Retired Galesburg Police Captain Michael DeForest, a Galesburg native who served the department for 30 years before retiring in 2001, is being remembered by colleagues as a fair, quiet, and highly capable officer who earned widespread respect through professionalism, compassion, and mentorship.
The Galesburg Police Department issued the following statement to WGIL:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Retired Galesburg Police Captain Michael DeForest. Retired Captain Michael DeForest served the Galesburg Police Department for over 30 years, retiring in July 2001. Throughout a distinguished career, Captain Michael DeForest earned the respect of colleagues and community members alike through professionalism, compassion, and mentorship. The Galesburg Police Department extends its heartfelt condolences to Captain Michael DeForest’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. The Galesburg Police Department is grateful for a lifetime of service and will remember Captain Michael DeForest with honor and respect.”
Born and raised in Galesburg, DeForest graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in criminal justice after attending St. Ambrose University for two years and serving in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Neptune from 1967 to 1968. He joined the Galesburg Police Department on Jan. 1, 1971, as a patrolman on second shift.
Former Galesburg Police Chief John Schlaf, who worked alongside DeForest for his entire career, described him as someone who advanced quickly and steadily. DeForest became a sergeant within four or five years, progressed through lieutenant and shift commander roles, and reached captain. Schlaf recalled him as “quiet” and not one to speak unless it mattered: “When he spoke, it was going to be something important.” He was fair, easygoing, and exceptional with numbers—serving as treasurer for the police benevolent association early on and later overseeing the staff and services division, which handled budgeting, purchases, the 911 system, communications, and records.
Obituary: Michael D. DeForest ~ October 22, 1946 — January 17, 2026
DeForest’s talents extended beyond policing. A licensed pilot, he flew for the department on special occasions, including monitoring Fourth of July traffic from the air during fireworks. Schlaf noted DeForest’s strong numbers background made him ideal for administrative roles.
After retiring from the police department, DeForest taught criminal justice at Galesburg High School, worked as an outbound yard master for Burlington Northern/Sante Fe for nine years, and later as a part-time delivery driver for O’Reilly Auto Parts for 14 years.
DeForest is survived by his wife, Debbie; four children; two stepchildren; three brothers; three grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; and his loyal dogs.
Visitation is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, followed by funeral services at noon. Father Jeffrey Stirniman will officiate, with burial and military rites at St. Joseph Cemetery.
The Galesburg Police Department will provide an honor guard at the services and a police escort for the procession to St. Joseph Cemetery.