Michael E. Evans
DUNLAP - Michael E. Evans, age 63, of Dunlap passed away at 3:18 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center.
Mike was born on August 30, 1960 in Farmington, IL, to Edward and VBernita (Slack) Evans. After graduating high school with the class of 1978, Michael went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in agriculture at the University of Illinois and later obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University. He was a practicing lawyer in Wyoming, IL.
Survivors include his partner in life and best friend, Nina Bush of Dunlap; four children he cared deeply about, Xavier, Quinn, Noah and Duke; three grandchildren, Jessalynn, Novan and Lydia; two sisters, Donna Fager and Lynn London; as well as beloved friends, George and Sue Starcevich, Mark Wattley, Charlie and Sarah Boley, Angie Spratt, Guy Trudel, Sarah Eagan, Tom Mazzola and Brenton Bush. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Carol Diefendorph.
Mike was a beacon of positivity and hope. He brought joy to everyone he touched and has left an indelible mark that is insurmountable. His greatest passion was being at the lake, tinkering or doing projects. He would lay on the dock and said that doing so would ease his soul. Mike was an exceptional farmer and took delight in caring for the family farm. He loved his boys more than anything in life and dedicated himself to them, from being a scout leader to being the current Field Marshal for Peoria FC. He was known as Papa Pushover, because the four boys were his whole life. He would drop anything to go build something or help someone else. He was a quick friend to make. He fought stage IV pancreatic cancer for 13 years with optimism and a drive to live. From Mike’s perspective, life and everything life brought to him was “fabulous.” He would always say that he valued each day as a gift from God, and it was his duty to do anything and everything to honor and preserve his life and to so live. Living is exactly what he did. Every day. Every moment. He lived life to the fullest and loved with all of his heart. Now it is our job to live like Mike.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 10 a.m., with Msgr. Brian Brownsey officiating. Please wear bright colors of blue, as the lake was Mike’s favorite place. A celebration of life will follow the mass. Details to be provided at the mass.
Preferred memorials in Mike’s memory may be made to University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. This was a place of hope that profoundly impacted not only Mike, but also the providers and other patients there. He was so thankful for the care he received there over the last 13 years.
Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon. com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Michael’s memorial page via social media.
Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Wright &Salmon Mortuary, 309-688-4441.