The Prophetstown Echo – November 1, 2005

Michael Plotner

            Michael Ray Plotner, age 59, of 26510 Hurd Road, Deer Grove, IL, was called to the Lord suddenly, Monday, October 24, 2005 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.

            Mike was born November 3, 1945 in Toulon, IL, the son of Leslie M. and Elsie Darlene (King) Plotner.  He was united in marriage to Barbara Spencer on November 3, 1989 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling.  She preceded him in death on April 4, 2000.  He served in the US army in Korea during the Vietnam War.  He farmed on the family L & M Stock Farm in Deer Grove, IL, during his lifetime.  He was educated in the Tampico Schools and attended the Moline Institute of Commerce.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, the Whiteside County Fair Board, Whiteside County Beef Superintendent, Hahnaman Township Drainage Committee, and Deer Valley Country Club member.  He was also a member of the American Legion Post #902 in Rock Falls and the Masonic Lodge #293.  He was an avid bowler, being involved from Young American Bowling Association thru the State Bowling Association, where he served as president for several years, was a member of the Sterling Rock Falls Bowling Hall of Fame and the 6^th District Bowling Association.  He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, and classic cars.

            He is survived by two sons, Camren Plotner at home, Brent (Elizabeth) Fischbach of Morrison, IL; two daughters, Angie (Daehle) Reitzel of Rock Falls, IL, Amy (Trent) Burtlow of Rock Falls, IL; five grandchildren, Alex, Micah, Ethan, Destiney, Grace, his fiance’ Nita Ellingson of Sterling, IL, several aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barb and two brothers in infancy.

            Funeral services were conducted October 28 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial was in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling with graveside military rites by the American Legion Post #902 in Rock Falls.  Visitation was held October 27 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls.  Masonic rites were accorded by the Prophetstown Masonic Lodge #293 AF & AM.

            A memorial has been established in his memory to the Young American Bowling Association.  Arrangements were completed by the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut.