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| Michael Hutchins | |
| April 13, 1943 - September 17, 2012 | |
| Preemption, Illinois | |
| Visitation: 3:00-8:00pm Wednesday September 19, 2012 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan | |
| Funeral Service: 10:00am Thursday September 20, 2012 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan | |
| Michael “Hutch” Hutchins, 69, of Preemption, passed away on Monday, September 17 at Trinity, Rock Island after a brief and unexpected bout with cancer. He was surrounded by his family. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m., Wednesday at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Milan. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held at a later date in the Preemption Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sherrard Fire Department or the Royal Ball Run for Autism. He was born April 13, 1943 in Alabama, the son of Robert and Margaret Hutchins. Michael was raised in Preemption, Illinois and graduated from Sherrard High School in 1961. He went on to play basketball at Blackhawk College before earning a Bachelors Degree from the University of Illinois and Masters Degrees in Counseling and Administration from Western Illinois University. He met the love of his life, Rhonda Hartman in 1970 and they were married on November 7 of the same year. He taught and coached football, basketball and track at Alexis High School from 1966 – 1974 and developed a permanent case of “purple and gold blood” when he took a position as a Driver’s Education teacher at Sherrard High School where he went on to serve as a guidance counselor, Dean of Students and Athletic Director until 1994 – making a difference for countless students during his tenure. Following his retirement, he continued to impact children’s lives as the Lead Counselor for the Henry County Youth Service Bureau in Kewanee. He most recently took a position as a Loaned Executive for United Way of the Quad Cities Area. Michael first and foremost enjoyed being “Grandpa Grumpy” to his grandchildren and watching them perform in numerous activities. He was an avid Sherrard Tigers, Cubs, Bears and Illini fan. Survivors include his wife, Rhonda; his children Jen Hartmann(Pat), Jackie Kelly(Kevin), and Eric Hutchins (Jackie); his grandchildren Logan, Austin, Nathan, Payton, Lyric and Kelsey; brother Jerry Hutchins (Robbi), sister Toni Huyten(Nick); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brother, Jay and is now fishing while enjoying a few AM cold ones with his father- in-law, Buck Hartman while watching over us. | |
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To all the family, we are so sorry for your loss, I hope God can give you all comfort. Mike was a good man and will be missed by so many. God Bless you all.
-- Dick and Nellie Iverson
My deepest and heart felt condolences during this difficult time. Hutch was a great man who will be greatly missed. Heaven gained a hero today. May he always watch over his family and you remember all the good times. May you find peace in knowing that he isn't in any pain and is in heaven.
-- Lori Coon
R.I.P Hutch. Your fqmily is in our thoughts and prayers.
-- ty bender
Good, ol' "Hutch" as we used to call him. We called Mr. Billups, "Starsky" hence "Starsky and Hutch." Good fella at Sherrard High. He will be missed for sure. My respects.
-- Natalie
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
-- Nancy Hendren
What a joy it was to be guided by Hutch during my high school years. He touched many lives and was one of the best. Thoughts and prayers to Rhonda and the family during this difficult time.
-- Karla Bristow Stoedter
Rhonda and family, thinking of you all at this difficult time. Mike was a caring and wonderful man.
-- Kris Ratigan
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Hutchins passing. I have such fond memories of him. Sherrard was a wonderful school to graduate from.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
-- Kathy (Whitcomb) Ragona
With the promise of prayers ~
-- Tony & Jennifer Huette
Rhonda,my heart is with you during this time. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
-- Patti Green
our thoughts are with the hutchins family. Big Hutch had a impact on so many lives. Tiger nation has lost a great role model on what tiger pride truly is. rip hutch
-- heather j
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are an amazing family and I consider myself lucky to have taken care of Michael and meet your family. It was too short of a time. God Bless!
-- Rebecca Tuttle RN MICU
So very sorry for your loss. He impacted many lives and will be remembered always.
-- Sherri (Crow) Lester
Jackie and family, we were sorry to hear about your Dad. I have such fond memories of your Dad welcoming me to Sherrard as a Junior. If there was ever a teacher loved by students it was your Dad. And no question where you got your compassion for your job. God Bless you all!! Greg, Jeanie, and Mollee Larson
-- Greg Larson
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. A great man who touched many lives.
-- Nic and Gerri Bristow
Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
-- Tom & Karen Harris
My deepest sympathy to Rhonda and the rest of the family.
-- Michelle Usher
Rhonda and Family, please accept my sincere sympathy. You are in my thou ghts and prayers at this difficult time. "Grampy Grumpy" fits! I remember Mike coming into the school office muttering to himself about a problem he needed to solve. He would leave the office with a solution, but still muttering to himself. He had a great, dry sense of humor. He will be missed.
-- Phyllis Reed
I am so sorry for your loss, may God be with you in this time of need, and always.Hutch will be dearly missed by all of us, whose lives he touched.
-- Sharon (Nagelmiller) Campbell
My sympathies to the family. A big loss to the community as well. My nemesis, my favorite teacher/administrator, as well as being a genuine role model. All business with a sense of humor, the brightest guy in the building and he could actually relate to kids. He'll be greatly missed.
-- Mike Olson
Rhonda and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Hutch was one of the good guys. What an impression he made on myself and countless others. He truly will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
-- Randy Hall
My deepest sympathies to the Hutchins family. "Hutch" was a great man and made a difference in many lives. Thanks for sharing him with us.
