Michael W. “Mike” Edlen, 76, of Galesburg, died at 5:47 a.m. Tuesday, September 4, 2018, at home surrounded by his family.He was born March 12, 1942, in Peoria, the son of Warren I. and Eileen (Kunzman) Edlen. He married Marjory E. Agnew in 1973 in Galesburg.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marj; a son, James W. Edlen of Atlanta, Georgia; two daughters, Carla D. (Evans) Chavez and Cara L. (Evans) Reed, both of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Ben (and Megan) Swearingen, Randy Swearingen, Lindsey (and Travis) Billiter, Raina Hogberg, Jessica (and Anissa) Reed, and Jeffrey (and Tyler) Reed; six great grandchildren; and a brother, David Edlen of Greenville, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mike graduated from Meredosia High School in 1960 and from Bradley University in 1966. He worked in steel mills from 1966 to 1971. He then worked for the United States Army Corps of Engineers for 35 years, retiring as a boat pilot. He was based out of the Peoria Boatyard.
Mike had a strong love of the Illinois River and enjoyed fishing in his younger years. He was an intense crossword puzzler, enjoying working the New York Times puzzles. Mike was a quiet, spiritual man who had a lifelong love of learning and reading and was fascinated by science and engineering. He and Marj could often be found working around the house making improvements. Mike was a true, courteous gentleman.
Cremation will be accorded. To honor his life, there will be a visitation held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, September 9, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
