Mr. Michael E. Thode

Michael Eldon Thode, age 84, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri, with his devoted daughters, Lisa and DeAnn, by his side.

Mike was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Whether he was talking with a neighbor, helping a friend from church, or striking up a conversation with someone he had just met, he had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed and valued. He genuinely cared about others and was always looking for ways to lend a helping hand. An eternal optimist, Mike approached life with gratitude, kindness, and always a warm smile.

Born to Eldon and Marion Thode, Mike spent his childhood in Davenport, Iowa, and Tacoma, Washington. He developed a love of music at an early age, playing the violin and later becoming an enthusiastic singer. Music remained one of the great joys of his life, especially classical music, church choir, and singing with the Galesburg Community Chorus.

In his youth, Mike was active in Boy Scouts, developing the character, leadership, and spirit of service that would guide him throughout his life. He was never afraid of hard work. As an adult returning to college, he supported his family and education by doing whatever jobs were available, including picking potatoes, hanging billboards, and cleaning laundromats in family student housing. His determination and perseverance led him to graduate from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington, in 1981 with a degree in Business Administration. While living in Washington, he experienced the eruption of Mount St. Helens, an event he often remembered and shared with others.

Mike built a successful career as a computer analyst with National General Insurance in St. Louis. After retirement, he and his beloved wife, Dorothy, relocated to Galesburg, Illinois, to be closer to Dorothy's sister, her childhood friends, and a community they grew to love.

Faith was an important part of Mike's life. In Galesburg, he became an active member of Covenant Church. He found joy in sharing his talents and building friendships through music and service to his church family.

Mike enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved mowing the lawn, golfing, riding his bicycle, taking long walks, grilling bratwurst, playing cards with family and friends, and the St. Louis Cardinals. His love for a cold Diet Pepsi was strong (along with chocolate and pecan pie!), and was known for carrying the same lunch to work every day—a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. His favorite meal was a blue cheeseburger with fries and, of course, a Diet Pepsi. Vegetables, however, never quite won him over.

Above all, Mike was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband who cared for Dorothy with unwavering devotion throughout their marriage. He was deeply proud of his daughters and grandchildren and delighted in their accomplishments and adventures.
Some of Lisa and DeAnn's fondest memories are of their father reading the Little House on the Prairie books and Hardy Boys stories, building elaborate card houses, playing cards together, and taking family road trips across the American West (plus one extra special family trip to Denmark and Germany in 1990). The journeys to Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota became treasured family memories that reflected Mike's love of exploration, togetherness, and adventure.

Mike believed in treating all people with dignity and kindness. He was a strong supporter of the LGBT community and admired leaders who championed compassion, service, and inclusion. He especially admired Presidents Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama for those qualities.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Lisa Santa Cruz and her husband, Ignacio Santa Cruz, and their sons, Nachi and Diego; and DeAnn Pomatto and her husband, Mike Pomatto, and their daughters, Nicole and Ella. He is also survived by his sisters, Joann Kidwell and Pam Koehler; his beloved Thode cousins; and many extended family members, friends, and neighbors whose lives were enriched by knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Thode, and his parents, Eldon and Marion Thode.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pathways Hospice in St. Louis for the extraordinary care, compassion, and support they provided to Mike and his daughters during his final weeks.

Mike's legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he shared, the music he loved, the family he cherished, and the many lives he touched through his generosity, optimism, and unwavering belief in the goodness of others.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Oneida Cemetery. Rev. Stephen Wysong will officiate. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is honored to serve the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Epilepsy Foundation for donations. 

https://www.epilepsy.com/   Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com

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