Michael Ernest Stolz

Born December 29, 1948 in Lincoln to Ernest and Regina (Gleason) Stolz, he married Kathy Jane Schutz on July 14, 1985 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Michael Stolz of Peoria, Melissa Thompson of Marquette Heights, Matthew (Kate) Stolz of Towanda and Kellie (Tim) Bieneman of Pekin; six grandchildren, Sean Stolz, Chester Thompson, Stevie Thompson, Madison Stolz, Zachary Stolz and Gabriel Bieneman; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim Stolz of Groveland and his two beloved dogs, Connery and Havi.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Richard Stolz.

Mike worked in the foundry at Caterpillar, Inc. in Mapleton for 31 years, retiring in 1998. He was a proud member of the UAW Local 974 until his retirement.

He later worked as an assistant superintendent at the Pekin Country Club Golf Course for nine and a half years. Mike, and his wife Kathy, also lived in Arizona for ten years during which Mike worked as a groundskeeper for nine years at the Spring Training Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona, retiring in 2020.

An avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, he loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed snow skiing, golfing and traveling. He was passionate about music and loved going to concerts.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Pekin Moose Lodge 916,2605 Broadway St, Pekin, Illinois 61554. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grafelman Farms Rescue, 5317 West Farmington Road, Peoria, Illinois 61604 or to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, 8630 IL-91, Peoria, Illinois 61615.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com