Michael Gene "Mike" Herschler

Michael Gene "Mike" Herschler, age 81, of Quincy, died on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 9:31 p.m. in Blessing Hospital.

Mike was born on November 10, 1944 in Quincy, the son of Melvin L. and Wilma A. Zelle Herschler. On November 6, 1971 he married Mary J. Heinecke in Lutheran Church of St. John in Quincy. She survives.

Mike was a 1962 graduate of Quincy High School and a 1967 graduate of University of Illinois, from where he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Mike worked as a mechanical engineer at Gardner Denver for 15 years, at Quincy Compressor for six years, and at Knapheide Manufacturing for 19 years. Mike had been a riverboat pilot forthe Mississippi River System for almost 60 years, and he worked with Canton Marine Towing for the same amount of time.

Mike was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Quincy Boat Club, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, University of Illinois Alumni Association, and Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen.

In addition to his wife, Mary, survivors include: a son, Casey (Leah) Herschler of O'Fallon, MO; two grandchildren: Clara Naomi Finck and Eleanor Rose Herschler; a sister, Cynthia Sue (Harold) Zarn of Richfield, MN; a nephew, Derek Zarn of Maple Grove, MN; a niece, Leah (Matt) Lunneburg of Egan, MN; a great nephew, Brandon Lunneburg; and two great nieces, Kayla and Lauren Lunneburg.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Cory Gene Herschler.

Visitation: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2025 at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Services: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Rev. Martin Eden officiating.

Burial: Quincy Memorial Park, Quincy, IL

Memorials: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church or Cory Herschler Memorial Scholarship.

Memorial donations may be made on line at: https://memorials.hansenspear.com/.

www.hansenspear.com

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.