Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Hayes Obituary
Michael D. Hayes
December 16, 1951-February 1, 2022
Michael Douglas Hayes, 70, of Erie, loving husband and father of three passed away Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Vandemore Funeral Homes-Geneseo Chapel with Pastor Laura Kampreth officiating. Visitation will be held from 9-10 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Sandy Town cemetery, rural Erie. Memorials can be made to the Whiteside County Natural Area Guardians.
Mike was born December 16, 1951, in Rock Island, IL, the son of Douglas Kenneth Hayes and Shirley Ann (Bowles) Roxlau. He was also raised by his stepfather Jack Roxlau. He married Penny Gustafson on April 29, 1977; she still survives.
Mike graduated from Cambridge High School in 1969. He was honored to be a USMC, Vietnam Veteran and to have worked on the production line in the "White Room" when the final Farmall tractor was built in Rock Island (1985). A non-traditional student, Mike graduated with Phi Betta Kappa honors from Augustana College in 1989 and began his career with the US Army Corps of Engineers, retiring December 2018. An Augustana field trip to Anderson Prairie found his botany niche, becoming renowned as a field wetlands botanist and teacher. He was known as "one of the good guys" by his peers and the public he worked diligently to serve. His greatest joy was found with family and friends where he could be found fishing, hiking, and being outside in all seasons.
Survived by his mother, Shirley, wife, Penny, sons; John (Kate), Matthew and Adam Hayes, siblings; Terry (Roger) Nutt, Robert (Marcia) Hayes and Roxanne Humphries, other siblings Heather, Brian, Lisa, Sheila and Jamie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Douglas, stepfather, John "Jack" Roxlau and brother Rickie Hayes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Hayes
Sponsored by Vandemore Funeral Home - Geneseo.
4 Entries
Harvey Wiley
March 2, 2022
I am so sorry to read about Mike's passing. He was a very good person. Highly respected.
Donna Lingafelter
February 5, 2022
I had the privilege of working with Mike at the Corps of Engineers. He was so liked by all of us. He was fun, honest and hard working. It was so hard to hear the news of his passing. Such fine man of strong character.
Tim and Carolyn Keller
February 5, 2022
The environment has indeed lost a most valuable advocate. Our thoughts and prayers to you, Penny, and all your family. He will be missed. The prairie flowers at Sandytown will give him peace.
Dr. Tom and Alana Wachtel
February 4, 2022
We grieve with you during this time of great loss. We had come to know and love Mike through appointments at the dental office. Dr. and Mike were always a problem on the schedule because they loved to talk about Dr's. prairie , Mikes adventures and often about life and family itself. for longer than the schedule allowed....that's a good problem. We knew Mike as loving, generous, very knowledgeable and kind. My day was always enhanced greatly by a visit with Mike. I am sure he will be missed because he loved and was loved so much.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Make a Donation
in Michael Hayes's name
Memorial Events
for Michael Hayes
How to support Michael's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Michael Hayes's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
