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Michael Truskey Obituary

EAST PEORIA - Michael Gene Truskey, 67, of East Peoria, formerly of Christopher, Ill., passed away at 7:46 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2011, at Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Ill.

A visitation will be held today, Feb. 1, 2011, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Blue Funeral Home in Marion, Ill. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Marion following the service.

Michael was born on Aug. 2, 1943, at UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort, Ill., to Stanley and June (Bayless) Truskey.

Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Iraj Kohzadi of West Frankfort; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Karen Bayless of Thompsonville, Ill.; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and great-nephews; extremely special cousin and her husband, Sharon and Jack Dollus; special friends who shared the Bahai faith, Marjean Steitman, Deanna and Gary Littell, Mark Anderson, David Von Behren, and David and Anne Crenshaw; and several other special people in Michael's life that the family apologizes they cannot recall.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Lester and Mae Mackey.

Michael was a graduate of Christopher High School. He joined the Illinois Air National Guard as a staff sergeant and spent one year on active duty, receiving two commendations and secret security clearances.

He continued his education throughout his life. Michael loved to learn and teach, becoming an inspiration to many, especially due to his love of children. He enrolled in Sangamon State University and obtained a B.A. degree in management. He also attended Lincoln Christian College and Lincoln Land Community College, where he graduated with a degree in general education and science. Michael also earned a degree in electronics and radio communications from the Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Miss., along with a degree in data processing from the Automation Machine Training Center.

As evident by the locations of his various degrees, Michael loved to travel. He made trips to such places as Ireland, England, Egypt, Africa and several excursions to China.

He was baptized at the First Christian Church in Christopher, Ill., later turning to the Bahai faith in his 30s, where he ultimately found his peace of mind.

Michael was employed at the Caterpillar plant in Peoria, Ill., as a data processor and was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 974.

To view this obituary and sign the register book, visit our website, bluefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star on Feb. 1, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Truskey

Sponsored by Richard McClellan - Portland Oregon.

13 Entries

Stan

January 26, 2025

His kindness is missed.

Stan Parrott

January 26, 2022

You are missed my friend.

April 24, 2011

Someone dedicated to the service of humanity, that would be Michael Truskey. Blessed are all who's heart he touched with his honesty, generousity, kindness, and crazy sense for humor. Michael's example shines a light of hope on the path of life. Michael reminded me of what is good and right about this world, and will always be a becon of light and hope for me in this world, and the next world. He would often ask me, Do you know what I like about you? I'd say, No. He would said, I can't think of anything either.

March 22, 2011

I was saddened to hear Mike's passage. I met him at Illinois State University where I was a student of communication. He introduced me to the Bahai Faith and together, we had many great times, including many trips to the National Assembly Center in Wilmet, Chicago, and an excursion to the House on the Rock in Wisconsin. He was always so generous, kind, encouraging, and understanding. I hosted him in fall 1995 - that was the last time we saw each other. I wish him all the best in the Next World...
Duanzhi She from China

March 3, 2011

To all who attended the Memorial Service for Mike - Thank you! It was great to celebrate his life last weekend, and to visit with his family and friends. I miss him greatly as he was truly a Guradian Angel.

Dorita Fuller

February 12, 2011

I recall many good times with Mike alive with creativity, enthusiasm and spontaneity. He was kind and generous in thought, word and deed. Ever a story teller, he could find the tale worth retelling in a common day, but, perhaps, he rarely had a common day.

February 4, 2011

Mike Truskey introduced me to the Baha'i Faith in October 1969 when we both worked at the General Electric General Purpose Control plant in Bloomington Ill. where a Remover of Difficulties prayer fixed an electric motor. Mike Mitchell

February 3, 2011

Michael was one of the people who taught me the Faith. He will be missed!
Mike Urbano

February 2, 2011

With much love and sympathy to Michael's family and friends, he will always hold a most special place in my heart as he saw me through life's joys and sorrows in the many years I knew him. Always encouraging and supportive of my Baha'i services, he will not be forgotten. Karen Schmolze Crenshaw Worth, pioneer to South Africa

Shirley Krajec

February 1, 2011

Mike was such a generous and loving person. I remember when he cooked for everybody at Baha'i events, when he loaned a car to a family with young children, when he told stories to children to help them learn about The Baha'i Faith. He will be missed. There is a special place in Heaven for Mike Truskey

Ken & Terri Kirkman

February 1, 2011

To all of Mike's family and his other friends. Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go out to you.

I sat next to Mike at Caterpillar from September 2000 until January 2010. No one could sit next to Mike and not become his friend. Mike always had a useful bit of advice or a comment that was an expression of his serious, yet easygoing and usually humorous personality. One that he often used with me was “Well, I’m not going to talk to you if your going to use reason and logic!” I will miss Mike.

Stan Parrott

February 1, 2011

To the friends and family of Mike. I want to let you know that Michael will be missed. He was a great guy with a big heart. Michael had a lot of sayings that I will always remember. Such as, "either I will or I won't" or "Watch Out" or "I'm gaining on you". He had a way of making you feel comfortable in difficult situations. I wished I could be there for the services; however I am in a country that Michael liked to visit (China). I will miss our Saturday morning breakfasts and dinners. Michael loved company and I am glad to have met him at Caterpillar 17 years ago. SRP

February 1, 2011

Mike touched so many lives in very meaningful ways. He will be so missed. So sorry the weather is keeping people from the services. Bless you Mike and sympathy to all his loved ones.

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