Michael John Cracraft, 70, of Maquon, Illinois, passed away peacefully at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
Mike was born November 9, 1954 in Macomb, Illinois, the son of Vernon L. and June B. (Kaiser) Cracraft. He graduated from Macomb High in 1972. Four years later, he received his BS in Agriculture from Western Illinois University, specializing in agronomy and animal science. This degree highly prepared him for his job at the Wild Rose Farms hog confinement in Gilson, Illinois, where he worked for many years.
Mike’s interest in agriculture started in his childhood. He was his mom’s helper in the garden: tilling, planting, and harvesting the crops. He did chores for his Granny Kaiser: feeding the animals, milking the cows, picking up corn from the field, and “walking” beans. As a teenager, he raised livestock and tended the crops on a small family farm. He helped finance his college education and gained experience by working as a farmhand for a local farmer.
Mike married the love of his life, Debra Ann Hurdis on January 14, 1978 in Racine, Wisconsin. Mike is survived by his wife, Debra of Maquon, his daughter, Laura (Martin Leon) Cracraft-Leon of Marianna, Florida; his son Nicholas (Carolyn) Cracraft of Washington, Illinois; and his sister, Cindy (Andrew Robbins) Cracraft of Champaign, Illinois. Also surviving are his in-laws Gloriana Hermans, Bill Hurdis, and Vicki (Doug) Woeckener of Wisconsin. Mike was very proud of his 4 grandsons: Alexander Cracraft-Leon, Christian Cracraft-Leon, Salvatore Cracraft, and Nico Cracraft. He was beloved “Uncle Mike” to several nieces and nephews and to their children.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Larry and Daniel. Also preceding him in death were his in-laws Lester and Evangeline Hurdis and his brother-in-law John Hermans.
Mike was an avid reader of fiction and non-fiction. TV favorites included Classic TV, westerns, soap operas, and farm shows. He also enjoyed bingo, You Tube videos, and music. He had a great singing voice and knew the lyrics to sing along to his favorite songs. In football season, he had to root for “Da Bears.”
Mike was known for his sense of humor, his kindness, his empathy, and his genuine interest in people. Nobody was a stranger for long when they met Mike. He enjoyed visiting with family and friends in person, on the phone, and via Facebook. His best days were spent at home, surrounded by his loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
