Michael L. Reid

Michael Leander Reid, “Mike”, 65, athlete and retired restaurant manager, of Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, died Sunday June 11, 2023. Beloved husband of Jason Messinger, adored son of the late John Thomas Reid, Sr. and Pauline Ellison Reid. Michael is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law John and Robin Reid, along with their children and families: Officer Mario and Jessica Reid (children Ellison and Genevieve), Dr. Korin Jacquelin Michelle Reid and Nicholas Brown (children Korin and soon-to-arrive Mathew), and Dr. Keeanna and Demetrius Warren (children Reid, Levi, and Aria). Brother of the late Dorothy Reid, uncle of Robin Lynn Reid. Mike will be missed by his husband’s extended family: Jason's parents Douglas Messinger and Sandy Solmon, Dr. Mary Forester and John Kuczkowski, and Jason's siblings Heather and Roger Karsten (children Max, Nick, and Juliette), Kara Messinger Jewell and James H. Jewell, Brendan and Brandy L. Jones (children Luc, Bodhi and Hudson), and Zoe Messinger. Michael graduated from Fairview High School in Dayton, Ohio. In college he joined the cheerleading squad at The Ohio State University from 1977-1980, where he built his first 'second family', and cheered at the Rose Bowl, the Gator Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl, and competed at the 1980 National Collegiate Cheerleading Championship, broadcast on CBS. In Columbus for several years after college, Mike managed multiple restaurants while also helping start Columbus’s first gay softball league and helped grow the gay bowling league, where he won numerous awards in both fields, including MVP (1986), and the Jenny Bench Spirit and Sportsmanship Award (1991). Mike later moved to Chicago where as a regular player (known as "Weezy") in the gay softball league, he created yet another family. His teams won numerous championships, including the NAGAAA 2009 World Series in Milwaukee (Chicago Spin Cougars), and the CMSA 2010 and 2014 Chicago Cups. In 2017, Michael was awarded the Metropolitan Sports Association’s James B. Brodie Award for a lifetime of Outstanding Sportsmanship, and then retired from the game for his health. In 2019, Michael was inducted into the Columbus Lesbian and Gay Softball Association Hall of Fame. Mike spent 23 years as manager at Ditka’s restaurant in Chicago, and created another even larger family there. Both the employees and customers loved him and his happy smile, and he continued working there until its closure and his early retirement. Michael and his husband Jason Messinger were partners for 22 years and legally married in June of 2022. Michael Reid died peacefully under medical care after fighting a decade-long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. He was joy personified for so many, and was loved by everyone he met. At his request there will be no funeral service and no tears. Rather, we are to enjoy a summertime Disco Dance Party Celebration of Life - with dancing, drinking, laughter, and joy. This tells you everything you need to know about Mike. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Michael L Reid’s name to your favorite charity, as Mike believed doing good was always good, no matter how. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-370-2959 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com

Michael L. Reid

February 28, 1958 - June 11, 2023