Michael J. Hovanec, 45, of Chicago, passed away unexpectedly on December 10, 2011. Michael was a friend to all – fun-loving and caring, he affected the lives of everyone he met.

Michael was preceded in death by his father, Martin Hovanec and is survived by his beloved mother, Irene Hovanec, East Hartford, CT. Michael was raised in Connecticut and moved to Florida for college, graduating from University of Tampa in 1988. He moved to Chicago in 1999 and settled in River North. He truly enjoyed the city and all it had to offer. He loved to visit exciting and vibrant cities like Miami, New York, and Las Vegas.

A Managing Director at Ausdal Financial Partners, Michael had a very close bond with his clients and prided himself on providing excellent financial advice and counsel.

Michael loved the active life. He was an avid tennis player, he loved to bicycle all over Chicago, and he was an enthusiastic sports car racing fan. He headed out to Elkhart Lake, WI for exciting Road America weekends with good friends as often as he could. However, it is possible that Michael liked cooking even more – he was simply a great cook.

He adored his cats. He got completely hooked with his first cat, Pywacket. His latest cat, Martin, whom he adopted from PAWS, Chicago, just made him so happy.

He is survived by his loving girlfriend, Roxanne Ransom, his business partner, Scott Martin, and his best friend since college, Jessica Case.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to PAWS Chicago, 1110 W. 35th St., Chicago, IL 60609. For further info, Michalik Funeral Home (312)–421–0936.