Michael David Soldat, 51, of Chillicothe passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at in Peoria after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born on February 18, 1969 to David and JoAnn (Judge) Soldat in Arlington Heights, IL. He married Amy Marie Timmermann on March 9, 2002 in Peoria, IL.

Surviving are his wife Amy; his children, Ava Marie and Joseph Michael; father, David (Lana) Soldat of Lanark, IL; sister, Julie (Barry) Sullivan of Northbrook, IL; brother, Brian (Jennifer) Soldat of St. Louis, MO; Amy's parents, Frank and Chris Timmermann of Chillicothe, IL ; Amy's brother Michael (Marybeth) Timmermann of Greenville, IL and seven nieces and nephews, Ellie, Claire and Drew Sullivan, Kate, Matthew, George and Rose Timmermann, and many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn; grandparents, James and Jane Soldat, James and Eileen Judge and nephew, Gabriel Timmermann.

Mike loved all things sports, but his passion was baseball. He played baseball throughout his childhood, St. Edward High School in Elgin, IL and collegiately at Aurora University. Mike put a lot of heart and hard work into umpiring and umped hundreds of games in the Peoria and Bloomington area. Mike graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Education.

Mike was a loved and respected teacher throughout the schools he taught. He had a special place in his heart for the administration, faculty and students at East Peoria High School.

We will forever be grateful for their unwavering support of him in his battle.

Mike was a devoted husband and father. He was a homebody and spent every day and hour with his family when he wasn't teaching or umpiring. He loved camping, going to Notre Dame football games and family vacations.

We are so thankful for the Illinois CancerCare and Richard L Owens Hospice Home for their support and care of Mike in his battle and will to live.

Due to the restrictions in place because of the Coronavirus, there will be no pubic services. A private family service will be conducted by Father Patrick Henehan on Monday, March 23, 2020. Mike will be laid to rest at St. Mary's of the Woods Cemetery in Princeville. Mike was a member of St. Jude Catholic Parish in Peoria where a Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for the benefit of Ava and Joey's education fund.

Online condolences may be made through www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Courier News on Mar. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Soldat

12 Entries

Turner Grishaw

July 31, 2020

I had him as a teacher in My Freshman year of High School at East Peoria Community High School, he was an awesome man, loved having him.

R.I.P Mr. Soldat

My condolences go to his wife, kids, and family

Glenn Craine

April 22, 2020

I remember all our great times in our childhood neighborhood. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jim Schmid

March 29, 2020

March 28, 2020

My name is Coach Jim Schmid and I had the true pleasure of coaching Mike at Aurora University. I am so sorry for his passing; the irony is that Mike was always so full of life and had that "it" about him that positively affected anyone who crossed his path. What a special guy, teammate, and friend. There is a most significant bond that happens beween a player and a coach, especially when that player happened to be a catcher and a tad outrageous. The sheer mention of his name always made me smile, even many years later. We are all a little better for having Mike in our lives! Thank you, Mike, for being you. I feel so very fortunate to have spoken with you a couple weeks ago and laughed and cried at our many memories. RIP Catch, you're the best!

Brian Nilles

March 28, 2020

I am Brian Nilles from Aurora, Illinois. I played baseball with Mike in the early to mid 90s after the great Aurora University baseball coach Jim Schmid called me to get Mike on our summer Oilers mens baseball team. He was a very good player and great teammate and friend. So many of us from that time have been in touch about what happened.

Michael T.

March 28, 2020

Always made me smile :)! Really good guy and friend. Should have stayed in better touch after HS. Will be remembered well.

Jerry & Cheri Joyce

March 27, 2020

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you Amy, Ava, and Joseph. I enjoyed working with Mike when he substitute taught at CEC. He has a great repor with the students and made everyones day easier when you knew he was coming to sub that day. He will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.

Jerry & Cheri Joyce

March 25, 2020

Mike's classroom is in the same hallway as my office. I always enjoyed our talks before school started in the mornings. Please know I am praying for God's peace for the family.

Allen Hayes EPCHS

Donna Cline

March 23, 2020

iOur Deepest Sympathy Amy for you and Your Family ,
know our thoughts are with you during this most difficult time .
Mike & Donna Cline

David Dill

March 23, 2020

I'm very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I knew him at ICC and Bradley. He was a big kid at heart and he will be missed.

Dan Trocchio

March 23, 2020

Mike taught my daughters at St. Malachy school in the Pittsburgh area. He was a great person and I always enjoyed our discussions. May he Rest In Peace. My deepest sympathy to his family on his passing.

March 22, 2020

I remember Mike teaching me Physics at East Peoria High School. He was such a great teacher and had an amazing influence on all the kids. He was a great man and won't be forgotten. Prayers to his family and children. R.I.P.

Patrick Van

March 21, 2020

I enjoyed knowing Mike in high school. Im so sorry to learn of his untimely passing. My prayers and sympathies are with his family and friends.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results