’t even know where to begin. I was so very blessing to work with Dr. Ouwenga the last 8 years as his nurse. He was always so kind and compassionate he taught me so many things. He was the most genuine person I have ever met. He Was always so proud to talk about his family. I just want you to know I saw everyday how many lives he touched. He will never be forgotten . Rest In Peace Dr. O
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to his family. Such a nice man and a great doctor.
I was a patient of Dr. Ouwenga’s for 5 yrs and he never gave up trying to find the right medication to help me. He always shook my hand and smiled. My deepest sympathies to his family.