Michael William Chamberlain of Belvidere, IL, passed away peacefully with loved ones by his side, Sunday, November 10th after a courageous battle with AML leukemia. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Michael's life was a testament to his dedication, service and unwavering love for family and community.

His first love and greatest source of pride was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife Darcie, whether dinners out, watching the Draft Horse Show at the fair, getaways to Wisconsin or simple walks in the park with their dog. He loved adventures with his children and grandchildren. Favorite memories include the annual trip to Williams Tree Farm to pick out Christmas trees, the "Shrek" swamp debacle, Starved Rock, visiting Notre Dame, trips to Chicago to see the holiday lights, swimming in the pool every summer, helping him campaign and participating in the Heritage Days parade. He also loved horses, spending time in nature and was a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

Michael was the former Mayor of Belvidere and an active community member. He began his civic service as an alderman. He was elected mayor in 2013 and served 2 terms. Mayor Mike was instrumental in many community development projects including bringing the Rock Valley Advanced Technology Center to Belvidere, General Mills Park, Downtown Belvidere Streetscape and the Chicago-Rockford Airport expansion. He served on many community boards and organizations including Flora Grange, Sister Cities, Boone County Museum, Habitat for Humanity, IOU Club, Growth Dimensions, and the Illinois Municipal League where he was voted Vice President. He was inaugural chair of the R1 Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Mike also worked hard to expand Belvidere's Heritage Days celebration, a community event loved by many. He always saw the potential of Belvidere and all of its people.

Michael loved to cook and often shared his love of cooking with family and friends. He loved to participate in the Belvidere Chamber Chili Cook-Off and was always up for a chance to dress in theme. Christmas meant baking cookies with the grandchildren for family, friends and co-workers. He shared his cookies with many and those lucky enough to receive them knew they were baked with love.

Michael is loved and will be dearly missed by the "love of his life" Darcie; daughters Natalie (Paul) Engelman, Stacie Moore; grandchildren David (Ashley) Howe, Emily (Kyle) Wallin, Jacob (Calli) Howe, Madison Moore, Jack Moore; great grandchildren Harlow, Sawyer, Henry, a great granddaughter on the way and his most recent blessing and loyal canine companion, Charlie. He is also survived by his brother Scott Chamberlain, his nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his parents Bruce and Nan (Clark) Chamberlain, his grandmother, Nila Chamberlain and his dogs, Sugar Bear, Rain, and Chance.

The family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, medical and support staff on the 7th floor at Swedish American Hospital and the Swedish American Regional Cancer Center. We will be forever grateful for their tireless effort, care, and compassion.

Michael will be remembered for his hard work, his steadfast integrity, and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, the community he served and the countless lives he touched.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others " -Mahatma Gandhi"

A memorial  to honor Michael's life will be held on Thursday, November 21, at Anderson Funeral Home, 218 W. Hurlbut, Belvidere, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 pm. A celebration of life, with an opportunity to share, will follow from 6:00-7:00 pm.

Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to The Boone County Community Foundation. This organization exists to improve the quality of life in Boone County, something Michael dearly valued.