Michael C. Jungles, 43, of Wauconda, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on January 6, 2026, in Trevor, Wisconsin.
Michael was a man with a huge heart and an even bigger personality. He was extremely friendly and had an excellent sense of humor. He was deeply caring toward his family and his many friends. Michael had a natural way of connecting with people and making them feel welcome, often leaving people smiling or laughing after even the briefest encounter. He lived by the mantra that if he could just make someone smile, he had done his job.
One of Michael’s greatest joys was playing the guitar. He loved nothing more than an impromptu guitar jam with the musicians he so admired, losing himself in the music and the shared experience.
Michael was deeply committed to giving back to others. He was passionate about philanthropic work and supported many organizations and charities, from buying Christmas gifts for the children of Mooseheart to donating generously to countless fundraisers. His greatest efforts, however, were devoted to helping find a cure for childhood cancer—a cause especially close to his heart. Through Team Emma & Elliott, Michael raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. He believed strongly in helping others and in making a positive difference whenever he could.
An active and devoted member of the Wauconda and Southeast Wisconsin communities, Michael was proudly involved with the Wauconda Moose Lodge and the Wauconda Masonic Order. Through these organizations, he built lasting friendships and demonstrated his dedication to service, fellowship, and community support. In 2023, he was honored with a Key to the Village of Wauconda in recognition of his dedication to the community, including his work on the Veterans Path to Honor Memorial and the September 11th Memorial. He was further honored when March 19th was officially proclaimed Mike Jungles Jr. Day in the Village of Wauconda. Michael dreamed of changing the world for the better—and he did. He often said his work was bigger than individual acts, hoping instead to inspire others to step forward with kindness and spread love. His legacy of generosity and service will live on forever, and we will never truly know the number of lives he touched.
Michael was preceded in death by the man he loved and admired most, his father, Michael E. Jungles of Camp Lake; his maternal grandparents, Hank and Helen Jongebloed of Elmhurst; his paternal grandparents, Ed and Collett Jungles of Spring, Texas and his Uncle Bill Jongebloed.
He leaves behind his beloved fiancée, Karolyn Wotring, and her sons Colin (Amanda) and Trevor; his mother Lisa Bodett and stepfather Bob Bodett; his sisters, Melissa Jungles
Pazely (Dave), Emily Bodett Salzwedel (Nick), Megan Bodett, and Sonnie Krizek; his niece and nephew Sophia and Michael Pazely; his uncles Steve and John Jongebloed; his cousins, Clare, Dan, JJ, Kimberly and Kaitlin, along with countless friends who loved him dearly. His love for family extended far beyond blood, and he held a special place in his heart for the children who lovingly called him Papa; Adaline and Camden Wotring; Atlas, Everest, Ayden, Lily, and Envy Scudder.
Michael will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched, the music he shared, and the kindness he gave so freely.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 16th at Kisselburg-Wauconda Funeral Home, 235 North Main Street, Wauconda. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 911, 515 South Main Street, Wauconda, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to the charity near and dear to Michael’s heart, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
