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Michael Bellamy Plog
1944 - 2020
Michael Bellamy Plog
1944 - 2020
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Michael Plog Obituary
Springfield, IL—Michael Bellamy Plog died unexpectedly of a heart attack in his Springfield, IL home on September 9, 2020, at the age of 76.
Michael exuded warmth, generosity, and kindness. With his infectious smile and magnanimous good humor, he made friends wherever he went. Michael loved to talk to literally everyone, because he found people endlessly interesting. He believed one should never stop asking questions, and retained a childlike sense of curiosity and wonder about the world. Born in Port Angeles, Washington to Gerald and Rose (Bellamy) Plog, Michael and his sister Martha Ann spent their childhood in Martin, Tennessee. After earning his M.S. in Geography from Memphis State University and his Ph.D. in Educational Research from the University of Illinois, Michael spent the majority of his career working at the Illinois State Board of Education. A man of numerous and diverse interests, Michael was a skilled amateur magician, a competitive backgammon player, and an eloquent auctioneer. He served as President of both the Rotary Club of Springfield and the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, his home away from home. He also served on the boards of the World Affairs Council of Central Illinois and Planned Parenthood Springfield Area. He volunteered tirelessly with these organizations and others, and frequently visited and ran errands for ailing friends and acquaintances. Nothing made Michael happier than helping a friend or loved one.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Martha. He was the proud father of Valli (Andrew) Stewart, Michael (Shannon) Plog, and Elizabeth (James) Lovsin. He doted on his eight grandchildren: Emma, Andy, Kirk, Elijah, Rose, Charlie, Alice, and Thomas. The family plans on hosting a rousing party of a memorial service once this pandemic is over. Those wishing to leave a remembrance may do so at www.mykeeper.com/profile/MichaelPlog/. Memorials may be made to the ACLU, the Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, or Planned Parenthood Springfield Area.
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Adam Watts
September 25, 2020
I had the pleasure of playing Backgammon with Michael on several occasions and I ALWAYS enjoyed my matches with him. He was very kind, curious, and a very gracious backgammon player. He taught me about the word *peripeteia* ...fittingly enough shortly after that I went through a divorce. Now we all divorce the human aspect of Michael. He was always a pleasure to be around. I welcomed his presence. He WILL be missed. But his legacy will always be with me.
Peace be with you.
Vivian Jones
September 24, 2020
Martha, I'm so very sorry for your loss.
Alison Stachera
September 23, 2020
Michael was such a kind spirit. He often sought our family out to chat after services, and we always felt at home talking with him. Annie and Henry cried when they heard. We will all hold Martha and her family in our hearts during this time.
Bobbie L Freer
September 22, 2020
One of the most warm and friendly people I've known. RIP
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Elaine Orr
September 22, 2020
One of the kindest people I've ever had the privilege to know. He also had a huge capacity for volunteerism, and it made you want to do more. Love to Martha.
Susan Solon
September 20, 2020
Michael was an outstanding human being. He will be sorely missed.
Meg Evans
September 20, 2020
Michael will be dearly missed by so many.We served together on some committees at ALUUC, and he was always a kind and steady presence. He never failed to amaze with his ‘Auctionere voice’ at our fundraisers.
I will think often of Michael with his sweet smile and gentleness, and hold Martha and family in my heart during this difficult period of grief
Eldon Roark
September 19, 2020
Michael was a wonderful magician and a founding member of The International Brotherhood Of Magicians Ring 239 in Springfield. He was also a past president of the organization. Magic lost a great freind. Rest in peace Michael. Condeolences to Martha and his wonderful family.
Diane Gray
September 19, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I worked with Mike at ISBE on a few of his programs he was a very good magician too. He will most definitely be missed.
Diane Gray
Tom Kerins
September 19, 2020
I hired Mike at the State Board...one of the best decisions I ever made. He was a serious worker and a good friend.
Tracy Jayne McCaffrey
September 19, 2020
Rest In Peace my friend.
Jill Hicks
September 19, 2020
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. He was a devoted mentor when I organized the Rotary literacy tutors at Ridgely.
Mary von Liski
September 19, 2020
Heartfelt sympathy, caring thoughts, prayers. Wishing the family: a song in your hearts; sunshine after the clouds; a rainbow after the rain; cherished memories; peace.
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1109 South 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
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