Knox County farmer, Mike Gehring, passed quietly on July 23, 2026, at his home with his wife and three children at his side.
Mike was born to Ruth (Mureen) and Webster Gehring, Jr. on December 5, 1943, in Galesburg, Illinois. His father, Webster, was overseas during World War II at the time of his birth so Mike’s first eighteen months were spent with his mother and maternal grandparents, Roxie and Ernie Mureen. His three maternal aunts were also married to servicemen during World War II.
Mike attended school at Douglas, Lombard, GHS, Knox, and the University of Illinois. Mike married Marilyn Liggett on September 4, 1965, at Catlin, Illinois. They both returned to the U of I to complete their studies. Mike received his BS in Animal Science and his MS in Reproductive Physiology. A member of ROTC, Mike was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. He was assigned to Fort Sam Houston to be trained for his duties as an officer medic. After a year at Scott Air Force Base, he went to Vietnam where he served in multiple roles and was awarded The Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal for his service. He served there from January 1, 1969, to January 1, 1970, and was discharged as a First Lieutenant.
Mike returned to Galesburg and began farming with his dad. He was a dedicated member of the Knox County Farm Bureau Board, the Spoon River FS Board, Galesburg Township Board, Knox County Board of Appeals, and the Multi-County Assessment Group. He served twenty-five years as a 4-H leader, and was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served in many capacities.
Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Marilyn, and his sister Janet (Marc) Peterson and their daughter Nancy, and his children: Tom (Mary) Gehring, Carrie (Matt) Hawkinson, Sarah (Greg) Brakenbury, and son-in-law Tom (Shawna) Axline. His grandchildren: Webster (Ramsey) Gehring, Lisa (Nick) Brown, Robert Axline, Alice Axline, Hannah (Jonathon) Myers, Emma (Andrew) Williams, Andrew Hawkinson, Seth Hawkinson,
Logan Beam and Griffin Beam, and delightful great-grandchildren Sam, Julianna, Ben and Sophie-Kate Gehring, Nova Brown, Hallie Myers, Levi Myers, and Mabel Williams. He was predeceased by his parents, Ruth and Webster Gehring, Jr. and daughter Catherine “Kate” (Tom) Axline, grandparents, and a host of aunts and uncles.
Michael was a steady presence in the lives of those he loved, always keeping their interests ahead of his own. He demonstrated his strong faith, not in words, but in deeds. A talented woodworker, he delighted in building rocking horses, desks, cradles, doll cradles and desks for lots of children! His talents were many, and he shared them unselfishly. A very sociable person, he will be missed, but lovingly remembered.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Galesburg which is totally accessible. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, in Galesburg with military rites by the Knox County Honor Guard. Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or to the 4-H Foundation. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
