Michael Dearing

Michael “Mike” Dale Dearing, 63, of Mackinaw, passed away Thursday, May 27, 2021 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA with family by his side.

He was born October 16, 1957 in Peoria to Melvin Dale and Elizabeth “Betty” June Dearing. He married Tracy Eaton on April 16, 1983 in Bartonville.

Surviving are his children, Sean (Emily) Dearing and Jenae (Noah) Roseland; three grandchildren, Jude Grant, Deacon Dearing, and Gwenyth Roseland; four brothers, Kevin (Margie) Dearing, Mason Dearing, Christopher (Lisa) Dearing, and Robin (Ericka) Dearing; one sister, Dawn Nelson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mike grew up in Bartonville, the oldest of six children.  He graduated from Limestone Community High School before attending Vincennes University, Millikin University, and Illinois State University.  He played baseball at VU and Millikin and received a bachelor’s degree in education from ISU.  He played baseball with the Peoria Sunday Morning League for 22 years, setting countless records throughout his career. He was inducted into their Hall of Honor in 2015.

Mike worked in the concrete industry in Central Illinois for over 30 years, working in sales and quality control for Prairie Materials for over two decades.

He was an active member of the Teamsters Local 26 Union and the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.)

Mike was a proud Harley Davidson owner and a life-long motorcycle rider.  He enjoyed going to American flat track motorcycle races across the country with his two favorites being the Peoria TT’s and the Springfield Mile. He often attended the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, always riding out on two wheels. Mike had a deep passion for baseball which began in his younger years as a player and extended throughout his life as he shared his love of the sport through coaching and umpiring in his community. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, rarely missing an evening of Monday night football. Aside from motorcycles and sports, Mike lived his life for his children and grandchildren. He was a family man and a socialite, always looking to have a good time and never knowing a stranger. He was a supportive father, a dependable brother, a loyal friend, and the best Papa in the world. His easy-going attitude, infectious smile, and unconditional love will be deeply missed.

Mike's family would like to thank the nurses, doctors, and other medical personnel who cared for him during his illness.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 at the Abbas Grotto at Ault Park in East Peoria, IL. The evening will begin with a memorial service at 5:00 pm followed by fellowship with family and friends until 9:00 pm. Food and drinks will be provided. Guests may come and go throughout the evening. Casual attire is welcomed, and motorcycles are encouraged for those who ride.

Memorial donations will be accepted during the Celebration of Life. All proceeds will be distributed between Gigi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. To express condolences online visit haenselfuneralhome.com.

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