Michael E. Palsgrove

Michael Emerson Palsgrove, 73, of Crystal Lake, died peacefully Thursday, October 6, at home with his wife and family after a year long battle with cancer.

He was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on September 20, 1943 to Elmer Emerson and Nettie Isabelle Brooks Palsgrove. He married the love of his life and soul mate, Eileen, on October 19, 1964 in Jackson, Missouri. Michael received his undergraduate degree from Southeast Missouri State University and his graduate degree from Northern Illinois University to advance his career in teaching and education. Michael taught, in his words, “a little earth science and a whole lot of growing up,” to freshman at Cary Grove High School for over 30 years. His second career took place at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, where he taught earth science to returning adults and supervised student teachers.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.’” - Jeremiah 6:16

Michael was an incredible man of faith. He was a member of the Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake where he served as an elder, Awana Cubbies Director, community group leader, usher, and Sunday School teacher. He was involved in missionary work that took him to Honduras and to Budapest, Hungary eleven times. Spending time with his family was most important to Michael, but he also enjoyed traveling, building model railroads, and mentoring.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Isabelle Palsgrove, sister Sammy Vavroch, and daughter Sandra Looper Patterson. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Eileen, sons David (Julie) Palsgrove and Philip (Sara) Palsgrove, and daughters Sharon (Jerry) Larsen and Alison Palsgrove. He is also survived by his grandchildren Danielle Elizabeth (Cody Alexander) Albright, Matthew Philip Palsgrove (girlfriend, Christine Ann Parent), Jonathan Lucas Palsgrove (fiancée, Kimberly Carol Boor), Christopher David (Lauren Ann) Palsgrove, who are expecting Michael and Eileen’s first great-grandson in December, Lauren Janie Palsgrove, Hannah Grace Palsgrove, and Braedon Niklas Larsen. Michael also left behind sister, Mary Anne Farrow of Cape Girardeau, Missouri and sister-in-laws Charlene Oesch (Don Flotte) and Clara Jo (Dick) Ziervogel, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family would appreciate memorial gifts to the Capital Campaign 2020 at the Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake, 575 E. Crystal Lake Avenue, Crystal Lake IL 60014.

Interment was private at Union Cemetery in Crystal Lake. A visitation will take place Monday, October 10, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Evangelical Free Church of Crystal Lake, followed by a celebration of life service at 6:00 PM. There will be a dessert reception after the service for family and friends.