Michael “Pete” Lee Collier, 73 of Galesburg, passed away at 1:39 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital.
He was born January 26, 1947 in Moline, the son of Harold and Dorcas (Gaither) Collier. He married Deborah Rae “Debi” Pierce on August 1, 1982 in Wataga.
Mike is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Debi; two daughters, Katie Elizabeth (Nicholas) Silva and April Michelle Collier all of Aurora, Colorado; one grandson, Finn N. Silva; his mother-in-law, P. June “Bettie” Patterson of Galesburg; two brothers, David (Ann) Collier of Milan and James (Carole) Collier of Davenport, Iowa; two sisters, Marcile (Audie) Purcell of the state of Georgia and Mary (Eric) Smith-Uitvluat of Grand Rapids, Michigan; one sister-in-law, Patrice Collier of Milan; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, John Collier, and his father-in-law, Raymond “Ike” Pierce.
He graduated from Sherrard High School in 1966 and later attended Black Hawk College in Moline. He served in the US Army for 2 years and was stationed in Thailand. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Sharpshooter Medal while in the Army. He worked at Admiral/Maytag for 32 years, retiring in 2002. He also had worked at Walmart, Drive Line and part-time as a custodian at the First Baptist Church in Galesburg, where he was also a faithful member.
Mike “Pete” enjoyed spending quality time with his wife Debi, watching their favorite TV shows together, even on facetime during his illness. He also enjoyed his quality time with his daughters, Katie and April, and playing with his grandson, Finn. Yes, thank you grandpa for teaching him how to give the “raspberry”. He also enjoyed humming to his own songs, and watching the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed helping and spending time with people that he was closest to. He was a man that was active in his Christian faith through his church and at home.
Cremation was accorded. To celebrate his life, a memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday July 25, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Galesburg. A reception will be held following the service. Private family committal service with military rites will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2021, at the Rock Island National Cemetery in Rock Island, Illinois. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors & Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting his family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
