Michael C. (Mike) Hedgcock (66) of Effingham

Print

Published on April 26 2023 8:50 am

Michael (Mike) C. Hedgcock passed away unexpectedly at his mother’s home in Effingham on Friday, April 14. He was 66 years old. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 6, at 1:00 pm at the First Christian Church, Effingham, Illinois. Memorials may be made to E.A.R.S (Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary) or plant a tree in memory of Mike.

Mike was born on January 25, 1957, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of the late Clark Hedgcock and Mary (Hedgcock) Curle.

He is survived by his mother Mary of Effingham, his partner of 35 years Steve Wagner of Chicago, brother Bruce and his husband Arnaud Fusade of Paris, France, brother Dwight and his wife Liz of Chicago, sister Suellen Reimers of Effingham, his nieces Jennifer Huelsbusch, Laura Reimers and Caroline Hedgcock.

Mike had vast professional experience, working as a baker, chef, bartender, waiter, oyster shucker, department store clerk, among others, in the Chicago-land area. He then moved into the health care field (in long-term care) where he had had his first job while in high school. He received his Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certificate in 2001, graduating valedictorian and was named Illinois CNA of the Year in 2009 by the Illinois Hospital Association.

He spent his last working years at Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center as a CNA in Effingham in senior health care, especially with Alzheimer patients. Their families always appreciated his attention and patience with their family members.

Mike was a devoted music fan, especially the Rolling Stones, travelling hundreds of miles to see them in concert around the Midwest and the South. There wasn’t a thing he couldn’t cook, or eat, and he was known for his home-made extravagant desserts. He was an avid gardener filling his yard with colorful exotic plants. He was a passionate dog owner throughout his life, especially Scottish Terriers, and dreamed of creating a shelter for abandoned pets. His family will miss his curiosity and his appetite for life.