Michael R. Myers (69) of Altamont

Devoted husband and proud father, Michael (Mike) Ray Myers, 69, peacefully left his earthly home, surrounded by those he loved, on Sunday, March 31st, 2024 at 12:43 PM.

Even in his final days, spent at Barnes Jewish Hospital, his tenacity, strength, resourcefulness, and wittiness shined bright.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont with Rev. Dr. James F. Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at the church and for one hour prior to service time. Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Born the eldest child of eleven to Roy and Virginia (Vogel) Myers on July 17th, 1954, Mike spent his lifetime in Altamont, Illinois, where he lived his dream of farming and raising a family. Over the past several months, Mike gave his family the gift of time to learn how to live without him at home. His children were able to use their unique talents and skills in support of their mother, all while learning more about Mike from him and his dearest family members. After graduating from Altamont High School in 1972, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Sue Stuckemeyer on August 16th, 1975. Together, this beautifully complementary union brought forth four children – Nichole (Michael) Suckow, Kristy (Michael) Johnson, Ann (Jordan) Nelson, and Mitchell (Shalyn Thompson) Myers. It took four tries, but Mike finally ended up with a boy, which he insisted they double check, given his streak of daughters. It was usually his way or no way, but this time, he let Mitch have the last words. His dedicated wife consistently stood by his side, spending every day with him at the hospital, and she served as a source of care and strength throughout their 48 years together. Carolyn’s nursing background proved very valuable as Mike managed to defy medical odds throughout his life (or should we say lives), even surprising doctors in his final days. Always an entrepreneur and busy, Mike worked at John Boos and went on to build a successful construction business, all while being an active dairy, beef, and hog farmer. He held many hobbies throughout his life, including raising quarter horses, tractor pulling, auctioneering, and teaching younger generations to show animals. Blessed with the “gift of gab” and always wearing his headset, he never knew a stranger and was eager to brag about his favorite child or grandchild – ALL of them. In addition to his wife and children and their spouses, Mike leaves behind 12 grandchildren – Jarrett Thompson, Claire Boehm, Katrina Thompson, Hunter Myers, Sawyer Johnson, Grady Myers, Grant Suckow, Carter Boehm, Hadley Johnson, Blaire Suckow, Cruz Nelson, and Camille Myers.

He was preceded his death by both of his parents, his mother and father-in-law, and his sister.

Mike lived life to the fullest and provided his children, grandchildren, and others a wonderful example of pursing one’s passions, being eager to learn and teach, never giving up, and having fun along the way. In lieu of flowers and to honor his legacy, the family and Mike request donations to the ACHS Trap & Skeet Team or Effingham County 4-H. Please raise a glass of Diet Coke and eat chocolate stars in his memory! Online condolences may be expressed by clicking here.