-- Karen (Crenshaw) Nimrick - SHS Class of 78
Rhonda, Jackie, Jen & family, We are so sorry for your loss. Hutch was a great man who impacted many lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! My parents are sad to miss the service as they are out of the country. Hugs to all of you! Ross & Heather Surratt and Robert and Tana Howard
-- Heather (Howard) Surratt
On behalf of the employees at John Deere Harvester Works, we grieve over the lost of your beloved father Jennifer. Please know that you and your family have our deepest sympathy.
-- John Deere Harvester Works
Thoughts and prayers are with the family..Hutch made the school/hallways a better place.
-- Ed Short Jr
Rest in Peace, Hutch!
-- Michelle (Elsbury) Chuaikaitum
Rhonda and family-I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
-- Pam Bischoff
I, like many of the graduates of Sherrard High School, will always remember Hutch. He was someone who was the "authority" figure we saw everyday, but you always knew that if needed he could be a friend. I will miss him and will remember him fondly.
John Pearson
Sherrard Class of 1983
-- John Pearson
One Saturday afternoon about eight years ago, Mr. Hutchins knocked on my front door and introducted himself. He had some copies of an old newspaper article about the history of the property that my house is built on. I appreciate the kindness of Mr. Hutchins and send our sympathy to his family.
-- The Gardner Family
Many sympathies on the loss of a great friend, teacher and family man. Hutch will be missed by all those he came in contact with.
-- Jan Kain Bargmann
So sorry to hear of hutch's sudden passing. I will always remember hutch as someone that always wanted the best for the kids he taught and coached. My sympathy to Rhonda and the kids and whole family.
-- Ken"Henry"johnston
So sorry to hear of hutch's sudden death. Was a great person teacher and coach. My sympathy is with you Rhonda and family. god bless you all.
-- Henry johnston
Hutch inspired me during high school for being fair to everyone. I can recall lunchtimes in the commons when he gave me 'the look' (more than once) to better behave....and then moments later, gave me a wink and a smile. His kindness and fairness resonated with me, even to today. My prayers go out to Hutch and his family. I will miss him.
-- Dan Kelleher
so sorry to hear of hutch's sudden death. huitch was so great for all the kids he taught and coached. my sympathy to rhonda and all the family. may God bless you all.
-- henry johnston
My condolence and sympathies to Mike's family and friends. I worked with Mike at YSB and learned a lot from him. He will be sorely missed here, but heaven will be a better place!
-- Ron Alhorn
Keeping the entire Hutchins family in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. God bless all of you.
-- Dave & Cindy Stewardson
Rhonda and family, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being so involved in our school and our lives. As teens we always knew if we needed help, guidance or just a "keep your head up" we could venture to the office and find both you and Mike ready to talk. I appreciate the time, dedication and support you both have given me, my kids, my family and the SHS students. Thinking of you- Tammy Crippen and the Class of 1986
-- Tammy Crippen
Rhonda and family,
We are so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
-- Rick and Priscilla Child
I'm very sorry for your lose, Hutch was a great person and he will be truly missed. You are in are prayers.
Class of 79.
-- ronald reid
Our deepest sympathy to all of you at this time. Mike was a mentor and friend to so many. We were blessed to call him friend. God will have many crowns for him in heaven.
-- Todd and Vicki Tyler
Rhonda and Jen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Stay strong and hold on to all of your wonderful memories.
-- Judy Scarpinato
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hutchins family on your loss.
-- Danielle Shaw
Rhonda, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thougts and prayers.
-- Deb Boland
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
-- EILEEN MILKS DIAL
Thinking of you during this sad time. Remembering Mike taking me out driving and trying to get me lost after school. He was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
-- Suzanne Hoke
Rhonda and Family, So sorry to learn of Mike's death. I enjoyed working with him when I was on the board. He was a very respected staff member and always worked for the best for our district. May God give you comfort during this difficult time.
-- Linda Willhite
Rhonda and Family,
Please accept our sympathy. We were saddened to read about Mike's death. We enjoyed our time spent together in Alexis. We are so sorry.
-- Bill and Caroline Ault
Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Hutch was one of a kind & he was kind. May your memories sustain you at this difficult time.
-- Judy & Peter Roth
Mike Hutchins was a 1st year coach at Alexis High School during my senior year. He was a great teacher and coach, as well as a good man.
-- Joe Hart
Rhonda, Jen, Jackie & Eric,
We are very sorry for your loss. Sending all our thoughts, prayers & hugs to you. You surely have a guardian angel watching over you.
-- Teresa & Jason Doak
Sorry for your loss.
-- A.Roth
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Hutch was a great man.
-- Tammy Vaughn
Sorry to learn of Mike's passing. He was a great man, he helped me through some very times when I was in high school. I don't think I would be typing this right now if it were for him.
-- Jimmy Kalin
Rhonda ....please accept my sympathy in the loss of your husband....may all the good memories sustain you in the days and months ahead
Debby Dixon(Diana's sister)
-- Debby Dixon
So very sorry for your loss.
-- Jean & Jason Wardlow
Ronnie-
We are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a great man and will surely be missed by the many lives that he touched. You and your Family are in our thoughts and Prayers.
-- Pete and Debbie Arehart
Rhonda - my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of your tragic loss. Although we have only met once or twice, through all I have heard of you and Mike through Ron and Lynne and their boys, I feel like you are part of our extended family. May your memories of happy, loving times sustain you at this most difficult time.
-- Pam Smith Morrissey
I met Hutch through my work at Temple's Sporting Goods 15 years ago. What a great guy and great family as I got to know Eric as well.
I'm sorry I just found out about this as I live out of the area now.
Hutch will be missed greatly.
John
-- John White