Published on September 29, 2025 4:19 pm
Last Updated on September 29, 2025 4:19 pm
Michael “Mike” Linus Hartke, 74, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Mike was born on February 28, 1951, to Alphonse and Sophia (Hank) Hartke. He graduated from Teutopolis High School and Lake Land College. On September 12, 1970, he married the love of his life, Eileen (Althoff), and together they built a beautiful family and shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. Eileen lovingly knew him as her “Tall, Dark and Handsome” husband. Mike was a devoted father to three children: Kirk (Emily) Hartke, Deana (Greg) Nuxoll, and Carl (Erin) Hartke. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to nine grandchildren: Megan (Nick) Bierman, Kyle (Katelyn Lybarger) Hartke, Jack (Bridget) Nuxoll, John Hartke, Grant Nuxoll, Kate Hartke, Addison Nuxoll, Amelia Hartke, and Andrew Hartke. He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to Henry Bierman. A man of remarkable work ethic, Mike dedicated 27 years of his life to grain farming and was a member of the American Soybean Association and Young Farmers organization through Farm Bureau. After retiring from agriculture, he proudly returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminology from Indiana State University, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. He then worked for 10 years as a probation officer. When time allowed, he also drove tour buses, which he truly enjoyed as it allowed him to meet people and see new sights, until health reasons required him to step back. Mike’s children and grandchildren’s activities were his entire life. He was their biggest supporter and never missed an opportunity to cheer them on at basketball, softball, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and bowling events. A die-hard St. Anthony Bulldogs fan and devoted parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Mike was also a Cubs fan but would faithfully watch the Cardinals to make his beloved wife Eileen happy, a testament to his devotion to her. An avid bowler himself, Mike carried on the tradition from his father, Alphonse, who was also a great bowler, and found great joy in watching his son and grandsons continue the family bowling tradition. Mike loved his “trike” motorcycle and he and Eileen made several memorable vacations exploring the country together.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Sophia Hartke; his siblings Elvira Verdeyen, Mary Lou Vahling, Gerald “Jerry” Hartke, Francis “Frank” Hartke, and Charles “Chuck” Hartke; brothers-in-law Roy Wakefield, John Verdeyen, Arlen Clayton, and Don Apke; his in-laws Carl and Mary Ann (Schmidt) Althoff; sisters-in-law Jane Althoff and Barbara “Barb” Fuesting and her husband, Andrew “Andy” Fuesting.
Mike’s legacy lives on through his incredible work ethic and his unwavering dedication to family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his love, strength, and the example he set for all who knew him.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham. A private burial service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham, IL. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial donations may be made to the St. Anthony Booster Club or Catholic Charities. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.