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Michael Colbrese Obituary
Michael Edward Colbrese
April 20, 1945 - December 11, 2023
Michael Edward Colbrese, 78, of Viola, IL, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023.
Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rock Island. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home with a Rosary at 3:00 p.m. and Time of Sharing at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be in the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.
He was born April 20, 1945, in Davenport, IA, to Anton and Marie Yackley Colbrese. Graduated from Assumption High School (1963), served in the Army in Vietnam (1967-68). He worked at 6th Street Community Center, where he met Kathryn Egan; he married her on April 3, 1971. He joined IBEW in 1972, working with Miller Electric, beginning a life long career as an electrician. He loved farming and used the gifts from the earth, along with hard work to build his family log home. He lived by his motto "we are put on this earth to serve others," leaving
lasting life impressions with so many people that crossed his path. He always helped others in need through his actions, for dear friends or complete strangers. Faith and family was everything to Mike.
He is survived by seven sisters; his wife, Kathy; 18 children: Egan (Heidi Schissel), Anne-Maria (Philip) Zugarramurdi, Paul (Jenny Ortiz), Michael, Erin (Jeff Valentine), Colleen, David, Michaela (Foti) Padazopoulos, Daniel (Alyssa Patterson), John (Tiffany Belton), Adam (Janet Hammond), Kristin, Joseph, Emily (Derrick) Andrae, Patrick (Alenna Kellenberger), Aidan, Brian, Thomas; 37 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; several nephews and nieces. He
is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Terry; and sister, Vickie.
The family appreciates all of the support during this difficult time. Instead of flowers, they would love for you to do an act of kindness for someone who needs it.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Colbrese
Sponsored by Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home.
Sharon Sutton and Linda DeBacker
December 18, 2023
Mike was so friendly and kind. He never failed to thank my sister and I
for singing at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Matherville. He always
expressed how much he enjoyed the music. We enjoyed seeing his
friendly face every Sunday. Sharon Sutton and Linda DeBacker
Paul Cunningham
December 17, 2023
I worked with Mike as an apprentice at Miller Electric and always enjoyed working with him. I looked up to him with the utmost respect and valued his work ethics.
Marcy Quinn
December 16, 2023
I spent a lot of time at the colbrese home when they lived in Bluegrass IA., I felt like I was one of their family members. His sister Debbie and I have been friends since grade school. My husband and I also knew him through work as my husband was an Electrician as well. What a wonderful person Mike was ., so kind and generous. I´m so very sorry for your loss!!
Marcy Quinn
December 16, 2023
Mike was one of the nicest person one could know. I´ve known his family for many years . I am so very sorry for your loss!!
Ted Stephens
December 14, 2023
Mike was one of the classiest men I knew. A man of great faith and service. God Bless!
Amber labarge
December 14, 2023
He was the greatest person I knew. My thoughts go to his family.
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Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803
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