Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home in Erie, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Iowa Raptor Project in Solon, Iowa.
Michael Eugene DeSpain was born March 11, 1960, in Rock Island, Illinois, to Robert E. and Joyce A. (Letterman) DeSpain. He graduated from Erie High School in 1978. Mike married Connie L. Swanson on October 3, 1992, in Morrison. He was known for his passion for cooking, having worked at the Dinner Bell restaurant and Morrison American Legion for several years. For the past 17 years, he was employed at Hyponex in Morrison.
Mike was a dedicated Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed fishing, reading, and daily Bible study. He had a green thumb, particularly enjoying growing succulents and cactuses. Mike found solace in watching eagles and cherished barbecuing, notably hosting the annual 4th of July Ribfest for over 100 friends and family.
He is survived by his wife, Connie Swanson-DeSpain, of Morrison; siblings, Marta (Doug) Rutledge of Erie, Robin DeSpain of Patriot, IN, David DeSpain of Erie, and Wendall DeSpain of Terre Haute, IN; father-in-law, Roland Swanson of Morrison; brother-in-law, Steve Swanson of Morrison; sister-in-law, Hope MacLennan of Clinton; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Winella “Wendy” DeSpain; brother in infancy, Robert Eugene DeSpain, Jr.; and mother-in-law, Anne Swanson.
