Mike T. Pyevich

Mike T. Pyevich, 97, died peacefully on February 18, 2026, at The Fountains in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Mike was born on Thursday January 17, 1929, in Silvis, IL. Mike was the eldest son of Serbian immigrants Todor (Tom) and Danica (Krajnovich) Pyevach. He graduated from United Township High School in 1946.

A WWII veteran, Mike served in Japan and earned WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan. After being honorably discharged in 1948, he returned and graduated from Augustana College, in 1952, with a BA in Economics. Education was paramount to him, and he impressed this upon his younger brothers, as well as his children.

After a blind date that changed everything, Mike married his beloved Betty Jean Reynolds on April 29, 1961, in Moline, IL. They shared 64 wonderful years of marriage until Betty’s passing in 2025.

What began as a part-time job at the International Harvester East Moline plant grew into a lifetime career. Rising through the ranks at various positions, he ultimately served as Manager of Product Quality for his final 18 years at IH. After he “retired” he spent many years selling real estate.

Mike gave back to his community as an alderman for the city of Silvis, a member of the Illini Hospital Board of Directors, and a lifelong member of the Serbian National Federation Lodge #129, where he held various officer positions over the years.

He took great pride in his gardening. Alongside his mother, aunt, and brothers, he maintained an acre-sized garden and a couple acres of various fruit trees. Homegrown sweet corn, beans, tomatoes, and homemade sauerkraut were always on the table. His lamb roasts to observe special family events and holidays, especially the 4th of July, were highly anticipated by all. He would buy a live lamb from a local farmer and handle the rest himself, turning hard work into a celebration. Mike enjoyed all these activities while remaining a devoted husband, father, and mentor to his family.

Mike followed sports closely at all levels, usually cheering for the underdog. Proof of this? His lifetime loyalty to the Chicago Bears.

While known for his high standards, and even stronger voice, those who knew him best were familiar with his softer side. Retirement brought him his greatest joy: being “Deda” (Grandpa). He treasured his time with his grandchildren, proudly serving as babysitter, chauffeur, enthusiastic supporter at their many activities, and simply assisting in any way needed. Trips to the zoo, parks, and playground adventures, and plenty of “Happy Meals” filled his days. He beamed as he observed each and every grandchild earn their Taekwondo black belt. For his 90th birthday, he celebrated with a trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, OH with his son and four grandsons-an experience none of them will forget! Nothing meant more to him than watching his grandchildren grow into the capable young adults he always believed they would become. He was immensely proud of his family.

In his final months at The Fountains in Bettendorf, Mike appreciated frequent visits from family, “Gunsmoke” reruns, dinner outings-and even a Super Bowl party with family earlier this month!

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter Pamela (Tony) Duncan; son Dr. Michael (Dr. Vickie) Pyevich; grandchildren Dr. Michael II and Dena Pyevich, Mitchell, Jonathan, and Nicholas Duncan; brothers Eli (Linnea) Pyevich and Dr. Dan (Donna) Pyevich, and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife Betty, his parents, his brother Steve, and his aunt Draginja (Caroline) Krajnovich.

Special thanks to Bonnie Casper (sister-in-law, though truly more like a sister to Mike) and to the staff at The Fountains for their compassionate care in his final months.

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.