Obituary: Michael D. Hutchings

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Michael D. Hutchings, age 74, of Morris, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Morris Hospital after a courageous battle with anaplastic thyroid cancer. He was born on August 19, 1952, and was a lifelong Morris resident.

Mike opened Mike’s Paint and Paper on February 5, 1979, building a business that he proudly owned and operated until his retirement in October 2017. He was known for his ability to match paint and stain colors before the technology was readily available. When Mary Motter joined the shop with her addition of creating beautiful frames, the store was renamed, Mike's Paint, Paper, and Framing. Mike also enjoyed the company of his “fur” ever friend, Ozzy, at the store. He was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Morris, where he shared his faith by teaching Sunday school, singing in the church choir, and acting in the Christmas Skits.

Throughout his life, Mike enjoyed many interests and hobbies that brought him great joy. He especially loved coaching youth baseball and sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the game with young players. An avid reader and collector Mike amassed hundreds of books and board games, with reading interests that spanned everything from literary classics to Western novels. Mike was also an enthusiastic admirer of Frank Sinatra and Andy Griffith, whose music and entertainment he greatly enjoyed. Some of his happiest times were spent at his second home in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where he enjoyed the relaxation and beauty of the coast. When not in Gulf Shores, Mike found his greatest joy watching his grandkids play sports and supported them with cane thumps and car horn toots to root them on.

He also treasured the friendships he shared and looked forward to weekly gatherings with his friends, affectionately known as “Beer 30.” In later years, Mike was able to gather with his friends on the back porch for “Hillside Chapel” to deepen their faith. Above all, Mike found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—good books, good friends, cherished hobbies, faith, bringing smiles and humor to others, and the many memories made along the way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol (Christenson) Hutchings; his children, Kevin (Kristal) Hutchings of Yorkville and Christen (Kurt) Pfeifer of Mazon; grandchildren, Lilly, Maggie, and Wyatt; siblings, Pam (Tom) Martz of Virginia, Greg (Sue) Hutchings of Florida, and Steve Hutchings of Elk Grove Village, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Preceded by his parents, Roy Hutchings, Jr and Marilyn Erickson-Hutchings; father and mother in-law, Robert and Dorothy Christenson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University of Chicago Medicine, Mazon Centennial Park, or Morris Hospital.

A Memorial Visitation for Michael D. Hutchings will be held on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. Additional Visitation will be Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held privately at Mazon-Brookside Cemetery at a later date.

For information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.

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