Mr. J. Michael “Mike” Hobbs, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away at 4:56 pm Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at his home.
Mike was born December 28, 1948 in Galesburg the son of James C. “Pete” and Helen Rebecca (Kearns) Hobbs. He married Joan Thorngren in 1980 and later married Lois Bell in 1990.
Mike is survived by cousins, Steve Hughes, Christine Morris, and Mary Jo Strader. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his cousin Kathy Karns.
Mike graduated from Abingdon High School in 1967 and Western Illinois University in 1971 with a bachelors in history. He later earned his master’s degree. He was a past president of the Phi Alpha Theta, History Honor Society at WIU. Mike retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad after 32 years of service. After his retirement he continued working as a substitute teacher for the Abingdon and Galesburg school districts. He also worked for Briggs Manufacturing Company, the Abingdon Brass Factory, Gates Rubber Company, Gale Products and Rockwell International and New York Life Insurance Companies.
Mike was extremely involved in the community serving on numerous boards. He was a member and past protective committeeman, recorder, financial secretary, treasurer and president of transportation communications union. Mike was a past member of the Galesburg Solidarity Coalition and past president of the Knox County Right to Life and past Grand Knight and President of Columbian Home Association and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Mike founded the Civil War Discussion Group in 1995, was a local historian and contributor to the “The Zephyr”. He was a past committeeman for 773rd field artillery battalion reunions (Fathers’s of the WWII Army Unit). Mike also served as a board member of the Galesburg Railroad Museum and the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Association. Mike enjoyed sports and was a former IHSA Basketball official. Mike wants to thank OSF St. Mary’s Hospital Home Health Care, Caring Senior Services of Galesburg, OSF St Francis Medical Employees, as well as selected employees of the University of Iowa Research Hospital.
A visitation is scheduled for Monday March 20, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday March 21, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel with Deacon Robert Rodrigues officiating and burial to follow. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel is honored to be assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Carl Sandburg Historic Site Foundation. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.h-p-w.com.
