Michael Furlong Obituary

Michael Furlong attended Zion-benton High School in Zion, IL. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Michael Furlong.

Graduation Year	Faculty
Date of Passing	Apr 13, 2021
About	John Michael Furlong, age 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and loyal cat, Pumpkin, on April 13, 2021. “Mike for Short, Michael Furlong” was born in Milwaukee, WI to Major Henry F.W. Furlong and his dear, beloved wife Mary on January 11, 1941. Mike is survived by his loving children, Kristina (Nate) Furlong Zastrow, Allison Furlong, Edward Furlong; grandchildren, Maximus and Augustus Zastrow; siblings Sgt. Henry “Cappy” (Suzanne) Furlong, William “Billy” Furlong; nephews, James Furlong, David Mac Furlong, Lucus Allen Furlong and Richard Dylan Furlong; along with other family and many dear friends. Mike is preceded in death by his parents. Mike grew up in Oconomowoc and was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1959, where he was voted Prom King and lettered in track and cross country. Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Milton College. He proceeded on to teach History and Social Studies and coached Track & Field, Cross Country and Basketball at Zion Benton High School in Illinois and was a longtime Track & Field and Cross Country coach at Mukwonago High School in Wisconsin. Growing up, Mike was an active sportsman who’s love for animals transitioned into yearly trips to the Kentucky Derby. Mike wasn’t just a History teacher but also a war historian, credibly challenging and correcting numerous tour guides and textbooks on minutiae of WWII and Civil War battles. Mike was and remains famous for his boundless generosity, his perpetual, unrelenting humor and how he could make you feel like his best friend after five minutes or one drink. Mike chose to see the good in the people in his life and was as touched by their love and warmth as they were by his. He lived his life by his High School senior year book quote, “You aim to please.” The family would like to thank the staff at AngelsGrace for the compassion they showed Mike, his family, and his friends, who shattered all COVID-era visitation records. A Celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at Cornerstone Sports Pub and Eatery (24 S. Main Street, Oconomowoc, WI 53066) from 1:00-4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, celebrate Mike’s life with a glass of champagne. Donations to your favorite charity in his name are also appreciated.

Classmate Memories

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Doug Kindle '77 said:

Mr. Furlong was a great coach. Greatly enjoyed the time spent on the Cross Country team.

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Mike Spiziri '76 said:

Mr Furlong was my basketball coach in 1972 at ZBTHS and my Govt teacher in 1975/1976. i Really liked coach Furlong a lot. may he RIP.

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